Sonia Sotomayor Argument Essay

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What defines the perfect dish? Trick question. Does “perfect” truly exist? By creating an oversimplified definition of a subject, individuals fail to consider the various nuances and thus substantiate how perfection is a mere fallacy. Even though it is our natural tendency to aim for perfection, what truly makes a dish remarkable is its balance and blend of diverse ingredients. Likewise, Sonia Sotomayor, a Latina judge of the U.S. Supreme Court, delivered a speech to the students attending the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 2001. She asserts that Latino identity is not intended to be narrowly defined. Instead, individuals should embrace their cultural background to help them reach greater heights. Sotomayor uses a myriad …show more content…

She asks, “Who am I?” in the first paragraph to not only introduce herself as a second-generation Puerto Rican immigrant but to also appeal to an audience uncertain of their identity. She then proceeds to challenge the recurring stereotypical characteristics surrounding Latinos in the fourth paragraph by emphasizing how cultural assumptions often impede an individual's ability to acknowledge their full potential. For instance, many individuals suppose that one’s authenticity and cultural identity are linked to their ability to speak their native language. Yet, cultures are also supposed to be inclusive. Cultures are also supposed to be welcoming. Cultures are also supposed to foster unity. We merely can not have an expectation of inclusivity, yet act exclusively towards those who allegedly do not meet the “language requirements.” Sotomayor demonstrates this concept in lines 46-47, as she mentions how her younger brother speaks Spanish “poorly” despite being Latino. Sotomayor contends that not knowing a language does not make him any less of a Latino than she is. Moreover, she challenges uniformity among cultures as she concedes to not knowing every aspect of her …show more content…

For instance, in lines 72-73, Sotomayor repeats the pronoun “we;” In lines 86-87, she repeats the word “wonderful.” By reiterating “we” throughout the speech, she creates a collective tone emphasizing unity. In doing so, Sotomayor strives to create a consensus when defining a collective issue of the hypocrisy surrounding American culture. As shown in the sixth paragraph, despite the U.S. being a “melting pot” of diverse cultures, there is still a persistent tension between supporting ethnic diversity and striving to maintain a homogenous nation. Hence, as the pronoun “we” is repeatedly used, Sotomayor addresses a recurring issue numerous immigrants encounter, not limited to Latinos, in connecting with the ethnically diverse students of the law school. Likewise, Sotomayor employs an impactful parallel structure by deliberately utilizing “wonderful” multiple times in the sixth paragraph to emphasize her final remarks about the significance of being Latina in her eyes. As she assertively proclaims her pride in her Latina culture, Sotomayor aims to inspire other students to cherish their origins as a treasure and a gateway to further exploring their identity with

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