Question

Kim statement to the U.S.
House
Committee"
by Daniel Dae Kim
I was speaking to a pollster during the recent elections and I asked him why, when I see polling results do I see a breakdown of results by gender - men and women, by age - old and young, and also by race - African American and Latinx, but rarely do I see a polling category for Asian Americans. After I asked why, he looked me dead in the eye and said "Because Asian Americans are considered 'statistically insignificant.'"
Use the passage to answer the question.
In 3-5 sentences, evaluate the author's use of rhetoric in the passage. Identify specific examples and explain how well they contribute to the power or persuasiveness of the text.

Answer 1

In this passage, Daniel Dae Kim employs a personal anecdote to illustrate the marginalization of Asian Americans in political discourse, enhancing his rhetorical appeal. The phrase "statistically insignificant" is particularly powerful, as it starkly underscores the dismissive attitude towards Asian American voices in polling data, evoking a sense of injustice and urgency. By citing a direct interaction with a pollster, Kim establishes credibility and evokes empathy from the audience, encouraging them to recognize the need for inclusion. Additionally, the contrast between the breakdown of other demographic categories and the absence of Asian Americans highlights the systemic oversight, effectively reinforcing his argument about the importance of representation in politics. Overall, these rhetorical strategies work together to create a compelling narrative that advocates for greater recognition of Asian American perspectives.