In Marcus Garvey: Leader of a Revolutionary Global Movement.

The rhetoric Garvey is using. What is his argument?

Next: Define – exigence, audience, and constraints.

After that, identify – exigence, audience, and constraints of Garvey's argument.

Lastly: What are your thoughts on Garvey's ideas of Black pride? How does the idea of Pan-Africanism enhance, define, or complicate your idea of Blackness?

1 answer

In "Marcus Garvey: Leader of a Revolutionary Global Movement," the main argument that Garvey is making can be summarized as the need for black unity, empowerment, and pride. He emphasizes the importance of African people embracing their heritage, culture, and worth, and emphasizes the significance of economic independence, self-reliance, and political empowerment within the black community.

Now, let's define some key terms related to rhetorical analysis:

- Exigence refers to the urgency or need that drives someone to communicate their message. In Garvey's case, the exigence is the historical context of racial discrimination, colonialism, and oppression faced by black people globally. He saw the urgent need for black people to assert their rights, dignity, and agency.

- Audience refers to the intended recipients or listeners of the message. Garvey's audience primarily consisted of black people globally, particularly those of African descent. He sought to inspire, mobilize, and empower them to take action and unite for the betterment of their communities and race.

- Constraints are the limitations or conditions that affect the composition and delivery of the message. In Garvey's case, his constraints included obstacles such as racial prejudice, limited resources, and political opposition. Despite these challenges, Garvey aimed to overcome them and galvanize his audience by advocating for self-reliance and solidarity.

In terms of Garvey's argument, the exigence can be seen as the historical mistreatment and marginalization of black people globally. The audience is black people, specifically those of African descent, who Garvey seeks to mobilize and empower. The constraints include racial discrimination, limited resources, and political opposition fighting against his movement.

Regarding my thoughts on Garvey's ideas of Black pride, I believe it is crucial for marginalized communities to embrace and celebrate their heritage, culture, and worth. Black pride helps counteract the harmful effects of racism, providing a sense of empowerment and resilience. As for Pan-Africanism, it enhances my understanding of Blackness by emphasizing the interconnectedness of black people globally and the need for collective action against systems of oppression. It challenges the idea that Blackness is limited to a specific geographic region and highlights the common struggle for liberation. However, it also complicates the idea of Blackness by encompassing various ethnic, cultural, and ideological differences within the broader concept.