Booker T. Washington and Malcolm X on the Power of Reading
Booker T. Washington and Malcolm X on the Power of Reading
Although Booker T. Washington’s Up from Slavery and Malcolm X’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X begin in completely different circumstances, they both describe the power of knowledge. Washington starts life in the extreme deprivation of slavery. He clearly mentions that he was born “in the midst of the most miserable, desolate, and discouraging surroundings” (page 1). Alongside that, Washington grew up with limited knowledge about his own roots and knew nothing beyond the few whispered conversations in the slave quarters. On the other hand, Malcolm X begins in a different kind of hardship. He speaks of himself as an “incurable hustler” whose time in prison created a deep sense of isolation and intellectual growth. Hence, he realized that his lack of reading prior to prison caused him to be deficient in the basic knowledge he needed to defend himself and speak for the community.
As they begin their reading journeys, both men present literacy as their catalyst for their personal awakening. Washington explains that from his childhood he had the strong desire to learn, and that his pursuit of education became the main focus that had pervaded his mind. In particular, reading allowed him to gain light on the subject of slavery which helped him form his political opinion of the world around him. Malcolm X describes a similar sense of discovery, however, his reaction is more intense. Malcolm states that, “I had never been so truly free in my life”(page 1862) as he was reading in prison. In prison, he designated quite literally all of his time in his cell to reading. While Washington experiences reading as a step towards disciplined self-improvements, Malcolm felt it to be a profound intellectual liberation that opens his mind in a way that he never experienced before.
The knowledge each influential character gains shapes their different philosophies of racial progress. Washington's education teaches him perseverance, dignity, and moral responsibility. He writes that “success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome” (page 14). This belief supports his larger message of uplift through work and strong character. Malcolm X's reading produces a critique of systemic American racism. As he studies global history, he comes to the conclusion that history had been whitened and that the Black man was brainwashed by the system. He is shocked as he learns of African civilizations and the sheer oppression faced by people of African descent. Washington’s reading nurtures cooperation and gradual improvements, while Malcolm’s reading encourages assessment of situations and resistance.
Though both of their interpretations of learning diverge sharply, both men show that reading has the power to reconstruct a human life. Washington reports that education allowed him to lift himself while connecting his literacy to a life dedicated to service and leadership. Malcolm X rather reports that his reading awakened his desire to be mentally alive, and reshaped his identity. Their autobiographies reveal the distinct journeys, yet both affirm that reading possesses the power to free the mind and take control of the course of one's life.
Hello Saif. Your insightful interpretation of Booker T. Washington’s Up from Slavery and Malcolm X’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X shows the power of knowledge. While I had read the story without Washington's and X's views on education, your alternative reading challenges me to think about the autobiographies with their views in mind. I wonder, though, how you think their different educational backgrounds would complicate this reading.
ReplyDeleteHi Saif, The power of literacy is a surprising similarity between Booker T. Washington and Malcolm X, and your blog helped me realize this similarity despite other differences. While these are vastly different forms of activism, I find it profound that education is so central to activism in both these movements. Education is liberation, after all, no matter which way you slice it. I always enjoy being reminded of why studying a specific subject is important -- we do this a lot in history, but not so much in English classes usually. Your blog both investigates a trend in past literature and also reminds us African American Literature students of why it is so important to study literature, especially African American literature, in order to become better and more enlightened activists, citizens and people. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteYour insightful interpretation of how Washington and Malcolm X portray reading as a force of personal transformation shows a deep understanding of the different roles literacy plays in shaping their identities and philosophies. While I had read the story as two unrelated accounts of hardship and growth, your alternative reading challenges me to think about the power of knowledge as a shared thread that links their otherwise divergent experiences in some new way. I wonder, though, how you think if they swapped lives, how their philosophies would change?
ReplyDeleteHey Sophia! I think your blog makes really important points when it comes to the core of how learning impacted BTW and Malcolm X at an ideological level. We often discuss the similarities in their value for education and learning and then segue into their differences in ideas about black equality and empowerment, but it's important to pinpoint how learning affected both of these two figures in a more detailed way and impacted their individual journeys, eventually leading to core ideological differences. Great theme and great blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Saif! I really enjoyed reading your comparison. It was clear, thoughtful, and does a great job showing how Washington and Malcolm X develop almost opposite philosophies from the same the power of literacy. I liked how you highlighted the difference between Washington’s disciplined self-improvement and Malcolm’s intense intellectual awakening in prison. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYour comparison of Washington and Malcolm X’s experiences with literacy shows how both men turn hardship into intellectual strength. I like how you point out their different emotional reactions to reading. You clearly show Washington’s disciplined, service-focused approach to education and Malcolm’s powerful sense of freedom. This contrast helps explain how literacy shapes not just self-improvement but also self-identity. I wonder what your belief on how Malcolm X would react to Washington's gradual approach is. Nice work!
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