Jasper Sablan - Position Paper Example (Gender Pay Gap) PDF

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An outline of the position paper example structures and implementing research-based evidence into the essay arguments...

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Position Paper Analyze the following source and complete the assignment that follows. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abHDtSz9Do Relevant Time Stamps: 6:00 - 7:30

Assignment To what extent should we embrace the perspective(s) reflected in the source? Write an essay in which you must: • analyze the source to demonstrate an understanding of the perspective(s) reflected in the source • establish and argue a position in response to the question under discussion • support your position and arguments by using evidence from your knowledge and understanding of social studies

Keep Your Essays Simple Analyze the source. Show you are knowledgeable about the material. Do you agree with it (yes, no). Explain why you agree or disagree.

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Pattern: Pro/Pro/Against ( counter argument?) 1. You Agree with the Source Position: Yes ฀ Society values mens work more ▪

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Position: Yes ฀ Unpaid work/ Child care/ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ 2. You Do Not Agree with the Source Position: No The Gender Pay gap is not real

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Social Studies 30-1 Writing Assignment II: Position Paper Template Total score: 75 marks Part A: Introduction - 2 Paragraphs (15 marks) First Introductory Paragraph – Start your analysis of the source by specifically identifying the perspective(s) presented in the source. This is a fairly lengthy paragraph as you are showing the reader how much content from the course that you can relate to the source. You are not arguing, just analyzing! As you deconstruct the source, underline all terms in the source you are going to discuss and define or explain each one comprehensively. Explain the concepts and elements in the source and be sure to explain how the source relates to this perspective. _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

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Second Introductory Paragraph – This is where you demonstrate you are aware there are multiple perspectives on the issue. This is a fairly short paragraph – remember, you are not arguing any position here either until you write your thesis statement. State each of the viewpoints, usually two but potentially more, and provide the strongest argument for each perspective. Close with your thesis – a good idea is to use the language of the question. Be sure to write a comprehensive thesis (this means you have identified your position and attached your three arguments) and avoid first person. It is critical that you specifically state to what extent we should embrace the perspective in the source. In your thesis try to avoid simply re-stating one of the previously mentioned perspectives – try to vary your language. This is a very complex issue. One perspective suggests _____________________________________________________________________________b ecause________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________. Others, however, believe _____________________________________________________________________________b ecause________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________. In evaluating this issue it’s clear we should embrace___________________________________________ ____________________because (argument 1) _______________________________________________, (argument 2)__________________________________________________, and (argument 3, sometimes)____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________.

Part B: Body – 2 or 3 Paragraphs of Argumentation (argumentation – 20 marks, evidence – 20 marks) It is very important to state your argument clearly in the first sentence of each body paragraph and link it to your thesis – this will ensure the topic sentence of each body paragraph is phrased as argumentation. Present as much case study evidence as possible in support of your argument – theoretical discussion, factual examples, historical evidence, and current events. Make sure the evidence in support of your argument is comprehensive – you cannot provide too much support. All evidence provided must be presented with the intention of proving the validity of your position. These are lengthy paragraphs as this is where the majority of your marks are earned. Don’t forget you are convincing the reader of your position, so you need to clearly state, on occasion, that the evidence presented in your paper is proof of why your position is the correct one (i.e. Further evidence in support of the position that authoritarianism is a rejection of liberal values is …). Keep your thesis in mind at all times – the reader should never lose sight of the position you are trying to prove. Close each body paragraph with a sentence that either re-states your argument or transitions to the next paragraph while re-stating your argument.

