Sherman Alexie and Malcom X were both very self-motivated to learn about
literacy and become literate themselves.
Alexie mentions in his article, “Superman and Me” that his love of
reading and love of books sprouted from his admiration of his father who loved
books too. Malcom X’s quest for literacy
came when he was behind bars and no longer wanted to be just a fast-talking
hustler. He mentions in his piece, “Learning
to Read” that he wanted to be able to portray his feelings correctly in letters,
and that he admired another inmate whose knowledge made him extremely respected
and in–control of situations.
Both authors were sort of similar in terms of socioeconomic status at
the times when they speak about seeking out literacy. Both had little money, Alexie was a child on
an Indian Reservation. Malcom X was a
prisoner behind bars. Both were
minorities, Malcom X was an African American, Sherman Alexie was a Native
American. They differed quite a bit in
their resources, sponsors, and access. For Sherman Alexie, his father was a
huge sponsor who was always bringing books home for him to read. Also, he had
access to different things through the school and the community such as flyers
and comic books as he describes in his piece. Malcom X’s situation was different
from that. He was an inmate in a prison
with no constant connection to the outside community. He was able to read books
that were provided by the prison but the prison itself is not a place I would
consider to be a huge sponsor.
it is nice that Malcom X realized the power that goes along with literacy. not only does one gain power when they are able to read, they gain respect. it is easy to see that Malcom X gained that respect after learning to read and becoming a respectable member of society
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to look at the similiarities and differences between Sherman Alexie and Malcolm X. They both have admirable stories and their hunger for knowledge is something very rare these days and can be looked at as a great attribute. I think both of these men should be looked up to as heros not only by people of their own minority groups, but by all Americans.
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ReplyDeleteI like how you talked about how both authors were in seriously different situations, yet were in similar socioeconomic statuses at the same time because thats basically what i said in my post as well. Self motivation is pretty hard to come by; both stories are very impressive and as we can now see the arduous self teaching has definitely paid off.
ReplyDeleteBoth authors were in quite similar socioeconomic statuses. They were both poor, but even with this I found it very interesting that Sherman Alexie was able to teach himself to read at such a young age.
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