Too Controversial?

What makes Richard a great man and lead character in “Black Boy” is his will. Richard fights for what he believes in, usually causing him to risk his life. Part of Richard’s goal in this book is to receive a good enough education to make a decent amount of money. Money gives you power and freedom, an unfortunate fact of life. The more power and freedom he has the more effective he can be when trying to make a change. Wright’s need to receive a higher education and his challenge of the Southern way of life puts him in a compromising position in chapter eight.
In chapter eight Wright is elected valedictorian of his class and is asked to write a speech for graduation day. Later Wright’s principal asks Wright to read a speech already written. Wright refuses, indignant that his principal would even ask. Wright realizes his principal is just as stuck as he in the south. His job is in jeopardy if Richard doesn’t read the prewritten speech. “I was talking to a “bought” man and he was trying to ‘buy” me.” says Wright.
Richard is justified in refusing to read the speech. If everyone gave in and said, “Welp, that’s just they way things work and there is nothing we can do about it” (cough* objectification of women in the media cough* cough*) there would never be a change in our world. Richard’s goal has always been never to give in, to fight for what he believes is right or wrong. If everyone turned on their brain and woke up to the world around them maybe good ol’ gee-dubya wouldn’t be in office. oops