Comparing Malcom X and Sherman Alexie

Both Sherman Alexie and Malcom X were quite similar.   They were both self-taught how to read and were both from poor socioeconomic situations.  But both were in quite different situations as well.  Malcom X taught himself to read while in prison.  He used the dictionary and copied down every word from the first page and then read the page over and over again.  Then he continued to do this until he had copied the entire dictionary.  When finished, he read books to help to continue his literacy.  Sherman Alexie taught himself to read but at a much younger age.  He would read every book available to him.  If he was able to get his hands on it he would read it, whether it be a comic book, newspaper, manual, or anything with words on it.  This is quite an astonishing task for a young child to teach himself to read. 
Their race, class, and socioeconomic statuses played a huge role in situations.  Both Alexie and Malcom were from poorer and lower socioeconomic families.  Also both were minorities; Sherman Alexie was Native American and Malcom X was African American.  People from lower socioeconomic situations are not given the same educational opportunities that people from higher socioeconomic situations.