Comparing Frederick Douglass And Learning To Read

Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, and David Raymond, the authors of “Learning to Read,” “Learning to Read,” and “On Being 17, Bright, and Unable to Read,” respectively, shared the same passion for learning how to read and write. The three authors had different aspirations and motivations, but they all wanted to learn and become literate. Each author knew that being literate was important, but it was important for their own individual reason. For instance, Douglass learned how to read and write in hopes of being free. Malcolm X learned to read and write when Bimbi flaunted his knowledge. Raymond was determined to learn how to read to prevent himself from being furthered bully, along with teaching adults that dyslexia is a real and serious disorder. The outcome of the authors learning to read and write proved not only to be beneficial to the authors in the long run, but to the audience that they were reaching out to. …show more content…
Douglass would often make “friends of all the little white boys whom [he] met in the street” and trade bread with them in exchange for reading lessons. Douglass would also “[find] time to get a lesson before [his] return.” “Every opportunity [he] got, [he] used to read [his] book,” and he wanted to show his gratitude and affection to the little boys who taught him how to read. Douglass’ hard work, dedication, and appreciation in being taught and learning how to read shows his determination in improving his literacy and to seek freedom. Although the outcome of his literacy resulted in him believing that “learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing,” Douglass ultimately became a successful advocate through his social reforms and speeches. Douglass’ end belief of literacy is in contrast to the other two authors, Malcolm X and