Malcolm X demonstrated the effect literacy has had on his life.  During his criminal period, he relied on slang and felt unable and discouraged to pursue anything else.  However, when he finally was able to self educate himself through the dictionary, he developed a freedom  to learn and speak to others, ironically in prison.

For my research, I focused on adult illiteracy and saw the harmful effects it can have on people’s lives.  They might be out in society, but they are not free- from unemployment to being unable to even read signs, their lives were drastically impacted.  I also noticed that the few people who were able to combat their illiteracy through studies did so because they had a particular motivation, much like Malcolm did.  Once they firsthand understood the practical applications literacy, they were able to embrace it and be free once again.

Signing off,

Delectable Danielle