My comments

Kimberly-

I can totally relate to what you said about how books can be some sort of escape from reality. Like movies, books can introduce you to a totally different world and make you forget about the difficulties of your own reality. I guess that’s how Malcolm felt when he was reading his books in prison. His current state was so sad, but he was able to escape it all by reading books 24/7. Everyday I hear people claiming that books are stupid and a waste of time, and I can't help but imagine what they are missing. also, when you said "I know that especially when I am stressed, the two things I turn to are a good book and music", I realized that reading can also be very therapeutic, and even similar to meditation.

Ashley –

I agree entirely with what you said. My parents are like yours; my dad is Norwegian and my mom is Armenian. Personally, I don't care if a person is white, black, brown, or yellow. People are people, and their skin color has absolutely nothing to do with anything. People of different races are not smarter or better than each other. If everybody was blind, no one would be able to tell the difference between a black person and a white person. I also think that last quote you put " Forget stereotypes; everybody's different" shows the pointlessness of racism. You can't judge an ENTIRE race of people based on one person just because they look the same.

Shayna –

Shayna, I really can't imagine what you and your family went through when your sister got sick, but I'm happy she's doing better now. But personally, I have my doubts about life being all written down. I guess the reason that idea is so popular is that it is comforting, since, then technically, people aren't really at fault for things that happen in their lives. But I strongly believe that life is what YOU make it to be. You are in control of what happens or doesn't happen in your life. Things happen to everyone, it doesn't matter if they are good or bad; deserving or undeserving. The point is how you deal with what is in the present. The fact that your sister is all better now proves that she and everyone close to her took control of the problem and overcame it. Now I assume everyone is stronger from that trying experience.

Jamie –

After reading this, it became so clear to me how Barack Obama is a perfect example of how Malcolm said black people have to help themselves. I mean, today, a black man holds the highest position of power in the US! And just like you said, he not only inspired black people, but every minority in America. The fact that someone like Obama is president today, when about 50 years ago, he wouldn't be able to use the same bathroom as white people still amazes me. I remember in history class, it was mentioned that Obama walked down the republican hallway exit, or something like that, which Dinardo-White explained was an extremely bold move towards political unity. So he not only broke down the barriers of racism, but he also working towards uniting America as a whole. That's one of the countless reasons I respect him so much.