How I Learned To Read And Write By Frederick Douglass?

Every person learns from his or her environment, and especially from those who surround them. However, if the community does not provide the necessary needs for education, there is a deprivation of learning and a chance of not developing a thriving community. Frederick Douglass demonstrates the importance of pursuing an education in an unsupportive community in “How I Learned to Read and Write.” Douglass’s education grows due to those who surround him by tricking boys to teach him unintentionally. Education includes the perspective which affects an individual's opinion. Douglass focuses his teachers, the community, and how those individuals view the world, so Douglass can understand what they believe. A community starts to grow because the

Individuals use courage to educate community member by approaching unfamiliar people. Once Douglass knows the basis of communication he uses his knowledge and his courage. He remarks, “[A]nd seeing two Irishmen unloading a scow of stone, I went, unasked, and helped them. When we had finished, one of them came to me and asked, ‘Are ye a slave for life?’” (Douglass, 2014, p. 133). Douglass’s courage helps him learn to ask strangers if they need help with medial tasks which advances his education. The two Irishmen respond to Douglass, and they do not simplify what they say as if they assume he had no education. Douglass learns that not every individual facilitates conversations. Douglass’s courage also allows him to approach other individuals to teach him. Douglass claims, “After that, when I met with any boy who I knew could write, I would tell him I could write as well as he. The next word would be, ‘I don’t believe you. Let me see you try it.’” (Douglass, 2014, p. 134). Douglass communicates with the boys by challenging them to write. To test the boys takes courage from Douglass, and even more so to have the boys accept the challenge. Challenges form educational bonds because both parties involved not only see what each side fights for but why that side fights for it. The courage it takes to challenge someone leads to those spending time together understanding one another, even if it is a quick challenge. Bravery and community complement each other, but Douglass’s courage would not happen without his prior