Mr. Ostrowski - Malcolm X

A particular conversation that Malcolm X had with his teacher, Mr. Ostrowski, really touched me. Malcolm's teacher was always supportive and accepting of him. Earlier, Malcom quoted, "'I had gotten some of my best marks under him, and h had always made me feel that he liked me'" (Haley 37). However, one day a conversation concerning Malcolm's future and career path was sparked. Mr. Ostrowski was quick to put down Malcolm when Malcolm expressed his aspiration to become a lawyer. Malcolm recites, "Mr. Ostrowski looked surprised, I remember, and leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands behind his head. He kind of half-smiled and said, 'Malcolm, one of life's first needs is for us to be realistic. Don't misunderstand me now. We all here like you, you know that. But you've got to be realistic about being a nigger. A lawyer - that's no realistic goal for a nigger'" (Haley 39). Here, Mr. Ostrowski, a man who had always treated Malcolm so righteously, smacked him so far down. This passage broke my heart because already Malcolm knew that so many people had such little faith in him, and he had never expected his genuine and fair teacher to be another. This passage truly depicts the reality of the time: inequality was undeniable. Even the kindest people knew better than to believe that a 'nigger' could ever achieve the same success as a white person could.