3 Men. Big Differences.

After reading the three pieces over again I discovered the massive amounts of differences between them. It was astounding to discover.

Malcolm X was in prison when he discovered his passion and desire for reading and writing. His motivation? To be able to inform people of the teachings of Elijah Muhammad; the idea that there are distinct differences between white men and black men. He was never ashamed of his education, often telling people when they asked, ““What’s your alma mater?” I told him, books.””

Franklins writing style is proper, he was almost forced into learning by his father and his father’s idea of a future life for him. He did teach himself, but he was able to receive formal education unlike Malcolm X. His father’s opinion of this, “My early readiness in learning to read… and the opinion of all his friends, that I should certainly make a good scholar…” He had someone to push him and encourage him throughout his education journey.

Mike Rose irritated me. He didn’t sound grateful at all for all of the education that he did receive. Whether it was by rude teachers or not, he had the opportunity unlike Malcolm X and Franklin. Our job as a student is to take the information a teacher gives you and apply it to yourself; ask for help if you need it. Rose states, “My attention flitted here and there. I fooled around in class and read my books indifferently…”

As one who cares a great deal about getting a good education, I believe that Malcolm X and Franklin really striving and working hard is something we all need to work towards. Don’t be a Mike Rose, don’t put your education on the backburner.