In the article, “Free Minds and Hearts at Work,” Jackie Robinson uses his own personal experience to inspire and motivate others to participate in the fight for civil rights and the equality for all. By using certain words and by arranging his article in a certain way, Robinson appeals to the emotions of his readers and most effectively persuades them to stand up for these rights. His use of the logos and pathos allows us to become inspired and driven to do our part in furthering this dream.
By using textual analysis one may observe that Robinson uses dispostio to help further his argument. He first begins by telling his story of overcoming the obstacles in his life to inspire and give hope to those who may feel that the fight is a never winning battle. This not only draws the reader in, but also establishes Robinson’s credentials by showing that he has experience in overcoming inequality. Interestingly enough, Robinson also finishes his article with his story as well to again, instill in his readers that there is hope. It is as if he wants to end on an encouraging note and leave the reader feeling inspired.
In the beginning of his article, Robinson uses certain phrases and words to establish the point of acceptance among Americans. For example, he states that major league baseball is “organized,” which implies that his presence in America’s favorite past-time is not an accident, but rather on purpose and designed. Americans have, in a way, “chosen” him to be there. He also talks about “standing here with all the others,” and how the National Anthem was “being played for me, as much as for anyone else.” These phrases let the readers know that at this point in his life, Jackie Robinson felt as though he was an equal among the rest of Americans. His word choice stirs up the emotions of his fellow black readers because, at this point in time, they too wanted to be accepted by others for who they were, not by the color of their skin.
Another way that Robinson uses dispostio to help make his point is by using a form of progression throughout his article. He begins his story by stating that he was the first black player in Major League Baseball, and that this was a huge step for all those fighting in the civil rights movement. He then mentions that nearly one year later he was playing with other black men in Atlanta, Georgia. I feel that the location of this incident alone helps to encourage his readers because Atlanta, Georgia was very segregated at the time and very opinionated about the issue of inequality; and if this town could overlook the differences, then so can the rest of America. Then the article progresses to talking about his children and how they will face challenges in their lifetime, but not as many as he had to face growing up. All the while, the article is progressing through time, and as the years pass, acceptance is becoming all the more attainable.
Finally, I feel that Robinson’s most influential part of the article would have to be his mention of the word “free.” Over and over again, he uses this word to describe the American people, appealing to the reader’s emotions all the more. He says “free society,” “free minds,” “free people,” to instill in us a sense of pride because this is what Americans have always fought for, a free nation. This not only encourages his black readers, but the white readers as well. It strikes every American as a personal battle for each and every single one of us so that we all can do our part in creating a “free society.” Robinson stated, “I believe in the human race. I believe in the warm heart. I believe in man’s integrity. I believe in the goodness of a free society.” The phrases, “human race,” “warm heart,” “man’s integrity,” and the “goodness of a free society,” strike a cord with us all. They build up that excitement and fire inside of us because these are things that we all value and share. This is how Robinson most effectively draws the reader into believing in the fight that he believes in, that he’s always believed in, and the fight that he has already won.
