The Logic of Stupid Poor People by Tressie Mcmillan Cottom and Impulsive Judgments

In Tressie McMillan Cottom's essay, "The Logic of Stupid Poor People," she skillfully employs personal experiences and observed patterns to challenge the flawed practice of judging and generalizing a population's logic based on unfamiliar experiences. Specifically, Cottom argues that the logic of poor people is deeply rooted in their daily struggle to navigate the scrutinizing gaze of white bureaucracy, driven by the primal instinct for survival. She urges readers to reevaluate their worldviews by sharing her own reality, presenting thought-provoking questions, and underlining the absence of statistical evidence in her argument.

Analysis of "The Logic of Stupid Poor People"

Cottom's persuasive tone, marked by its matter-of-factness, highlights the absurdity of attempting to convince individuals that doing whatever it takes to survive is illogical. She boldly asserts that "nothing is more logical than trying to survive" (1012), framing her family history as a survival story — a universal human instinct that resonates with all. By portraying the "classic black American migration family" as relatable and commonplace, Cottom strengthens her critique's credibility. Moreover, she emphasizes that her conclusions are drawn from keen observations of prejudice in action, stating, "I learned, watching my mother..." (1012). This approach bolsters her argument by underscoring that her authority is rooted in her lived experiences and upbringing by black women who intimately understand the system. Cottom intentionally avoids relying on statistical evidence or appeals to logos to convey her message effectively.

Cottom masterfully poses questions that encourage self-reflection and exploration of one's relationship with survival. These questions, however, derive their authority from Cottom's own lived experiences. For instance, she inquires, "What is the retail value of a school principal..." (1013), using the phrase "retail value" to challenge the notion of assessing an individual's worth based on material possessions or physical appearances. Cottom prompts readers to confront the existence of a legacy of slavery that influences how black people are expected to present themselves. Through this, she seeks to emphasize that the worldview of poor people is shaped by a fundamental human drive: survival. Cottom employs the concept of survival to evoke understanding and empathy among her audience.

Returning to the discussion of opportunities available to poor people, particularly through discrimination based on appearances, Cottom contends that material items acquired by low-income individuals are investments with "hard-to-measure dividends" (1013). These assertions aid Cottom in elucidating that understanding the impact of these material possessions on livelihoods is beyond the grasp of those who have not experienced poverty. She goes on to claim that she is "living proof of its investment yield" (1013). By using her own identity as a black woman, Cottom strengthens her authority in conveying the genuine logic of poor people. Furthermore, she asserts that "there is no evidence of access denied" (1013), emphasizing that there is no specific data available to support her claims. Cottom's statement compels readers to cease making assumptions about the experiences of the poor. She even employs a rhetorical device — mockery of the "not poor" — to elicit guilt and broaden her audience's worldview, challenging them with the assertion, "You have no idea what you would do if you were poor until you are poor" (1015). Cottom uses this sense of guilt to immerse the audience in the harsh reality of the logic of poor people.

Conclusion

By harnessing her keen awareness of the patterns that ensnare poor black individuals within the bureaucratic capitalist society's gaze, Cottom argues persuasively that it is unreasonable to convince a community that their survival strategy is flawed when one has no firsthand understanding of their struggles. "The Logic of Stupid Poor People" prompts readers to contemplate the injustice of assuming one comprehends the logic of a community they truly know little about. Through this strategic approach, Cottom crafts an argument that demands empathy and an expanded awareness of different worldviews, all in defense of the logic of survival.

References

1. Cottom, T. M. (2013). The Logic of Stupid Poor People. In The New Inquiry. Retrieved from https://thenewinquiry.com/the-logic-of-stupid-poor-people/
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