Malcolm X’s biography did not alter my understanding of the story, but it gave me a better understanding of the episode that he talked about. After reading the biography I could predict Malcolm X’s age, situation, and beliefs at the time he got the “conk” and when he regretted getting the “conk” because the description of Malcolm X’s change in beliefs provided a reason for his actions and realizations. After a very successful Middle School career, a teacher who said black people could not become lawyers crushed Malcolm X’s high hopes. This particular period of his life is most likely to be the time when Malcolm X got his “conk” because he would’ve been ashamed of his own identity and could’ve seriously believed that black people were inferior to white people. However, after being released from jail, Malcolm X converted to the Muslim religion and learned about the cultural and ethnic acceptance all Islamic believers provided for one another, and I predict that this time period of “enlightenment” was probably the time when Malcolm X realized that getting the “conk” was an action of low self-esteem and self-degradation.
I agree with your opinions. I think Malcolm X wanted to get a "conk" because he felt like he needed to 'fit in' according to the 'white standards'. It seemed like he was pressurized into doing it by his environment and society. I like the part where you said that Malcolm X probably got his first 'conk' when his favorite teacher crushed his hopes of being a lawyer. After reading your reflection, I realized that I didn't see it like that way you do and I like your opinions. I didn't really thought about when Malcolm X "realized that getting the 'conk' was an action of low self-esteem and self-degradation." Do you think Malcolm X would still get a 'conk' if his favorite teacher encouraged him to pursue his dream?
답글삭제-vanessa