Activity Objective: The Student Will Use His Critical Thinki

Activity Objectivethe Student Will Use Hisher Critical Thinking Skill

The student will use his/her critical thinking skills to explore and analyze Malcolm X’s “Conk”. Instructions: Download the story. After reading Conk, the student will answer different questions in which different thinking skills must be used (45 points). Answer the following questions about Conk: Identify the cause in the following statement: They needed a wooden spoon for a metal one would turn black with the lye. (2 points) Identify the effect in the following statement: The jar felt hot because it had lye in it. (2 points) What was the effect of leaving the congolone the most one could stand? (2 points) What do you infer is the meaning of congolene? (2 points) What do you infer is a conk? (2 points) What does the term White-wigged mean? (2 points). Is the narrator a static or a dynamic character? Explain in 3 sentences at least. (5 points) What trait is the best to describe Shorty? (Explain in 3-5 sentences) (5 points). What does the narrator mean by: “This was my first really big step toward self-degradation? (Explain in 3-5 sentences). (5 points) Is the title literal or symbolic? Answer in 3 sentences least. (3 points) What is the passage message? You must answer in a complete sentence. (2 points). What does the narrator feel about African-American (Negros) who conk their hair? (3 sentences at least) (3 points). What is the author’s purpose? Answer in 2-3 sentences. (3 points) How did the narrator feel about his first conk? (2 points). This is based on a real story; do you think the topic is pertinent today? Justify your answer in a 3-5 sentence paragraph. (5 points)

Paper For Above instruction

Malcolm X’s autobiographical excerpt “Conk” vividly illustrates a pivotal chapter in his journey toward identity and self-awareness amid the racial and cultural pressures of his time. It explores themes of racial identity, assimilation, and the struggle to align personal self-esteem with societal ideals. Through critical analysis, this paper will examine the motivations, effects, symbols, and character development in Malcolm X’s account, as well as reflect on its contemporary significance.

In the story, the cause “They needed a wooden spoon for a metal one would turn black with the lye” highlights the practical necessity that motivated Malcolm and others to use specific tools in the chemical process of hair straightening. The cause here is rooted in the underlying goal of avoiding damage or discoloration during the chemical relaxing process, which was essential for achieving the desired conk hairstyle. The effect, “The jar felt hot because it had lye in it,” demonstrates the inevitable physical consequence of the chemical relaxer—its exothermic reaction causing heat. This illustrates the dangerous nature of the chemical process and foreshadows the pain and damage involved in the procedure.

Leaving the congolone the most one could stand refers to the limits of endurance Malcolm faced with the chemical treatment. The effect of pushing these boundaries symbolizes a desire for acceptance and a struggle against internalized racial self-hatred. The meaning of congolene, inferred from context, likely refers to the chemical or product used in hair relaxing, connoting a substance associated with racial beauty standards. Similarly, a conk was a hairstyle achieved through chemical relaxers, aiming for straighter hair aligned with Eurocentric beauty ideals. The term “White-wigged” describes the appearance of the hair after the chemical treatment—resembling a white wig—symbolizing artificiality and the loss of natural black hair identity.

The narrator is a dynamic character, undergoing significant change throughout the story. Initially, he blindly seeks societal approval of his appearance but gradually realizes the superficiality and cost of conforming to racial stereotypes. Over time, Malcolm’s self-awareness and rejection of damaging beauty standards mark his growth into a more conscious individual. Shorty, in contrast, appears to embody complacency and conformity; his traits include a lack of critical reflection and an unwavering acceptance of societal pressures. Shorty’s willingness to conform without questioning demonstrates a passive acceptance of racial norms, making him a foil to Malcolm’s evolving consciousness.

The statement “This was my first really big step toward self-degradation” reflects Malcolm’s perception that his pursuit of European beauty standards through the conk procedure compromised his racial identity. It highlights the internal conflict and shame associated with conforming to oppressive standards and abandoning natural Black features. Malcolm sees this act as a form of self-denigration—a surrender of cultural heritage for superficial acceptance. This self-awareness marks a turning point, emphasizing his rejection of racial assimilation and his journey toward racial pride.

The title “Conk” is symbolic, representing more than the literal hair treatment; it signifies the broader societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty ideals and the internalization of racial self-hatred. While the act of straightening hair is literal, it also symbolizes the societal expectation for Black individuals to deny their natural features. The title encapsulates the struggle against these oppressive standards and Malcolm’s internal conflict regarding racial authenticity.

The passage’s message is that pursuing superficial beauty standards can lead to self-alienation and degradation. Malcolm’s story warns against losing one’s cultural identity in the pursuit of acceptance and highlights the damaging effects of conforming to societal norms that devalue natural Black features.

The narrator feels conflicted about African-Americans who conk their hair, recognizing the societal pressures that influence their choices. He reflects on their desire for acceptance, but also criticizes the internal struggle that leads to self-alienation. He perceives conking as a symbol of the internal conflict faced by many Black individuals trying to fit into a Eurocentric beauty paradigm, which can ultimately undermine pride in their natural identity.

The author’s purpose is to expose the damaging effects of racial self-hatred fostered by societal standards of beauty and to promote pride in Black identity. Malcolm X aims to educate and challenge readers to reflect on the costs of conforming to oppressive beauty norms and to inspire racial pride and cultural authenticity.

Malcolm X felt a deep sense of regret and shame about his first conk, recognizing it as a betrayal of his racial identity. It represented a moment of internal conflict and a step toward self-acceptance, which he later repudiated as destructive. His experience underscores the importance of embracing natural Black beauty and rejecting societal pressures that seek to diminish it.

Although the story recounts historical practices, the underlying themes of racial identity and conformity remain relevant today. The pressure to conform to certain beauty standards persists, particularly through social media influences that promote Eurocentric features as ideals. These ongoing pressures can cause internal conflict and impact self-esteem among young Black individuals. Recognizing these issues underscores the importance of promoting natural beauty and cultural pride in contemporary society, making the topic still pertinent in addressing ongoing racial and cultural self-awareness issues.

References

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