Compare and Contrast

Compare and Contrast

In as much as education is an essential need, a significant number of children have difficulties in reading and writing due to specific reasons. Reasons may include; lack of school fees, delinquency, dysfunctional families and drugs/substance abuse to mention a few. Fredrick Augustus Washington Bailey famously known as Fredrick Douglass explains in his narrative “Learning to read and write” the struggles he endured to gain knowledge. Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X in his famous narration which he co-writes with Alex Haley, “Learning to Read” illustrates his journey towards becoming literate. Fredrick Douglass and Malcolm X share several similarities but differ in specific scenarios.

Both Douglass and Malcolm X are African-Americans and learnt to read and write in unique settings.  Douglass, being born into slavery back in Maryland, is not allowed to gain an education. His owner’s wife, Lucretia Auld, teaches him the alphabet but later when he is moved to Hugh Auld’s house, educating him becomes illegal (Douglass 100). Douglass, in response, befriends some white children from his neighbourhood and fellow workmates to learn how to read and write.  Malcolm X, on the other hand, drops out of school and commits a criminal offence which sends him to jail. In prison, he notices a fellow inmate Bibby who is eloquent in reading and writing and feels challenged. Malcolm X feels inspired and seeks to educate himself using the English dictionary. Lastly, both Douglass and X acquire their education at later stages of life than socially expected.

Despite the similarities, Douglass and Malcolm X differ in their ideological perspectives of literacy. While Douglass believes education is a blessing and a curse, X sees education as an awakening of the mind and a tool for social change. Douglass perceives education as a curse as it shows him the depressing nature and extent of slavery and disallows him to change it. For X, his perception is different as education is a source of enlightenment and can be used to address social evils. Another difference is that while Douglass is against slavery, X is against racism. In as much as both injustices are interrelated, the historical contexts of the two are different. Douglass addresses slavery which is inevitable in the 18^th century. On the other hand, racism comes later in the 19^{th and} 20^th century.

From Douglass narrative, “Learning to Read and Write” the vital lesson derived is an individual determination. Douglass is born a slave and discriminated upon on the grounds of belonging to the black race. However, he is determined to learn how to read and write even after his owners forbade it. Human beings should, therefore, strive to go after their dreams regardless of the obstacles raised against them. In the end, Douglass with his remarkable oratory and writing skills becomes an abolitionist and a champion for a social change. Douglass’ narration is also significant in that it motivates the readers to stand against social evils such as modern slavery and racism. Lastly, Douglass’ description is critical in providing an in-depth understanding of the historical context of slavery and the struggles black slaves undergo to fight for their autonomy. Slavery is still an issue in the 21^st century with a shift from traditional forms of slavery to modern imperialism and racist politics.

Malcolm X’s work, on the other hand, is significant as it encourages individuals who find themselves in tough situations such as prisons to use education to liberate themselves. Malcolm serves his sentence in Charlestown Prison, where he learns how to read and write; he, therefore, gets an opportunity to self-educate after dropping out of school at a young age (Malcolm 359). Moreover, Malcolm X’s narration encourages individuals to seek education regardless of their age and socioeconomic status. Lastly, X’s description encourages the readers to educate themselves in the event when they are not able to attend conventional education centres. Malcolm X relies not on the teachers but himself; he manages to teach himself the necessary literacy skills with just a mere dictionary.

Conclusively, the two narrations by Fredrick Douglass and Malcolm X offers excellent insights on the struggles of attaining education in America. Douglass and X are African-Americans who are at a disadvantage owing to the colour of their skins. It is clear from the two literary works that despite the harsh conditions and experiences, both Douglass and X had to persevere, and they are still able to educate themselves. Self-education is unconventional, but the likelihood of success is high as Douglass and X illustrate. From a personal perspective, slavery and racism are significant hindrances to literacy, especially to black communities in the U.S.

For further literacy considerations, readers should ask themselves these questions; why are there still more black high school dropouts even with the end of slavery and racism? What are the underlying factors affecting school enrollment and attendance in black communities? Is racial bullying in schools still an issue affecting African-American students or other people of colour? Are black prisoners receiving enough educational support from the government and prison management?

Works Cited

Douglass, Frederick. “Learning to read and write.” 50 Essays, A Portable Anthology (2007): 2004-100.

Malcolm, X. “Learning to Read.” The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Ed. Alex Haley. New York: Ballantine (1965): 353-61.