Giving People a Second Change: Article Critique - Essay Example

?Stacy Bragg Amira Akl Eng 112-052 12 June Giving People a Second Chance: Article Critique This paper is a critique of the article Giving People a Second Chance whose author is Ernest Martinez. It is a persuasive article whose purpose is to draw the Hispanic businessmen’s attention towards the intellectual Hispanic ex-cons so that the former may consider employing the latter which would be a mutually beneficial bond as the Hispanic businessmen would not only benefit from the skills and competencies of the Hispanic ex-cons but also take practical steps to promote unity among the Hispanic community while on the other hand, the Hispanic ex-cons would get a second chance to live a normal decent life. Martinez writes, “…when we hear of our many Hispanic brethren who are ex-convicts who need employment avenues for reentry into society, we close our eyes and ears to their cry for assistance. We blame society for their plight and thrust the burden of our people on the very government we condemn for lack of opportunity…” (Martinez 64). Martinez is right as the article generates a positive message in that it puts the talent of Hispanic ex-cons to use that is otherwise wasted, and also gives a direction to the Hispanic community to promote brotherhood and unity, though the Hispanic businessmen need to be a little careful and watchful of these employees because of their not-so-good record in the past. The strength of this article is its positive message, while its weaknesses include being limited to the Hispanic community, lack of objective evidence behind claims made in the article, reiteration of ideas, and lack of discussion and response to critics. This article is worthy firstly because it brings a topic to the limelight that we don’t think about very often, and secondly, Martinez’s approach as well as the message contained in the article is positive. The biggest strength of the article is that it appeals to the audience to think about the proposal since the message is positive. In this age, where the efforts of philosophers, scientists, and educationalists are focused upon identifying newer ways in which benefits can be drawn from things, this article holds immense value as it proposes turning criminals into gentlemen that can play a positive role in the society. This will not only reduce the load upon the government that is faced with the challenge of providing people with employment, but also serve as an incentive for other ex-convicts who have lost hope in life. The employed ex-convicts would serve as role models for other ex-convicts, and the overall effect would be positive. Another strength of the article is that Martinez’s conclusions logically follow the original premise. However, there is a fragile aspect of racism in this article. Although the author has taken a good step by encouraging the Hispanic businessmen to make use of the talents and competencies of the Hispanic ex-cons, yet what the audience may not like is that the author has proposed this only for the Hispanic ex-cons. This makes the audience suspicious about the talents and competencies of ex-cons belonging to other races and communities whereas everybody is equal and therefore, the message should be conveyed for the benefit of all. One weakness of this article is that Martinez has not backed his claims about the talent and competencies of the Hispanic ex-cons with objective evidence. The article would have been more convincing had Martinez included references from some researches upon the ex-cons in general and the Hispanic ex-cons in particular. Another weakness of the article is that at certain points, Martinez seems to be making the same point over and over again. For example, the main point Martinez has conveyed in the second paragraph is that many Hispanic ex-convicts are in prison because of committing petty crimes that we commonly do in everyday life. Then in the third paragraph, the main point is that Hispanic in-mates are common people like us…this is very much the same what has been said in the second paragraph. Secondly, Martinez has emphasized upon the talents and competencies of the Hispanic ex-cons throughout the article in general and in paragraph 5 and paragraph 7 in particular. In paragraph 5, he writes, “I am of the ardent belief that many prison in-mates are highly functional, tremendously skilled, fabulously talented, and often technically gifted” (Martinez 65). In paragraph 7, he writes, “Yes, many among the prison population are the very best of people, both in skill and desire. …They possess abilities, skills, and talents that range from refined artistic propensities, technical adeptness, and computer literacy, to management skills, professional polish, and interpersonal qualities” (Martinez 65). The article has body, but it would have been just as convincing if certain portions were eliminated. Another weakness of the article is that Martinez has not discussed possible critics’ views and opinions about the topic. He has emphasized upon the importance of human resources in the success of business, but there is no assessment of criticism or response to them whatsoever. I second Martinez in his thinking that Hispanic ex-cons should be given a second chance of living like respectable citizens, though I believe that this proposal should be extended to include all other communities including Asians, African Americans, Caucasian Americans, and others. Talent in people does not vary according to ethnic origin, but according to the difference of age and experience. Besides, while considering the employment of the ex-convicts, it is very important to identify the potential risks involved in this practice, as these people have a bad record in the past irrespective of reason. Martinez is looking at only one side of the ex-convicts by emphasizing upon their skills and competences. There is more to them that needs to be discussed while discussing such a sensitive topic. The matter is a little more complicated than has been shown by Martinez. Martinez does make broad sweeping generalizations about the competency and talent of the prison in-mates. Overall, the article identifies a topic that can be studied further for the benefit the Hispanic community and the society. Works Cited: Martinez, Ernest. “Giving People a Second Chance.” Hispanic. June 1996. Web. 13 June 2012. Read More