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Third Paragraph – Strongest Argument and Supporting Evidence First Argument: ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Supporting evidence: __________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Fourth Paragraph – Weakest Argument and Supporting Evidence Second Argument: ______________________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Supporting evidence: __________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________ Fifth Paragraph – Final Argument and Supporting Evidence (Sometimes)

5 Final Argument: ______________________________________________________________________________ _______ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ Supporting evidence: __________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Part C: Conclusion – 1 Paragraph This is a fairly brief paragraph but it is important to leave the reader with a strong impression of the strength of your position and the quality of your writing. Be sure to re-state your thesis, making sure it is tied to the nationalism perspective presented in the source (to what extent we should embrace…). You should sum up your key arguments, but do not introduce any new arguments or evidence. Close with a profound statement about the future as it relates to the issue presented in the source. This will leave the marker with a strong impression of your paper because you have shown you can make a connection between the concepts you have learned in the course and their application to the world we are currently living in. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Other marking criteria: Quality of communication (20 marks) – three elements: ● fluency and essay organization ● control of syntax, mechanics and grammar ● vocabulary including precise social studies terminology

6 The best way to ensure you have scored the highest possible score for quality of communication is to save some time at the end to proofread your paper. Remember, this is the last opportunity to make a good impression before the marker assigns a quality of communication grade – quickly proofing your paper is time well spent. If autocorrect is turned off, use your F7 key to assist you in proofing your paper. Racism in the 21st Century

The source is a video produced by Kaitlin Bennett, a social media influencer interviewing two college students from Rutgers University. In the video, she stands in favour of capitalism, actively questioning to what end does capitalism provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals? The debate takes a step forward however when she challenges the existence of racism in modern society. Initially, Kaitlin acknowledges how capitalism has been known to embrace economic inequality; she justifies its tendency to exploit individuals and produce uneven outcomes through the belief that competition is vital in an economic system. This standpoint is exemplified when her advice to homeless people is to merely “get a job” and that innately, “some people are inherently better” than others. Her adoption of capitalism is taken to another level when the students question how capitalism plays out in a racist society. Kaitlin explicitly disregards the underlying effects of racism, proclaiming that it doesn’t exist because she sees “different people of colour all around me every day”. By claiming this, Kaitlin fundamentally ignores the presence of systemic racism built into the DNA of America. It raises the question of to what extent is racism apparent in the 21st century? At its core, Kaitlin’s answers stray from the true definition of racism, which is essentially racial or ethnic prejudice or antagonization towards a marginalized group of people. Alternatively, the two students challenge her assertion, questioning why “13% of black people are disenfranchised”. They go on critiquing her claim, providing concrete examples of the discriminatory systems put in place. For instance,

7 mentioning “mass incarceration” was a direct reference to the inequities present within the criminal justice system. All in all, they stress how the root of racism is founded on the notion that people of colour are oppressed. Going deeper into the source’s purpose, the fact that Kaitlin is unaware of these systems put in place draws attention to her ignorance and lack of attention for other perspectives. To provide context, Kaitlin has used her platform to create content that takes a conservative and libertarian approach to societal issues and current events. She’s renowned for criticizing various social justice movements and for imposing her beliefs to gain publicity. Her ideologies align with the right side of the political spectrum of change and on the economic spectrum as well. The promotion of capitalism, for instance, creates similarities to Donald Trump, the current president of the United States. Throughout his time in office, Trump is known for his extremely nationalistic mindset and cult of personality. His track record is filled with an abundance of racial controversies and stereotyping similar to Kaitlin herself. Trump may not be overtly racist, however his racially insensitive behaviour and similar economic beliefs draw a comparison to Kaitlin’s perspective. The source as a whole compares and contrasts the two opposing perspectives to help us understand both sides. Moreover, it explores what mark capitalism leaves on society, and whether it’s accommodating of the common good. Beyond that, the central issue of this source deals with racism and whether or not the current economic and political system enables people of colour to thrive in the modern world. Although there is a full range of alternative viewpoints that stand on this issue, Kaitlin tackles it invalidating the existence of racism in society. The two college students are in direct opposition to this as they recognize the inequity and inequality that faces humanity. Taken altogether, the source gives insight into two polarizing perspectives on the brand of racism we encounter today, but

