Malcolm X's "Learning to Read"

Malcolm X was inspired to learn how to read by Elijah Muhammad, founder of the Nation of Islam. He wasn't trying to prove anything, and he wasn't trying to obtain a college degree. He simply found something that interested and inspired him, and he followed it. He learned to read by copying each page of the dictionary, and went on to spend countless hours reading in his prison cell.

I thought this text was very inspiring, and it shows his real passion for language and understanding history. Before his prison term, when he was still a street hustler, he may have felt like he was all-knowing of the world and the "black man's struggles", but his true knowledge of African American history and culture appeared later, and it shines through the pages of his autobiography.

Malcolm X didn't use any particular type of writing style. He didn't have to use any fancy words or show off his ability. He didn't even brag about the fact the he taught himself how to read and write properly. He speaks of it as if it were a gift that was given to him by a higher power. My point is that his format, writing style, tone, etc... It doesn't matter. We are all trying to find ways to connect the readings in this unit. Why? So we can figure out the best way to tell our own story. Malcolm X's "Learning to Read" excerpt was so inspiring that it needs no format. You can tell just by reading the first few paragraphs that he was truly passionate in every aspect of his life. And that can't be compared to anything else. The first two readings we've already discussed? Sure, they were interesting. They had humor, photos, personality, etc. But Malcolm X's "Learning to Read"? It's pure... passion. And maybe THAT is what we should be trying to write about. Not just a significant learning experience, but something we feel truly passionate about. Something that changed our lives forever.