Question

Read the excerpt from "A Latina Judge’s Voice” by Sonia Sotomayor.

America has a deeply confused image of itself that is in perpetual tension. We are a nation that takes pride in our ethnic diversity, recognizing its importance in shaping our society and in adding richness to its existence. Yet, we simultaneously insist that we can and must function and live in a race and color-blind way that ignore these very differences that in other contexts we laud.

What is the purpose of the antithesis in this excerpt?

It establishes the author’s credibility.
It argues that people should disregard differences.
It provides a solution to a problem.
It reveals a contradiction in American culture.

Answer 1

It reveals a contradiction in American culture.

Explanation: The antithesis contrasts pride in ethnic diversity with insistence on race- and color-blindness, highlighting the tension and inconsistency in how America views and treats differences.