critical opinion

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Critical Opinion of Lives: Underground Dads
In the article, Live; Underground Dads, Wil Haygood offers a fresh perspective on the problem of single mother families amongst the black population CITATION Hay97 l 2057 (Haygood). Statistically, a single parent mother heralds negatively for the male child. In spite of a few shortfalls in the article, Haygood argues persuasively that even in the case of a single mother family, a young black boy can still turn out okay.
Haygood never got to know his father and yet never became one the miserable black fatherless children.He had several father figures who taught him many different lessons in life. Jerry, his mother’s boyfriend, showed him the value of honesty. Jimmy, his grandfather, taught him to be independent and live up to exacting standards.Uncle Henry taught him to value family and patience. These father figures are the ones he calls underground dads.
One of the shortfalls of the argument is the use of ethos for persuasion.Haygood uses himself as a reference point for all black people. This form of endearment weakens the persuasion of the argument since there is no guarantee that he is a standard for all black people. Haygood mentions that he would comfortably explain to his friends that he had no father. He proceeds to illustrate that the important lessons in his life were learned from other father figures. He concludes on a note of his defiance of the odds against him. This narration is a subjective experience that may not necessarily represent the black population.

Another shortcoming is the use of vague statistics and unclear references. The conventional perception of the black child without a father is only mentioned without illustration from specific sources. Also, the mountains of literature that Haygood often refers to are not clearly defined, and can easily be dismissed as being made up. Coupled with the fact that Haygood only focuses on his side of the story, the article does not adequately cover the topic.
However, Haygood successfully employs pathos to make the illustrations relatable and persuasive.Haygood recalls educational moments with Jerry in family gatherings, close moments with uncle Henry while fishing and tough moments with grandfather Jimmy. All these moments are reflective of the close bond between a father and a son. By using such illustrations, Haygood appeals to the reader who understands the priceless nature of the bond of parenthood.
The article is also organized in a superb manner that makes it easy to follow. First, Haygood introduces the topic from a common point and proceeds to give enough illustrations before making his final point. He relates his childhood experience without a father and the perception his friends had of the situation. After introducing the perceived problem, he proceeds to show the solution in the form of father figures in his life. He then offers his conclusion about the utility of father figures in the case of absentee fathers. The strategic arrangement of the argument is easy to follow and increases its credibility.
The article can be made more persuasive by using logos to persuade. Also, the article should illustrate in detail the effects of absentee fathers so as to give a point of reference for the author’s current position. This illustration would help a reader to understand better the situation of the author and how lucky he is to have escaped the conventional fate of a fatherless child.
Haygood persuasively illustrates that the fate of a fatherless black boy does not have to be negative.Although it lacks concrete references, the article appeals to the emotional capacity of the audience in a well-organized argument.
Works Cited
BIBLIOGRAPHY Haygood, Wil. “Lives; Underground Dads.” New York Times 30 November 1997. Web.