A couple of weeks ago I ran across a collection of essays that included a couple of important pieces on the importance and value of reading.  While these kinds of essays may be a dime a dozen these two stood out for me as being of particular importance.  The main reason for this is the identity and life experience of the writers. 

The first essay is simply entitled "Learning How to Read and Write" and was written by Frederick Douglass.  In this paper Douglass focuses on the importance of learning how to read and the dangers he faced when making the effort to grow into a new life beyond slavery.  The second piece is simply entitled "Learning How to Read" and was by written by the controversial Malcolm X.  It dealt with the process he used in order to learn how to read. 

Both writers were African Americans struggling with imprisonment.  Douglass was imprisoned by the blinkered thinking and violence of his masters and slavery in general while X was doing time in an actual jail cell. 

For both individuals reading opened up the world in a way that helped them build new lives and contribute to the building of a new and renewed community. 

For whatever reason, it seems as if we're living in an age that doesn't value reading in the same way our ancestors omce did.  Perhaps it's because we take it for granted and can't understand how it can inspire and challenge us to new ways and opportunities.  Perhaps it's because we live in a world of relative safety where we can read without the fear of death or injury. 

For both Douglass and Malcolm X reading saved their lives and helped them save others.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons why we have to encourage students and the general public itself to continue making the effort to read and think and find out more about the world around them.  Douglass and X both rose above poverty and slavery to build a new future with the people around them.  These are important reminders for those of us living in a time where we value everything that is safe, instant and easy. 

Mike