Memoire Wordle

Comparing "Hair" and " Theme For English B"

A topic that influenced both "Hair" by Malcolm X and "Theme For English B" is the racist society around the time that both authors lived in. Their writing was affectected by it because the theme for both is racial identity, or finding a place in society as a coloured man. However, the theme is treated differently between the two pieces. "Hair" exaplains or signifies that the author was in the state of trying to fit in society and denying his racial identity in a way. He feels that it is neccessary for him to change his appearence to get a right spot in society. On the other hand, "Theme for English B" has explained that the author acknowleges that their places in society are considered different, but knows that his appearence should not change the way that he is treated. He shows less effort to fit in. He is aware of the fact that the African Americans are still a part of Caucasian Americans.

Reflections on "Hair" by Malcolm X

1.     I think Malcolm X alters the tone of the piece at the end to make a clear distinction between his past and present thoughts. The last paragraph of the memoire was supposed to conclude his experience of getting his hair dyed. His purpose was to show that he no longer agreed with his actions in the past. The change in his tone signifies his change in thought and view in life. It’s like he was ashamed of himself for changing his hair color.

2.     Firstly, when I first read the memoire, I assumed that Malcolm X would be a strong Christian. After learning that he had established his own Muslim organization, I was surprised but this stilled proved that his beliefs were strong for his religion. I never had a pleasant opinion about Malcolm X even though I never knew him. The informal language in the memoire made that first impression worse. However, after reading about his change in belief when he was betrayed by the person he looked up to, my impression of became more positive. Reading his biography didn’t have a big change on my understanding on my story. It was hard for me to make a connection between the changes of his beliefs to his realization of the fact that black people should be happy the way they are. I can make connections between his change in opinion about dying his hair in the past and his change in opinion about NOI. It was hard to find a direct connection for me to have a better understanding in anyway.