We are writing a paper on "Race in your Community" and I have had a hard time getting going because I live in a small town with really one ethnic group, however as I dug I started finding some minority groups are here, what I am looking for is for some opinions on my thesis statement that I have come up with:
Clinton Arkansas, 2,283 people, 1,007 households, and made up of mainly the White race. As we explore this city we will discover other minority groups also contribute to the racial makeup of this city.
I would phrase it this way.
Clinton, Arkansas - 2,283 people, 1,007 households - is primarily causasian; however as we explore this town, we will discover a number of minority groups that contribute to its racial makeup.
Thank you for your advice. I like how that sounds The paper is a challenge I am a very non racial person and the town I live in is small and really has non of the issues I need to write about, that I am aware of at least, I am sure some exist...
Do you know any of these students in school? Do you have any for neighbors? Could you interview them after explaining why you are asking and guaranteeing their confidentiality? Could you interview the Mayor regarding the problems facing minorities?
It's great that you're working on a paper exploring race in your community. Developing a thesis statement is an important initial step in the writing process. Your thesis statement is meant to provide a clear focus and argument for your paper. It should be debatable and provide a roadmap for what you will discuss.
Based on the information you provided, here's a possible rephrasing of your thesis statement:
"While Clinton, Arkansas is primarily composed of the White race, exploring the racial makeup of this small town reveals the presence and contributions of minority groups."
To further strengthen your thesis statement, you might consider specifying the minority groups you intend to discuss, or the nature of their contributions to the racial makeup of the community. This will help to add specificity and make your argument clearer.
To support your thesis statement, you can consider the following research techniques:
1. Literature Review: Conduct a review of existing literature on your community or similar communities to gather insights into its racial composition and the experiences of minority groups.
2. Demographic Data: Examine local demographic data, such as census reports or surveys, to gather statistics on the racial composition of your community. Look for any available breakdowns by ethnicity or minority groups.
3. Interviews or Surveys: Conduct interviews or surveys with members of minority groups in your community to gather first-hand accounts of their experiences, challenges, and contributions.
4. Historical Research: Conduct research on the history of your community to understand how it has evolved over time in terms of racial diversity and the integration of minority groups.
5. Community Engagement: Engage with community organizations, events, or initiatives focused on diversity or minority issues to gain a deeper understanding of how different racial groups interact and contribute to the community.
Remember to critically analyze the information you gather and consider alternative viewpoints to present a well-rounded analysis in your paper. Good luck with your research!