Makes Me Wanna Holler Essay Example

in the cavalier manor area. Due to the high population density in cavalier manor, it was easier for black Americans to form a political movement. This movement was created to address their concerns including security, equal job opportunities, access to quality education, protection against discrimination, healthcare, government services, and fair representation in the government. The movement also focused on promoting unity and education among the black community. In contrast, the white individuals in Academy Park had access to all government services and lived luxurious lives at the expense of the black community. After McCall's brother obtained a driver's license, they would steal their grandfather's car and go to Academy Park specifically to target and attack white youths. They believed that by doing this, they could seek retribution for the injustices inflicted upon their fellow black individuals.

Nathan's experience in elementary school was like that of any other black American. He had potential and achieved good grades in his exams. However, in 1966, he joined Alfred Junior Mapps High School, an all-white school. This new environment made him feel superior to his siblings who attended all-black schools, which were considered to have substandard education. Alfred Junior had superior learning facilities and highly intelligent individuals supporting the education system.

Despite these advantages, Nathan faced slurs and humiliation from the community. He quickly experienced racism firsthand and grew tired of the pressure put on him by racist white individuals. He questioned why his fellow Americans would humiliate him solely based on his skin color, something he did not choose.

As a result, Nathan's parents decided to transfer him to W.E. Waters, an all-black school. Here, things were easier for him. He

could freely socialize with his fellow black students and feel a sense of belonging. He formed new friendships that did not necessarily contribute positively to his education. The challenges of adolescence and peer pressure caused him to lose his virtuous qualities. The Nathan that we initially knew as Bonnie's son in the beginning of the novel changed drastically.

He began seeking instant rewards and turned to activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, gang rape, and other immoral behaviors. Eventually, he learned to hate as much as the white individuals did towards him and his comrades.The text discusses the concept of respect among black individuals in a segregated society. It emphasizes the importance placed on personal image and gaining respect through aggressive behavior and dressing well. The example of Nathan clashing with his supervisor at a construction site is given to illustrate this point. Despite losing his job, Nathan's actions are admired by his fellow black coworkers who see it as a heroic act. However, Jim, while serving time in jail, advises Nathan to show respect to his fellow inmates.

Nathan lacked responsibility and blamed others for his misfortunes and shortcomings. He even harbored hatred towards his biological mother and grandmother. Despite this, there were instances where he showed mercy to those suffering, like when he witnessed a group of black men raping a woman and felt an urge to rescue her. However, it is ironic that he himself raped women instead of protecting and uplifting them, motivated by a desire to prove his own masculinity. Nathan became a father at the age of seventeen but only married his wife because she was pregnant with his two sons.

He neglected other pregnant women, including Liz, and only cared about his own well-being, resulting in his eventual divorce. Even when encountering the women he had molested later in life, he never offered apologies, exposing his coldness and lack of compassion. Nathan's view of love was shallow, as he only believed in compatibility. While initially a successful student who garnered respect from his peers, Nathan ultimately succumbed to the changing environment and lost his footing.Hatred and fear of white people deeply affected McCall's experience at Alfred Junior Mapps High School, an all-white institution. Instead of focusing on his studies, he had to battle feelings of dejection, hopelessness, discrimination, and fear towards white individuals. This confusion ultimately led him to transfer to W.E. Waters, an all-black school where he felt a sense of shared resentment with his fellow African American students. However, this change in environment proved detrimental to his academic performance. The newfound freedom he experienced distanced him from the strong work ethic instilled by his stepfather. McCall's new friends and comrades pulled him away from his schoolwork, and the allure of obtaining desires without hesitation was too enticing for him to resist. Despite being respected among his black peers for his sharp dress style, McCall began to neglect his primary objectives in school. His friends played a significant role in his academic downfall as they spent class time engaging in unlawful activities, such as robbing a McDonald's restaurant. As a result, Nathan found himself in prison instead of attending classes. The various environments he was exposed to had lured him into a life of crime, an option he had never considered before. The allure

of instant gratification and rewards that crime offered appealed more to his adolescent mind than the values of hard work and legitimate trade.Despite witnessing their parents trying to earn money legitimately, the allure of easy gains was overwhelming for Nathan. Peer pressure and the influence of bad friends caused an unexpected change in his character. He desired recognition from his friends and others, hoping to gain fame. Nathan used hatred as a justification for engaging in criminal activities for financial gain. Given the difficulties faced by black youths in finding good employment, they often resorted to unlawful activities that provided substantial earnings. The youths had no desire for patience or enduring trials. As a means to instill discipline and rehabilitate wayward citizens, the government established prisons. Nathan, once a needy citizen, experienced a transformation while serving his term thanks to the strong work ethics advocated by his stepfather Bonnie. The prison administrators recognized this change in Nathan's mindset and offered him the opportunity to work as a librarian, granting him access to neglected books. Through reading works like Richard Wright's "The Native Son," he confronted his anger, hopelessness, and fear head-on. The prison administrators, following Christian rules, temporarily suspended Muslim rules. Influenced by consistent advice and persuasion from fellow inmate Jim, Nathan converted to Islam.Jim always warned Nathan that white people were using Christianity to mistreat black people. The influence of fellow inmate, Mo Battle, opened Nathan's eyes to the truth. Mo Battle often said, "life is like chess and there are consequences for every move." These words acted as a catalyst for Nathan's thirst for change and knowledge. Consequently, Nathan learned how to print

while in prison, ensuring him a place at Norfolk University after his release. In black American society, a father figure provides a sense of belonging, although sometimes it can be disturbing. Without a father figure in the family, children often doubt themselves. Nathan was not pleased when he received news of becoming a father. He rejected many women whom he had gotten pregnant, such as Liz. Furthermore, he was frustrated when he found out he had fathered two sons. On page 114, he questions, "how was I supposed to guide a new life when I couldn't even direct my own?" Despite finding it challenging to ignore his past experiences while working with the so-called superior whites, Nathan devoted himself to bridging the gap. He found it difficult to trust his coworkers, allowing the white people to manipulate him and becoming what he considered a passive "nigro." Initially, he approached social gatherings at work with skepticism, but later on trusted a white person who claimed not to be racist. Reading "Make Me Wanna Holler" leaves readers stunned and questioning.