Question

"There is no Negro problem . There is no Southern problem. There is no northern problem. There is only an American problem. "

What does the technique of repetition promote in Johnson's speech? A) shame B)clarity C)power D)acceptance

Answer 1

In my opinion, the correct answer is B) clarity. By using the repetition, the author tries to clarify what this problem isn't - by its nature it isn't Negro, Southern, or Northern. And then, he affirms what it is - it is American. Therefore, he says that compartmentalizing this problem is not going to help. People have to understand it for what it really is - everyone's problem, the problem of the nation itself.