Homemade Education And Living With Dyslexia By Gareth Cook

Language is a skill that, if used properly, can open up a variety of opportunities in life. Throughout the readings of “Homemade Education” by Malcolm X and “Living with Dyslexia” by Gareth Cook, we see many difficulties and challenges that people overcome when they are put in the face of language. Like many things, there are many different aspects that shape the way we understand the art of language. Throughout culture, perspective, and language we see all the components that make language so powerful. It is made very clear, that language has the power to promote the shaping of one’s identity.

What if language was just taken away from you? Would you be able to express yourself still, or better yet, fight for something you believe in? A way

When reading the essay “Living with Dyslexia” by Gareth Cook, we come to an understanding that language may not be as simple to learn for one person as it is for another. After keeping his disorder a secret for more than 15 years, he finally decides to “…come out of the closet” (Pg. 158). Throughout the essay we see the struggles that Gareth is faced with, but we also see the motivation that he has. At the end of the essay he says “Its never going to be easy, but put your heart into it and you will blow them away.” (Pg. 159). This quote is clearly shows the significance of perspective. If you have a positive outlook on a subject, you choose how to handle it. That is exactly what Gareth Cook does. He pushes through the difficulties he has, because he is motivated to learn the power of language. He further explains that you will eventually get to where you want to be, but it just might take a bit longer. He writes to inspire the kids that are too living with dyslexia with hopes to shed some light during difficult and confusing times. Like language, one’s perspective can dramatically alter one’s identity. In previous year, the power of language was feared. Dictators took away the right of language from people like journalists, because they held the real power. They had the power to write about the issues and share them with the rest of the world. How someone choses to act upon a subject based off their beliefs

When Malcolm X feels frustrated about not being able to convey his passion in words towards a subject he feels strongly about, he decides to vigorously study the dictionary to expand his vocabulary and writing skills. He calls himself “one of the most articulate hustlers out there” (pg. 143), but is barely able to read the words of most book. After numerous tablets filled with millions of words copied from the dictionary, reading a book became less of a challenge. By learning how to adequately read and write, it was like a “new world had opened” (Pg. 144) for him. While imprisoned, reading became an escape for him allowing his mine to stay occupied in the months of his stay. In the last sentence Malcolm X states “In fact, up until then, I never had been so truly free in my life.” (Pg. 144) telling the reader that illiteracy can hold one back in life from being able to do something in which they feel strongly about. This essay is a great example of how language can be much more than just having the ability to speak it. Although someone may be able to speak a language with slang or other jargon, it is a real skill to be able to read and write. The 21st generation is filled with slang and improper grammar that many people look past, but when doing things like writing a letter or applying for a job, it can make or break you. When writing something, such as a letter, the