Yoshino starts his essay by informing the reader of the idea he’s about to introduce; covering. He begins stating “Everyone covers. To cover is to tone down a disfavored identity to fit into the mainstream.” (Yoshino 539.) He uses a personal definition to define this word, one that he created himself for the sake of the argument. This method could have been problematic, but instead he keeps his definition non-emotional and precise yet incredibly inclusive. Assimilation is introduced through the line “I recognize the value of assimilation, which is often necessary to fluid social interaction, to peaceful coexistence, and even to the dialogue through which difference is valued.” (Yoshino 540.) Rather than defining it, Yoshino shares with the reader his view of assimilation. Instead of giving a definition he offers a new perspective, allowing the reader to see better from his point of view. The third word defined is Authenticity. Authenticity is introduced by Yoshino as “our common human wish to express ourselves without being impeded by unreasoning demands for conformity.” (Yoshino 540.) In the next sentence, he expresses how rather than using tones of “legal impersonality” and “political terms” he decided to write in a more intimate voice, so that he would maintain his own authenticity as a gay man and an Asian-American. Thus he personally reflects the own meanings that he presents in these writings. It’s important to hold onto yourself, and Yoshino does a great job with this. These definitions are to the point, deliberately worded, and quite easily understandable.
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