Question

how does the mention of governor faubus in jackie robinsons letter to president eisenhower strengthen the main argument of the letter?

the reference highlights president eisenhowers deep dislike of the governor and shows his willingness to remove him from office.

robinson notes that governor faubus spoke during the summit meeting of negro leaders and became a symbol of civil rights.

robinson uses governor faubus as a metaphor for racial segregation and therefore provides a strong visual image.

the reference provides a real-life example of a pro-segregationist and his actions, making the need for civil rights more dire.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the letter

In his May 13, 1958, letter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jackie Robinson urges the President to take a stronger, more decisive stand on civil rights. Robinson references Governor Orval Faubus of Arkansas, who famously used the National Guard to block African American students (the Little Rock Nine) from desegregating Little Rock Central High School in 1957. This reference serves as a concrete, real-world example of active resistance to federal desegregation efforts.

Evaluate the rhetorical function of Governor Faubus

By mentioning Governor Faubus, Robinson is not using a mere metaphor, nor is he suggesting Faubus was a civil rights symbol or that Eisenhower wanted to remove him from office. Instead, Robinson uses Faubus's obstructionist actions to demonstrate to the President that pro-segregationist leaders are actively defying federal law and civil rights progress. This Argumentation Strategy provides a powerful, real-life illustration of the immediate and dire need for federal intervention and stronger civil rights protections.

Assess the given multiple-choice options

• Option 1: Incorrect. The letter does not focus on Eisenhower's personal dislike or a plan to remove Faubus from office.
• Option 2: Incorrect. Governor Faubus was a staunch segregationist, not a symbol of civil rights.
• Option 3: Incorrect. Robinson refers to Faubus's actual historical actions rather than using him as a literary metaphor.
• Option 4: Correct. The reference provides a real-life example of a pro-segregationist and his actions, highlighting the urgency of the civil rights struggle.

Answer:

• The reference highlights President Eisenhower's deep dislike of the governor and shows his willingness to remove him from office.
• Robinson notes that Governor Faubus spoke during the Summit Meeting of Negro Leaders and became a symbol of civil rights.
• Robinson uses Governor Faubus as a metaphor for racial segregation and therefore provides a strong visual image.
• The reference provides a real-life example of a pro-segregationist and his actions, making the need for civil rights more dire. (Correct answer)