Darnell Writes Well

What a powerful essay coming from a teenager! Right off the bat, the fact that the author is young (and posted by the Detroit Free Press) separates the article from most other articles and means that it is probably coming from a point of view different than those of most articles on this topic. Along similar lines, Darnell reveals a few things: "I am a lifelong Detroit resident, a student in the Detroit Public Schools, and the child of a tax-paying single parent. I have the right to voice my opinion, and I believe that Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has an ethical and contractual obligation to listen to it." This tone he takes and words he uses really show that he is serious, can relate to the problems and on-goings of the city, is thoughtful, and is intent on change. He specifically says that Kilpatrick should listen to him because of "an ethical and contractual obligation." Here, as well as a few more times throughout the essay, Darnell insists that the Mayor works for the people of Detroit. And he is absolutely correct. The practicality Darnell writes with is astounding compared to the Mayor's speeches. While Kwame can orate pretty well, it's not difficult to see through him and his slimy style. Darnell Gardner, Jr., however, says it like it is, and there ain't no way to refute the fact that the Mayor does indeed work for the people of Detroit.

"These words are not tainted with 'bigotry' or a product of some 'lynch-mob mentality.' My words are drenched in tears -- for my people and my city." Once again, Darnell uses his practicality and realism to show that Kilpatrick has been a fool. Kwame tries to sound victimized when he talks, but Darnell, the one who--since he lives in Detroit--really is a victim, does not do such a thing. He tries to solve the problem through organized thoughts as well as passion, hence the tears. This short excerpt also contains some good diction. By using the word "tainted," Darnell says that the sentences containing the words "bigotry" and "lynch-mob mentality" highly contributed to the ruining of Kilpatrick's speech. As said later in the essay, the Mayor's speech was at least bearable until he swerved into the unscripted ending and destroyed what little respectability may have existed. Also in that excerpt, the use of the word "drenched" shows how much he cares about his city--that he is brought to tears with the knowledge that Detroit's own mayor is pretty much destroying the city's reputation and turning it into a mockery.

Another great example of diction comes in this passage: "In the past 10 years, I have seen every aspect of Detroit decay." "Decay" really hits a good chord in terms of accurate description both in a figurative and also in a somewhat literal sense. In subsequent sentences, Darnell uses the word "gem" to describe different parts of the city that once were great places... but have now turned to rubble. The word "decay" is both powerful and seemingly true.

All in all, Darnell Gardner, Jr.'s deep concern for his city as well as his proclaimed ability to relate to and understand the problems from more than one perspective makes this essay an influential, effective piece of literature.