Informal Writing Assignment: Learning to Read/ Malcolm X

In his article Learning to Read, Malcolm X "demonstrates the extent to which literacies shape the worlds available to people and the experiences they can have."  He discusses, through this excerpt from his autobiography his experience in life and how literacy transformed his life while in prison. He is successful in his argument by discussing his own life experiences and how his life changed so drastically as well as the amount of opportunities that become available to him because of his newly gained knowledge. 

Not only does Malcolm X's article relate to Brandt's Literacy Sponsors but it is a great supporting example of her argument. Literary sponsors don't have to be people. In many situations they may be but not for Malcolm X. His literacy sponsors included the literature he was reading, the prison, his cell mate that he looked up to, Muhammad and the library in the prison. These places, people and items all helped Malcolm on his journey to greater knowledge and understanding while he was in prison. One of the authors, discusses how you can not move from the discourse community you were born into to a higher status community. But Malcolm X does just that. He is "eligible" for this higher status discourse community because of the level of knowledge he has gained.  

Nearly all of the articles we have read in class proceeding this one have nearly bore me to death. This excerpt though had my full attention the entire time I was reading. I had only heard the name Malcolm X a few times but never knew who he was. I also think this article is very inspiring because it breaks many stereotypes. When most people go to jail they don't do anything with their lives, or try to change the issues that put them there. Malcolm X turned his life around and became someone who inspired others. I think this story should be shared with other young, troubled adolescents so they realize they have the opportunity to turn their lives around and become someone; to realize their life doesn't have to be wasted in jail. I have always wanted to believe that all people are good at heart and can change for the better. Malcolm X's story is all around such an inspiring story that should be told more often.