Blog #17 Response

Malcolm X - "Learning to Read"

Rhetorical Overview of the Article

1. What is the author's exigence? Why does the author feel the article/argument needs to be made?

His exigence is to point out the way he obtained literacy, which is very unique compares to other way of learning. He also points out how he made a bad situation into a good one through the use of literacy.

2a. What discourse community is the author speaking toward for the article? WHY do you think that? Provide textual evidence (e.g., specific language, tone, publication venue, etc.,).

 I think he talking to blacks that feel they have not had the opportunity of obtaining a good amount of literacy. He is informing them on how he was able to form literacy on his own.

3. What is the author's thesis/argument/niche for the piece? If possible, quote specifically from the text.

"Many who today hear me somewhere in person, or on television, or those who read something I've sid, will think I went to school far beyond the eighth grade. This impression is due to entirely to my prison studies."

Summary

1. Write a few sentences that summarizes this article in your own words; make sure to cover the main arguments AND conclusions.

In his article, "Learning to Read," Malcolm X provides the argument that one can receive literacy entirely on their own. He was frustrated with his lack of reading skills, so while in prison, he took the time to teach himself how to read and write. He says, "I believe it took me a day. Then, aloud, I read back, to myself, everything I'd written on the tablet. Over and over, aloud, to myself, I read my own handwriting." In the end, he firmly states that he believes he learned more on his own in prison than he would have if he had attended college.

2. Take the summary you just wrote and condense it into something “tweetable,” by which I mean a summary that is NO longer than 140 characters. Consider using the same conventions you would if tweeting, meaning abbreviations and informality in language.

If one has the motivation to learn literacy, he or she can do it.

3. What hashtags (#) would you use for this article? Stated otherwise, what key terms would you provide to describe the content of this article?

#individuallearning #onyourown #literacy

Burkean Parlor/Intertextuality

1. In what ways does this author and/or the ideas in this article connect with, (dis)agree with, speak to or against –I think you get the gist– previous authors and their ideas that we have encountered in this class?

I think that Malcolm X's article emphasizes Brandt's ideas on literacy. Brandt said that sponsors consist of institutions or people. Those sponsors are able to enhance one's literacy. Malcolm's sponsors were prison, aka institution, and he was his own self's desire, aka the person. His articles also backs up her claims by proving that everyone obtains literacy in completely different ways.

Personal Reflection

1. How can you apply the information in this article to your own writing process? First, consider the main ideas that the author addresses, then consider other elements, such as organization, style, etc.

I actually learned a lot from this article. I find it crazy that he taught himself how to read and write while in prison. I've heard of Malcolm X but didn't know a lot about his background or personal life. At times, I felt he went on too long about America's history, but I think he was just trying to point out to the discourse community how many obstacles have or need to be overcome. His article was very informative.

2. What is confusing about the article? What questions do you have after reading the article?

I wonder if he wrote this when he was in prison or when he got out of prison? I'm just kind of curious.