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ENG 1252
6/11/2025
Rhetorical Analysis of “The Story We Tell about Millennials — and Who We Leave Out” by Reniqua Allen
Reniqua Allen dispels common myths and assumptions about the millennial age in “The Story We Tell about Millennials — and Who We Leave Out,” with an emphasis on the experiences of black millennials. Allen uses a variety of rhetorical techniques to make her point and highlight the voices who are frequently ignored. In order to accomplish her goal and persuade her audience, Allen skillfully uses rhetorical appeals, assertions, reasoning, evidence, and rhetorical strategies to make a strong case for the significance of acknowledging and hearing the experiences of Black millennials and other marginalized groups.
It is crucial to first comprehend the rhetorical context in which Allen writes. She wants to dispel the myths and prejudices surrounding millennials, particularly those of race. People who could harbor these misconceptions or have preconceived ideas about this generation are among her audience. Furthermore, Allen writes in a cultural setting where cliches like “avocado toast” and “overpriced lattes” are frequently used in conversations about millennials.”
Allen skillfully exhibits her mastery of rhetorical appeals by using a variety of strategies to build credibility and engage her audience throughout her essay. Her use of research and personal experiences—such as her new book on black millennials—makes her ethos clear. Allen convinces readers to believe her by demonstrating her knowledge. Similarly, examples and figures are used to effectively employ Logos. She draws attention to the inequalities that black millennials must contend with, such as higher unemployment, higher student loan debt, and lower homeownership rates. These figures provide strong support for her assertions on the difficulties this group faces. Additionally, Allen uses pathos, a powerful appeal in this essay, to evoke strong feelings in her readers by revealing intimate tales of people like Troy. She humanizes these millennials and evokes empathy by recounting their hardships, which strengthens the emotional resonance of her argument.
Allen makes a number of claims on the particular difficulties that Black millennials experience throughout the essay. She contends that society frequently ignores or misunderstands these difficulties. Her logic is sound since she demonstrates how these issues endure over time by relating them to historical and social circumstances. She backs up her claims with particular instances and statistics. Allen, for example, uses research from the Washington Post to show that some white millennials still have preconceived notions about black millennials. This data supports her claim that despite efforts to promote equality, misconceptions persist. Additionally, Allen uses a variety of rhetorical devices to support her claims. Her message is more accessible because she humanizes the problems of black millennials through experiences. Her use of inclusive words, such “we,” emphasizes her call for togetherness and gives millennials a sense of shared identity. Allen also uses contrast as a rhetorical tactic, emphasizing the differences between black and white millennials in order to stress how urgent her message is. Furthermore, the author skillfully connects with her readers through conversational and accessible language and style. She engages readers’ critical thinking and gets them to consider the ongoing difficulties of Black millennials by using rhetorical questions like “what is next?”
To summarize, Reniqua Allen’s essay “The Story We Tell about Millennials — and Who We Leave Out” challenges stereotypes and draws attention to the particular difficulties encountered by black millennials by utilizing a variety of rhetorical techniques, such as arguments, claims, reasoning, and proof. Her argument is persuasive and emotionally impactful due to her skillful use of ethos, logos, and pathos. She advocates for a more accepting and compassionate culture that hears the voices and stories of Black millennials by humanizing their experiences. Allen’s work is a potent reminder that a more just world requires an awareness of the variety within each generation.
Works Cited
Reniqua Allen. “The Millennial Story We Tell — and Who We Leave Out” (Allen). Humanities Book%3A_88_Open_Essays_-_A_Reader_for_Students_of_Composition_and_Rhetoric_(Wangler_and_Ulrich)/Open_Essays/02%3A_The_Story_We_Tell_about_Millennials__and_Who_We_Leave_Out_(Allen) LibreTexts, September 15, 2019
