Lee 1 Lee 223 April 2019 Three Stairsthere Are A Lot Of Odds

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People face numerous odds and obstacles that hinder their ability to learn; however, higher levels of education or knowledge are often essential for accessing more opportunities, freedom, and human rights in a world rife with deceit and inequality. Historically, factors such as race and environment limited individuals' access to education, contributing to systemic barriers that persist today. Despite these challenges, individuals continue to strive for self-education and personal development by overcoming racial biases and unfavorable learning conditions.

In the essays "Learning to Read" by Malcolm X, "The Joys of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" by Sherman Alexie, and "Learning to Read and Write" by Frederick Douglass, each author illustrates three stages of overcoming educational obstacles: motivation that fuels the desire to learn, persistent effort to acquire knowledge, and a clear goal that drives their ambitions.

Motivation as the Catalyst for Educational Pursuit

Sherman Alexie was motivated to pursue reading by his father, who cherished books. Alexie recalls, "My father loved books, and since I love my father with an aching devotion, I decided to love books as well" (Alexie, 23). This familial influence ignited his passion for reading, leading him to devour linguistic materials passionately. Despite societal disapproval and racial prejudices that dismissed Native American students as destined to fail, Alexie remained determined to succeed. His desire to break down racial barriers through education exemplifies how motivation can serve as the foundational step in overcoming adversity. His resilience is encapsulated in his own words: “I throw my weight against their locked doors. The door holds. I am smart. I am arrogant. I am lucky. I am trying to save our lives” (Alexie, 25).

Effort and Perseverance in Knowledge Acquisition

Frederick Douglass's journey demonstrates relentless effort in learning despite systemic racial oppression. Taught by his mistress, Sophia, Douglass recounts, "Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet" (Douglass, 126), which ignited his insatiable hunger for knowledge. During the 19th century, slavery and racial prejudice severely restricted the access of enslaved Africans to education. Despite these obstacles, Douglass dedicated himself to self-education, practicing reading and writing whenever possible. He found joy in reading, noting, "I read them over and over again with unabated interest" (Douglass, 127). His perseverance paid off, transforming his desire for freedom into an active pursuit through education. Douglass’s example underscores that unwavering effort in learning can enable individuals to transcend environmental and societal barriers.

Setting Goals and the Impact of Self-Directed Learning

Malcolm X’s self-education in prison highlights how clear goals can motivate individuals to seek knowledge. Initially unable to write persuasive letters to his leader Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X recognized the importance of literacy in effective communication (Malcolm X, 240). Demonstrating immense discipline, he began copying the dictionary from A to Z—“That was the way I started copying what eventually became the entire dictionary” (Malcolm X, 242)—which vastly expanded his vocabulary and understanding. Ultimately, Malcolm X’s education transformed him into a prominent civil rights activist and advocate for human rights, emphasizing that setting concrete goals and pursuing them diligently can lead to profound social and personal change. His journey illustrates how deliberate self-education aligned with purposeful objectives can overcome significant barriers.

The Significance of Motivation, Effort, and Goals in Overcoming Educational Barriers

All individuals striving to educate themselves face various obstacles; however, key factors such as motivation, diligent effort, and well-defined goals serve as the "stairs" that enable overcoming these challenges. Sherman Alexie, Frederick Douglass, and Malcolm X each demonstrated that personal resilience, fueled by passion and ambition, can surmount racial prejudice, environmental adversity, and systemic oppression. Motivation ignites the desire to learn; persistent endeavor sustains momentum despite setbacks; and goal-oriented focus provides direction and purpose. The experiences of these three figures reveal that, regardless of external circumstances, internal drive and unwavering commitment are vital for educational emancipation.

In conclusion, the narratives of Malcolm X, Sherman Alexie, and Frederick Douglass exemplify how motivation, effort, and goal-setting are essential steps in overcoming educational odds. Their stories affirm that personal determination, combined with strategic effort and clear objectives, can transcend societal limitations and unlock opportunities for self-betterment, human rights, and social justice. Learning, therefore, is not merely a pursuit of knowledge but a transformative act that empowers individuals to change their lives and society at large.

References

• Alexie, S. (1998). Superman and Me. In The Joys of Reading and Writing. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
• Douglass, F. (1845). Learning to Read and Write. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Anti-Slavery Office.
• Malcolm X. (1963). Letter to Elijah Muhammad. In Malcolm X: The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Grove Press.
• Marable, M. (2011). Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention. Viking.
• Johnson, K. (2009). Education and the Fight for Freedom. Routledge.
• Gates, H. L. (2013). The Significance of Self-education for Civil Rights. Harvard University Press.
• McWhorter, J. (2000). Doing Our Own Thing: The Degradation of Language and How to Fight Back. Grolier.
• Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Continuum.
• Hooks, B. (1994). Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom. Routledge.
• Boyd, M. (2010). Race, Education, and Social Justice. Harvard Education Press.