Sister Outsider Argumentative Essay

Difference, a point or way in which people or things are not the same, is evidently absent in society today. Adolescence is a key period in one’s life where reasoning skills, abstract thinking, and the ability to use “meta-cognition” are developed. Meta-cognition involves “being able to think about how one is perceived by others.” (Morgan, 26). It is no wonder why teens are consumed with the thought of their social class and what label one falls into. Whether one is a jock, prep, nerd, or queer, these labels often lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide. Audre Lorde’s collection of essays in “Sister Outsider,” argue for difference and explore race and sex issues such as the fear, guilt, and anger that may result from embodying an altered system of values. April 30, 2012, I sat in the desk of my high school classroom when the principal suddenly called over the intercom to come to his office. Nervous, I sat down before the intimidating chief as he settled in his chair and cleared his throat. He then informs me how my best friend, Katie, was not present at school that day due to her sister passing away the night prior. The room grew silent as hot tears welled in my eyes. Not only did I feel sorrow for Katie, but I had

Her diverse identity enables her to be more vulnerable for criticism. Lorde is aware she is a target for condemnation and is able to recognize prejudice acts. Her mindfulness gives her the ability to argue against the judgment she endures in her writings. She explains, “Difference must not be merely tolerated, but seen as a fund of necessary polarities between which out creativity can spark like a dialect. (Lorde, 199). Audre Lorde argues for difference because the absence of considering others fairly weakens any discussion of the “personal and the political illuminating all our choices.” (Lorde,