"Literacy Behind Bars" is an amazing narrative
written by one of the most notable historic figures of our time: Malcolm X. He
guides us through the path he took in order to become an acclimated reader. His
journey truly began inside the walls of a prison in Charlestown, Massachusetts
where envy of a fellow inmate's knowledge took root deep within his soul. This
envy was then fertilized by the written word and grew into a mighty oak of known
literacy (the notable Malcolm X we know today).
Quite
surprising, to me, this was the first time I had read the words of Malcolm X.
An author who, I am now certain, will frequent my bookshelf. With the exception
of one passage from paragraph two, I enjoyed and looked forward with
anticipation to reading each sentence.
I, like
Malcolm X, feel a sense of pride when I discover new words, as though, I was a
child the day after Christmas showing off his new bike. I am unstoppable when I
have a new word in my repertoire, and I enthusiastically retort it to all my
friends. I am envious of Malcolm, though. At times, I wish I could be freed of
the responsibilities, distractions, and day's events that freedom grants us. I
find myself, at moments, pondering the life of a monk. How great would that be
to have all the time in the world, free of distraction, to escape into the
world of books, and be able to meditate, indefinitely, on what you have just
read?
I fantasize about that kind of freedom as well! But then I remind myself that I'll just have to create space for thought, reflection, and introspection in my life. Nice response :)
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