The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and me

My first reading in my College writing class is an essay written by Sherman Alexie. He writes about himself;about his experiences as a child growing up in a reservation. My blog post answers the first question: What is Superman doing in the comic book panel Alexie remembers? Why is it important to remember this detail at the very end of the essay?

The answer to the first part of the question is pretty straightforward. Superman is breaking down the door.

The significance of this detail is seen at the end of the last paragraph when Alexie says, "I throw my weight against their locked doors."  Alexie compares himself to Superman. As he tries his best to embolden the "sullen and already defeated Indian kids," he becomes in a sense their superhero, the hero to break them out of their plight. What's their response? They refuse to be reasoned with, rather "the door" -the hurdle that blocks their logic- "holds." Unlike Superman who breaks the literal door, Alexie cannot break the figurative door. His goal to save the "sullen" childrens' lives is shattered by their pertinence satisfaction with the status quo.

Reading this article made me think about my experiences with reading and writing growing up. Learning to read saved Alexie's life. I do not know if it was a life changing event for me, but I do know, for the most part, it made me who I am today. The value I placed in education, and still do, is the reason for my achievements. Just like Alexie and Superman, it is important for me to break the doors for other people to see the value of a learning and education. Forget about a college education, if you want to, learning is key. Do not misinterpret my advice, as perhaps to say, I am against a college education. I am in college. Yet, I do know growth is more than been in a college setting. You have to learn in college to succeed. Just because you go to college does not make you any more mature or knowledgeable than the other person. It is about making use of what you are given, through formal education or informal education. Thus, I have to show the generation behind me the satisfaction of being yourself and trying your best to improve yourself in all aspects of life be it spiritual, moral or intellectual. I may not "break the door," at least not for all, but I can definitely say I tried.