8 furthermore, it scratches the surface uncovering the hidden, oppressive struggles that face people of colour. The visibility of racism in the 21st century is not always obvious thus, the degree to which it is oppressive remains complex. The producer of the source Kaitlin Bennett, offers one perspective, arguing that society has stemmed away from racism due to the existence of black people living today. They would argue how history has evolved and progressed to the point where slavery and racial segregation amongst people of colour have subsided. On the other hand, individuals who delve deeper find that racism is subtle, covert and embedded into various aspects of everyday life and that it is deeply rooted in society. In conclusion, we reject Kaitlin’s perspective on the source and embrace the standpoint of the two students. By exploring how systematic racism is prevalent on a socioeconomic level, and in the criminal justice system, we can see how prejudice and discrimination against people of colour is an issue that has occurred and remains relevant today. For decades, racism has created stark disparities in financial well-being, education and employment amongst black and white households. Although not as obvious, structural racism operates due to the power imbalance in society; an abuse and containment of power by the dominant group against the minority. Historically, the U.S economy was founded on the exploitation and segregation of people of colour. Various governmental policies and institutionalized practices such as slavery, Jim Crow laws, etc. served as the foundation for inequality present today. Directly relating to employability, these marks of history concentrated workers of colour in undervalued occupations. Over time, this created disparities in wealth and also employment discrimination. People of colour were handed inequitable jobs, wages, benefits

9 but ultimately, it stripped them of various means of economic self-sufficiency. Employability barriers, fewer jobs, lower pay, taxes, increased job instability coupled with the fact that black families own one-fifth of the total wealth in the US is indicative of the systematic barriers people of colour face today. In regards to education, systemic racism begins at the dawn of one’s academic journey. Black children statistically make up nearly 50% of school suspensions and they are three times likely to be unfairly punished. What’s more, is how schools attended predominantly by people of colour are severely underfunded; the schools equipping them with less experienced teachers and resources. This drops the calibre of academic performance which in turn increases the rate of dropouts and reduces the odds of entering higher education. Education is a powerful means of improving economic mobility yet a study done by the National Center for Education examined that the combination of financial barriers and student debt leads to greater job instability and unemployment rates for African Americans. Even in positions where black families own graduate or professional degrees the racial wealth gap exists, research from Janelle Jones an economic policy analyst in 2017 shows how black families earn $200,000 less than their white counterparts. Despite identical resumes and shared skillsets, the powerful trend to be examined here is how the inequitable funding, stereotypes and over surveillance of students starts as soon as childhood. On a larger scale, according to one survey of consumer finances, households with a family head identifying as black earned $140,000 meanwhile the corresponding amount of white families was $901,000. An amount nearly 6.5 times greater. All the case studies presented show how society perpetuates the cycle of elitism and classism in America. Whether because the economic opportunities are limited, the fact remains that people of colour are prevented access to adequate resources, good public schools and postsecondary

10 education. This wide breadth of issues is suggesting that change needs to be enacted, societal actions demand reform such as progressive taxation or an increase in educational access. Theoretically, socioeconomic factors propel individuals to generate wealth and gain social capital, yet racism covertly denies people of colour access to these same opportunities. One of the most prominent examples of institutional and personalized racism in society is within the criminal justice system. While there is prejudice towards marginalized groups, the issue goes beyond the statistics and into the misleading stereotypes about minorities that lands them in trouble. Police brutality for example disproportionately targets members of marginalized groups. Unfair arrests and unjust prosecutions, trials and severe sentences on criminal charges can be instigated by merely race itself. In May 2020, massive protests and riots broke out, spreading like wildfire throughout the United States in response to police brutality. George Floyd was a man who suffocated, dying at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, his last words “I can’t breathe.” His alleged crime of using a $20.00 counterfeit bill sparked a revolution of mass media and public outrage against law enforcement’s prejudice towards people of colour. Demands for change and reform towards their draconian methods increased and so did the number of citizens challenging the status quo. This situation highlighted the police force’s unequal practices such as racial profiling; utilized to form the basis of suspicion and an arrest sometimes without any concrete evidence. Sadly, Floyd is only one among the masses to have been unjustly killed or stigmatized by the police. A study conducted by the National Academy of Science...