Community Ap lang quiz

Why does Gladwell begin with the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in?

in vivid detail to establish a historical foundation for his argument. By emphasizing the strong personal connections, commitment, and risks involved, he sets up a contrast with modern social media activism. His storytelling engages the reader and underscores how traditional activism relied on "strong ties"—deep, personal relationships that foster commitment and sacrifice.

What does Gladwell mean by "Where activists were once defined by their causes, they are now defined by their tools"? Do you agree?

be about deep personal investment in a cause, whereas today, people often define activism by their use of platforms like Twitter and Facebook. He suggests that social media has shifted focus from deep engagement to surface-level participation. Whether one agrees depends on whether they see online activism as a useful mobilization tool or as a weak substitute for real action.

What is Gladwell’s key point in paragraph 9 about innovators and activism?

, by nature, tend to be self-centered or "solipsistic," focusing on their own creations rather than broader social movements. He contrasts this with real activism, which requires collective sacrifice. His assertion that "we seem to have forgotten what activism is" critiques the idea that digital convenience can replace the discipline and structure of traditional activism.

How does Gladwell define "high-risk activism," and why doesn’t social media qualify?

as requiring strong personal ties, commitment, and a willingness to endure personal consequences (e.g., arrest, violence). He argues that social media-based activism lacks these elements because it is built on "weak ties"—casual connections that don’t demand real personal risk. Social media, he claims, facilitates low-effort activism (like sharing a post) rather than real-world sacrifice.

What is the purpose of the Sameer Bhatia example? Is it persuasive?

media campaign for a bone marrow donor to illustrate the power of social networking in spreading information and organizing large groups quickly. However, he contrasts this with activism, arguing that social media is great for efficiency but lacks the depth and risk-taking required for meaningful social change. Whether this example is persuasive depends on whether one sees activism as primarily about mobilization or about deep commitment.

What is the distinction between increasing motivation and increasing participation?

Gladwell argues that social media increases participation (many people can easily join a cause) but does not increase motivation (deep commitment to risk something for a cause). This distinction is crucial to his argument because he believes real activism requires high levels of motivation, which social media does not cultivate

How does Gladwell use expert testimony to support his argument and examine counterarguments?

One example is his reference to sociologist Mark Granovetter, who coined the concept of "weak ties" to explain why social media activism is less effective. Gladwell uses this to support his claim that real movements rely on strong personal connections.

Another example is his discussion of State Department officials who believed that Twitter and Facebook played a key role in global protests. Here, Gladwell examines the counterargument that social media fosters real activism,

What are the central qualities of social activism, according to Gladwell?

Strong personal ties** (deep relationships that foster commitment)

- Hierarchy and organization (clear leadership and strategy)

- Discipline and sacrifice (willingness to face risks and endure hardship)

- Strategic thinking (careful planning and long-term action)

He contrasts these with social media activism, which he argues is decentralized, lacks hierarchy, and involves low-risk participation.

What positive impacts does Gladwell attribute to social media? Is "digital evangelism" a critical or apt term?

Gladwell acknowledges that social media is effective for spreading awareness, mobilizing people quickly, and making existing systems more efficient

Why does Gladwell repeatedly return to the civil rights movement?

By returning to the civil rights movement, Gladwell provides a strong, historical example of high-risk activism that required sacrifice and strategic organization. This strengthens his argument by giving it historical depth and coherence.

Compare the Woolworth’s sit-in and Evan & Ivanna story in rhetorical strategy.

The Woolworth’s sit-in** is detailed, vivid, and focuses on the emotions, risks, and determination of the activists. It uses sensory details and historical weight.

- The Evan & Ivanna story is lighthearted, fast-paced, and focuses on the efficiency of social media. It contrasts sharply with the sit-in, reinforcing Gladwell’s argument that social media is effective for small personal victories but lacks the depth needed for real activism.

How do Gladwell’s personal comments affect the essay’s tone?

Gladwell occasionally uses sarcasm and sharp remarks, such as his closing line, "Viva la revolución," which mocks the idea that social media has revolutionized activism. Other sarcastic moments include his discussion of people believing Twitter could "save the world." These comments add personality and voice, making the essay more engaging, but they might also alienate readers who strongly believe in social media’s power.

Challenge one of Gladwell’s assertions with a modern example of activism.

A counterargument to Gladwell’s claim that "The instruments of social media are well suited to making the existing social order more efficient. They are not a natural enemy of the status quo" (para. 32) could be the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

What are the benefits and liabilities of Goodman making herself a character in her own column?**

By making herself a character in the column, Goodman adds a personal and relatable touch to the discussion. Readers can easily follow her train of thought as she moves from a casual beach walk to a deeper reflection on family structures. This storytelling approach makes the essay more engaging and allows the reader to experience her realizations firsthand.

Is the ten-year-old a "fine researcher"? Why or why not?**

Yes, in a way, the ten-year-old acts as an informal researcher because she asks straightforward questions, gathers information, and observes patterns without preconceived notions. Goodman admires how the child naturally categorizes family relationships based on lived experience rather than rigid definitions

By letting the girl lead the discussion, Goodman makes her point feel organic rather than imposed. The child’s perspective emphasizes how flexible and evolving family structures have become, without needing an adult voice to state it outright.

How does Goodman use evidence? Would more facts and expert testimony have strengthened her argument?**

Goodman supports her argument with observations and real-life examples rather than an abundance of hard data. She provides insights into changing family structures but does not cite extensive statistics or expert opinions.More research and expert testimony from sociologists, psychologists, or census data could have added credibility and made her argument more persuasive to skeptical readers. However, too much data might have made the essay feel academic rather than personal, losing the warmth and relatability of her approach.

