Engaging

Blog – Engaging the Text #2 on p. 218 BUT think also of Richard. What ‘knowledge’ has he been ‘educated’ by that spurred him on to ‘freedom’?

By learning to read, Malcolm X gained knowledge of history and philosophy. He also gained the knowledge of opinion. By understanding the oppression by whites in Africa, Asia, and America he was able to formulate his opinion that whites were responsible for most of the problems in world history. This knowledge freed and empowered him because it enabled him to understand why he and many other blacks were so mistreated in society (which no doubt had caused him to turn to the streets). And because he understood it, he could fight against it.

Similarly, Richard Wright, feels liberated by reading. It is interesting to note that both Wright and Malcolm X seem to favor nonfiction. Richard Wright feels that he can understand why society oppresses him and with this knowledge, he can subtly fight against the oppressive society by keeping his pride and becoming as well-educated as any white can become.