Questions on Chapter 5 of the New Jim Crow

AP English Language & Composition Questions on Chapter 5 of The New Jim Crow

1. In your words, explain what Alexander says is the reason for our collective denial about the existence of race-based mass incarceration. (end of 1st paragraph on p. 183) 2. According to Alexander, what are the different stages of the system used to oppress African Americans? (185-6) 3. Describe the 2 rhetorical “moves” going on in the first full paragraph on p. 187. 4. As succinctly as you can, state what Alexander argues is different about the current system of criminal justice from those that existed in the past. (188) 5. What does it mean to be black? (197) 6. Paraphrase Alexander’s rebuttal to the counterargument she presents on p. 197. 7. What is it about the phrase “white criminal” that makes it a useless one for Alexander’s purposes? (198) 8. In your own words, explain how the stigma of race has become the stigma of criminality. (199) 9. Read the subheading on p. 200 and predict what rhetorical purpose Alexander aims to accomplish in this section of the chapter. 10. Briefly describe what Alexander is doing rhetorically in the first full paragraph on p. 202. 11. Why is Alexander worried about taking the Jim Crow/Mass Incarceration analogy too far? (203) 12. Find two examples of anaphora on p. 205. 13. Freebie. Comment on how Alexander attempts to shape the interpretation of the data she presents on p. 206. (By describing the “fraction of the number of alcohol-related deaths that occur every year … due to AIDS, drug overdose, or the violence associated with the illegal drug trade” as ‘small’ (even though they constitute 21% of the total number of alcohol-related deaths), she is trying to make sure the reader interprets this figure in a way that supports her argument.) 14. What does Alexander see as an opportunity that can be taken advantage of to end mass incarceration based on drug use? (208) 15. In terms of a rhetorical pattern(s), briefly describe Alexander’s purpose in the two full paragraphs on p. 208 and the third that ends on page 209. 16. Find an example of anaphora on p. 209. 17. In your own words, explain the division within the black community over how best to deal with the problem of mass incarceration? (210-13) 18. In your own words, what is the criticism Alexander makes of black elites? (213-4) 19. In your own words, explain what “moral uplift ideology” is. (214) 20. What might Alexander’s motive be in using informal diction, such as the words “screwing up” on p. 216? 21. What sort of appeal would you say Alexander is making on p. 216? 22. Find an example of alliteration on p. 217 and one of anaphora on pp 217-18. 23. In your own words, why are concerns within the black community about genocide directed against African Americans justified in Alexander’s opinion? (219) 24. Freebie.What does Alexander do to end this chapter with a bang? (220) (She attempts to lay a guilt trip on the reader.)