(Malcolm X) “Learning to Read” is a great motivational story. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925. From dropping out of school in the eighth grade and having very little education, to becoming a powerful leader of the Nation of Islam, he was very influential to people all around the world. He taught himself how to read, and write while in prison, and with the knowledge he took from prison, he became a great leader with a lot of power. A majority of this reflection will about how knowledge is power. Examples from the book will be provided, along with quotations to help support the argument. Also the way that Malcolm “X” defines Literacy compared to a school version.
The way that Malcolm “X” defines literacy is different from school-based literacy. Schools define literacy as the ability to read and write, but it’s not only about reading and writing, it’s also about putting those skills to the test in shaping your life. (EDC.org) Usually, a sponsor, someone like your parents or a teacher, teaches you literacy. But in this case Malcolm “X,” taught himself how to read and write, even while in prison too. He copied the dictionary word for word, and made sure he understood all the words. Malcolm “X” says “in the street he was the most articulate hustler out there, but now trying to write simple English, not only was I not articulate, but not functional as well.” (Malcolm X 354). Not knowing how to write a letter to Elijah Muhammad inspired him to teach himself literacy. Once he finally broadened his word base he says, “ I could for the first time, pick up a book and read and to now begin to understand what the book was saying” (Malcolm X 355). Malcolm “X” still had the motivation to further his literacy, by reading voraciously. He would read after “lights out” he says whenever he reads “ I never had been so truly free in my life” (Malcolm “X” 355). This just means that whenever he reads a book, he understands it so much that the readings bring him to a different...