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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Change
Blog – Is the change Wright sets in motion at the end of Part 1 (his action to move) a positive or negative change?
The enticing possibilities of Chicago lead Wright to hope moving will be a positive change. Specifically, he hopes moving will allow him the freedom to not be a puppet. In Memphis, he had to act like a black man was supposed to in order to survive. But his natural instincts and curiosity in reading cause him to seek for more in a society where there is not more for people like him. Chicago is obviously not racism-free, but in the eyes of many, it is much better than Memphis or anywhere else in the south. Wright does not really know what to expect, but he sees no point in continuing to live in the south like Shorty when there is the possibility of a better place. Of course, the negative part of moving is that he will once again be living his family (at least the ones he cares about - his mother and brother) behind. In addition, it will be a lot colder in Chicago and it may not actually be any better in terms of opportunity.
The enticing possibilities of Chicago lead Wright to hope moving will be a positive change. Specifically, he hopes moving will allow him the freedom to not be a puppet. In Memphis, he had to act like a black man was supposed to in order to survive. But his natural instincts and curiosity in reading cause him to seek for more in a society where there is not more for people like him. Chicago is obviously not racism-free, but in the eyes of many, it is much better than Memphis or anywhere else in the south. Wright does not really know what to expect, but he sees no point in continuing to live in the south like Shorty when there is the possibility of a better place. Of course, the negative part of moving is that he will once again be living his family (at least the ones he cares about - his mother and brother) behind. In addition, it will be a lot colder in Chicago and it may not actually be any better in terms of opportunity.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Subservience
Blog – Is subservience a necessary part of living?
Subservience is a natural part of living. Everybody starts out subserviently. When we are babies and kids we often obey our parents unquestionably. Even as adults we mostly subserviently obey the law. Subservience can also be a concious necessity, though. In Wright's case, he must be subservient to the whites in order to survive. If he doesn't act how a black man is supposed to, he will get fired or beaten or even killed. In order to keep his job so he can afford food and clothes, and in order to remain alive, he
must be subservient.
In today's society is it necessary to be subservient? Sort of. You have to be subservient to the law. In fact, the most effective societies are the ones with the most subservient people.You cannot go out and do target practice in the mall, and if you do, then you will be prevented from doing it again (prison). On the other hand, today's society doesn't require people to be subservient in the same ways that society did during Wright's time. There are some exceptions, but by and large, when people have to be subservient, there is a reason. And if they don't want to be, there is nothing preventing them from moving to a place where they don't have to be.
Subservience is a natural part of living. Everybody starts out subserviently. When we are babies and kids we often obey our parents unquestionably. Even as adults we mostly subserviently obey the law. Subservience can also be a concious necessity, though. In Wright's case, he must be subservient to the whites in order to survive. If he doesn't act how a black man is supposed to, he will get fired or beaten or even killed. In order to keep his job so he can afford food and clothes, and in order to remain alive, he
must be subservient.
In today's society is it necessary to be subservient? Sort of. You have to be subservient to the law. In fact, the most effective societies are the ones with the most subservient people.You cannot go out and do target practice in the mall, and if you do, then you will be prevented from doing it again (prison). On the other hand, today's society doesn't require people to be subservient in the same ways that society did during Wright's time. There are some exceptions, but by and large, when people have to be subservient, there is a reason. And if they don't want to be, there is nothing preventing them from moving to a place where they don't have to be.
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