The Appeals of The Logic of Stupid Poor People

The Appeals of “The Logic of Stupid Poor People” There are many opinions on whether someone who is poor should purchase items to increase his or her social status. There is a belief that poor people should not purchase such items. However, writer, Tressie McMillian Cottom shares her opinion in her article, “The Logic of Stupid Poor People,” where she argues the importance of having items that represent status. Throughout her article, Cottom appeals to logical, emotional, and ethical stances in many ways, each of which continues to strengthen her argument. In her article, Cottom claims that owning certain items can influence your social status. She states that owning items of status is an advantage, in many aspects, for someone who is poor. She explains that one of the reasons poor people buy certain items is because they want to fit-in. Cottom expounds on what it means for a poor person to fit-in. She also explains the difference in being presentable and acceptable for a poor person. In her article, Cottom includes personal examples of how having an acceptable appearance has benefited her. She concludes her article by making a bold statement referring to the fact a person would not know what they would do if he or she was poor, unless they were poor. In her article Cottom first appeals to logic when she talks about how people view some survival skills differently. She says, “One thing that I’ve learned is that one person’s illogical belief is another person’s survival skill. And there is nothing more logical than trying to survive” (Cottom 1012). In this statement, Cottom is combining personal experience and opinion. She does this in a way that strengthens her argument regarding poor people. Her statement is very matter-of-fact and that also strengthens her argument. Her argument is strengthened because it argues that even though some people might disagree with what someone else does to survive, that means of survival is logical. This might not always be the case, but if one takes into consideration Cottom’s argument it is clear why poor people make some of the decisions they do. For a poor person buying an expensive item seems like a strategic survival choice. In their minds it will give them a better chance for survival. This is something that Cottom shows throughout her article. Throughout her article, Cottom appeals to logic in many ways, one of which is using a historical analogy. She uses the historical analogy of the “aging white hippie” (Cottom 1014) and the “aging Black Panther” (Cottom 1014) to expound on why it is a privilege to be able to dress presentable. By using this analogy, Cottom explains the difference between a white and colored male. She states that while the white male can move forward, regardless of his past, the colored male cannot. By using this historical analogy, Cottom provides more context on why being presentable is not enough for some depending on their ethnicity and background. This is a very powerful appeal to logic because it provides evidence from the past which compare to certain conditions happening in the present. Another way Cottom appeals to logic is by including a statement revolving around evidence. In her article, Cottom says, “There is empirical evidence that women and people of color are judged by appearances differently and more harshly than are white men” (Cottom 1014). By referring to this evidence, Cottom strengthens her argument about the importance of status symbols. Her argument is strengthened because by including this statement she reminds the reader of the added difficulties for anyone who is not a white male. By stating this evidence Cottom can effectively appeal to the logic of her reader. Frequently, Cottom appeals to the emotions of the reader by including stories. One of these stories is about an older woman, who had been turned down by “the social service agency” (Cottom 1012). She continues by explaining “the [older] woman had been denied benefits to care for the granddaughter she was raising” (Cottom 1012), and later received those benefits after Cottom’s mother helped her. By including this story, Cottom creates an emotional reaction by informing her reader what the older woman was not given. This story also strengthens Cottom’s argument because it informs the reader that there are times when someone is denied a service. Then that person receives the service because another person, who appeared “worthy of engaging” (Cottom 1012) to the “gatekeepers” (Cottom 1012), helped them. Emotional stories can be very effective in strengthening an argument, when used correctly. Cottom again appeals to the emotions when she asks rhetorical questions. In her article, Cottom asks, “What is the retail value of a school principal who defers a bit more to your child because of your mother’s presentation?” (Cottom 1013). This rhetorical question is very effective in appealing to the emotions because it prompts the reader to think about his/her kid(s). This question causes the reader to consider the true impact someone’s appearance can have on their kid(s). It influences the reader’s emotions by the way the question was phrased. The way it is phrased appeals emotionally because indirectly refers to a situation that the reader’s child could go through. Referring to someone’s child is effective because most parents want the best for their children. Another way Cottom appeals to the emotions of the reader is when she explains why poor people purchase items of status. She starts with the question, “Why do poor people make stupid, illogical decisions to buy status symbols?” (Cottom 1013). Cottom then states that poor people purchase these items because “[they] want to belong” (Cottom 1013). This statement influences the emotions by providing the reader with something to relate to. The reader can relate to this statement because most people “want to belong” (Cottom 1013). By appealing to the emotions this way, Cottom strengthens her argument by allowing the reader to see more behind why a person who is poor might buy an item to increase their status. Cottom appeals to ethics by showing the reader one of the morals of Cottom’s family. A final way that Cottom appeals to emotions is when she talks about how different people are treated differently. Cottom states that “[t]here is empirical evidence that women and people of color are judged by appearances differently and more harshly than are white men” (Cottom 1014). This statement truly strengthens Cottom’s argument in many ways. However, the biggest way is that it appeals to the emotions by stating evidence about how people are treated differently. The statement appeals to the emotions because no one wants to be treated differently for any reason. By using this statement, Cottom appeals to the emotions of the reader by reminding them that there are ways that people are treated differently. This statement also explains a reason for why some poor people want to buy items of status. They want to do this because it allows them to alleviate some of the harsh criticisms by just owning the right items, or by wearing certain articles of clothing. Cottom informs the reader that “[she] grew up watching [her] great-grandmother, and later [her] grandmother and mother, use [their] minimal resources to help other people make ends meet” (Cottom 1012). This appeals to ethics because it shows that even though someone might not have much, they can still help others. Helping others when able is a moral belief some people have. By mentioning that some members of her family hold the same belief, Cottom strengthens her argument. Her argument is strengthened because she is allowing the audience to have a way to relate to the article. By providing a way to relate the reader then becomes more intrigued to find out how Cottom’s family helped others, even if the family did not have much. Again, Cottom appeals to ethics when she talks about the thoughts behind the judgements towards those who are poor and choose to buy expensive items. She states that “[a]t the heart of these incredulous statements about the poor decisions poor people make is a belief that we would never be like them. We would know better” (Cottom 1015). Those who are not poor believe that they can judge those who are poor. These people think that because someone is poor that means they should only save their money, regardless of the advantages that come with having items that resemble status. This is an effective way to appeal to ethics because of the morals behind the statements made regarding the “poor decision poor people make” (Cottom 1015). Those morals are what directly influence someone’s decision to judge the decisions made by another person. Throughout her article, Cottom found ways to influence the reader in logical, emotional, and ethical stances. By appealing to different aspects, Cottom strengthens her argument. The appeal towards logic, emotion, and ethic was used in several different ways, and each was effective in its own way. Cottom appeals to logic by using both analogy and evidence. She appealed to emotion by recalling stories and asking certain questions. Cottom also appeals to ethic by referring to different morals behind something. Through the different ways Cottom appeals to these stances, the reader can view the decision of poor people, to buy items to resemble status, in a different perspective. By having a different perspective, the reader can change their opinion on it as well.