The Ethics Of Living Jim Crow

"The Ethics Of Living Jim Crow" was a heart wrenching autobiography about the struggles of life from an African Americans point of view. Richard Wright poured emotion into the writing so it felt as if you were walking in his footsteps. The vivid images that cross the readers mind stick and make you think about what he had to go through growing up. Life as a child for Wright was not a walk in the park. He had to watch what came out of his mouth, where he wondered, and who he was surrounded by. Wright was faced with many difficult choices as he matured, but he always found a way to choose the right option. Growing up for Wright was extremely different than the youth have it today.

In school, we learn about the racial discrimination that has happened in our countries past. We all sit and listen and learn what we are tested on, but in reality it is much more than that. Wright brought the segregation to life. Starting as a young boy, Wright "engaged in a war with the white boys". His mother then slapped him and beat him saying that was unacceptable. Later in his life, work became a struggle as well. Never having the right to stand up for myself or anyone else would be a challenge for me. Wright had to go through his career at many workplaces doing exactly as he was told. If he did not agree or approve, he had to keep it to himself in risk of being killed. Once Wright made the move to Memphis, his standards were raised to another level. Though he was still not equal to the white men,  he was able to engage in conversation and have his voice be heard for a change. It is amazing that something so minuscule can make such a large difference in the big picture of life.

 The color of their skin was everything. Nobody cared if they knew physics or calculus; their skin was still black. The ethics involved in discrimination is heartbreaking; Reading about Wright's life was eyeopening to me. I did not realize how brutal life could be for some people. I am very thankful for everything that I have because some people are unfortunately not as lucky as the rest of us and nothing can be taken for granted.