Turning Point In 'Warriors Don T Cry'

Can turning points in a single person’s life change a whole society? A turning point can be described as an unexpected event that changes something into a completely different direction in a person’s life which could be positive or negative. People who endure a life-changing event can respond positively or negatively. In the autobiography, “I Never Had it Made” by Jackie Robinson, the memoir “Warriors Don’t Cry” by Melba Pattillo Beals, and the article, “The Father of Chinese Aviation”, by Rebecca Maksel, each of the individuals faced turning points. The individuals, Jackie Robinson, Melba Pattillo Beals, and Feng Ru have greatly impacted their country and many lives, including themselves, by facing very hard challenges in their lives.

Jackie

Robinson was chosen to integrate Major League Baseball during a time in history when blacks were barred from it. On his path to become the first black player in the MLB, he had to endure many challenges, such as racism expressed by insults, physical threats to harm, and pressure from his teammates, other baseball owners, and fans. In paragraph three of the text, Robinson states, “There were threats against me and my family and even out-and-out attempts at physical harm to me.” This quote explains that he was threatened and challenged by others. Despite the racism he faced, he grew and developed through the support, encouragement, and love shown to him by supporters- the children and black fans. Nonetheless, Jackie Robinson was picked to integrate the MLB when blacks were not allowed to be a part of it, and Robinson did just that.

Like Jackie Robinson, Melba Pattillo Beals was chosen to integrate all schools of America. On her path to become one of thee first black students in an all-white school, she had to endure racism expressed by actions from white people. In paragraph thirteen of the text, Beals states, “Some of the white people looked totally horrified, while others raised their fists to us. Others shouted ugly words.” This quote explains that she was threatened by white people. Regardless of the racism she faced, she grew and developed through love and support by supporters- other black people. In conclusion, Melba Pattillo Beals and the Little Rock Nine integrated all schools of America and helped integrate America greatly.

Like both Jackie Robinson and Melba Pattillo Beals, Feng Ru also faced a turning point that helped his country and helped integrate America.

On his path to become the first Chinese aviator, he had to face many challenges, such as racism expressed through anti-Chinese sentiment by Western Americans. In the paragraph four of the article, the text states, “‘He was staggered by America’s power and prosperity. He understood that industrialization made the country great, and felt that industrialization can do the same for China.’” this was a turning point because he was amazed and in complete disbelief of the idea of industrialization. This made Feng Ru want to do the same for China, his home country, to make it better through aviation and he was later extremely dedicated into doing so. In paragraph ten of the article, the author states “Feng was leaving just in time: anti-Chinese sentiment was on the rise in the American West, and the Oregonian reported of the pilot’s latest flight.” This quote explains that racism was spreading and that is was good that Feng Ru because he would have faced racial tension if he were to stay in America. This was good that he left also because he could have been distracted from the anti-Chinese sentiment and would not have been focused on his goal- to bring aviation to his home country, China, to make it better. This could have changed everything. Despite the racism he could have faced, he grew and developed from the inspiration from the Wright Brothers, the idea of aviation, and the pressure from his family. Nonetheless, Feng Ru was inspired to affect his home country, China, and Feng Ru did exactly that by facing multiple turning points is his

life.

Finally, Jackie Robinson, Melba Pattillo Beals, and Feng Ru have greatly all faced life altering events, or turning points, that have greatly impacted many lives. Thanks to Jackie Robinson, showing that all races can do the same things, Melba Pattillo Beals showing America that segregation was not the correct path to follow, and Feng Ry showing that anyone or any race can do great things, they shaped America into what it is today.