What is Goodman's attitude toward families defined "by decrees, rather than genes"?**

Goodman is accepting and even optimistic about the changing definition of family. She acknowledges that modern families are often blended, restructured, or chosen rather than biologically given.

What does Goodman mean by "Our reality is more flexible and our relationships more supportive than our language"?**

She means that while our social realities have evolved to include stepfamilies, single-parent households, and chosen families, our language still assumes traditional family structures. Terms like stepmother, half-brother, or legal guardian often imply a distance or separation that doesn’t always exist in real life.

What is the tone of the Goodmans essay?**

tone is a mix of reflective, tolerant, and optimistic. She is thoughtful in her discussion of family structures, acknowledging societal changes without judgment. She also seems empathetic toward families navigating these shifts.

Does Goodman's essay remain true today?**

Yes, and perhaps even more so today. Family structures have continued to diversify, with more blended families, single-parent households, same-sex parenting, and chosen families than in 1983. Adoption, surrogacy, and co-parenting arrangements have also expanded what it means to be a family.

How does Goodmans essay connect personal lives with public issues?**

Goodman encourages readers to see family as a social institution that evolves based on cultural and legal shifts. She links personal experiences—like a child casually redefining family—with broader societal changes, such as divorce rates, remarriage, and the legal recognition of different family forms.

What is the effect of the Mengestu opening paragraph and what do we know about the narrator?

The opening paragraph of Mengestu’s essay offers commentary before diving into the specifics of his personal story. This approach engages the reader immediately by establishing a sense of reflection and thematic depth, particularly around the idea of belonging and home. The narrator’s focus on these existential themes signals that his experiences will explore identity and displacement.

How does Mengestu’sthe form of the sentence in paragraph 2 reinforce its meaning?

The sentence is long and complex, with multiple clauses, creating a sense of a continuing journey—one that doesn't have clear or straightforward answers. The sentence structure mirrors the narrator's conflicted feelings of displacement. The repeated phrases like "no matter how far you travel" and "there is no place that you can always return to" reflect the permanence of loss and the perpetual search for belonging. This structure enhances the emotional weight of the narrator's isolation, making the reader feel the endlessness of his search.

How does isolation manifest itself in different people and settings?

Personal isolation is reflected in the narrator’s own identity struggles as an immigrant who doesn’t feel fully part of either his homeland or his new environment.

- Community isolation is seen in Kensington, Brooklyn, where the immigrant groups live in close proximity but remain detached from one another, with different groups experiencing their own isolation within the same physical space.

- Cultural isolation comes into play when people struggle to assimilate while also maintaining their cultural identities, which leads to feelings of being outsiders both in their original culture and in their new one.

What does Mengestu do to make his "first attempt at assimilation"?

In paragraph 5, Mengestu talks about his “first attempt at assimilation” by adopting a new identity—one where he sees himself as a “poor writer with inflated ambitions.” This self-identity allows him to embrace the role of an outsider—someone with aspirations but also an understanding of their own marginalized status. It’s a way of redefining himself within the American context, but it’s also an attempt to fit into a particular narrative of struggle and ambition that is often associated with American identity.

What does he mean by thinking of himself as "emblematic of a grander immigrant narrative"?

Mengestu sees himself as part of a larger, common immigrant story—one marked by hardship, resilience, and ambition. He begins to identify with the mythos of the immigrant experience—focusing on striving for something greater despite obstacles. This represents a broader, collective experience that many immigrants face, and by seeing himself as “emblematic,” he is aligning his personal story with a more universal, culturally familiar one.

What qualities of Kensington, Brooklyn, appeal to Mengestu?

Kensington appeals to Mengestu because it offers a microcosm of the immigrant experience—a place where people from various backgrounds come together, each with their own struggles, but united in the shared experience of living in a transitional space. He is drawn to the sense of anonymity that allows for individual reflection while still being part of a community. He interacts with his neighborhood as an observer—engaged but somewhat detached, trying to make sense of his own identity and belonging through the diverse lives around him.

How has Brooklyn served as "a second home" to different groups

Brooklyn has historically been a place of refuge for immigrant communities. As Mengestu notes, it has been a "second home" for many groups because it provides a space where newcomers can rebuild their lives while maintaining their cultural identities. Over time, it’s become a place where diversity thrives, and people from various backgrounds settle into the neighborhood and create tight-knit communities, despite still feeling somewhat disconnected from the larger society.

Who is Mengestu by the end of the essay—one of the identities described, a combination, or something else?

By the end of the essay, Mengestu is a combination of the different identities he has described—he is haunted by race and identity, a foreigner and tourist, and a quiet observer—but he is also coming to terms with the complexities of these roles. The phrase "**however foolishly**" suggests that he has come to understand that these identities are fluid and incomplete—he may feel isolated or disconnected, but this awareness gives him a sense of agency and insight into his own experience. It marks his self-awareness and a willingness to accept his multifaceted identity.

What is the role of walking in Mengestu essay?

Walking serves both as a literal and metaphorical tool in the essay.

On a literal level, Mengestu describes walking as a way of exploring his environment—**surveying the neighborhood**, observing the lives of others, and processing his own thoughts. Metaphorically, walking represents movement and progress in his journey of self-discovery. It symbolizes his attempt to navigate his identity and find a sense of belonging, moving through the world with a sense of detachment, yet always searching.

How does Mengestu define "community"?

For Mengestu, community is a place where people share experiences, but it does not require absolute belonging. It is defined by common ground in lived experiences—like immigration, displacement, and cultural adjustment—but it doesn’t necessarily mean a place where one feels completely at home. Community, for Mengestu, is about shared struggle and connection, even if those connections are marked by isolation and dislocation. He contrasts this with “home,” which for him suggests a more permanent and personal sense of belonging—something that may always be out of reach due to the transient nature of his immigrant experience.