https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy After reading "My First Conk" and "Saved," post a comment for each excerpt with a brief, quality response that discusses your opinions of the text and Malcolm X in general. What did you think about his claims? What he learned? Do you agree with his platform? en-us 2021-05-11 10:51:57 UTC 2025-11-30 20:29:11 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1512983035 i think his claim is important because it talks about how he hopes no black person gets a conk because its not a hairstyle for black people considering your straightening the hair.  - Samiya C. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:22:04 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1512983035 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1512991734 my thoughts on saved is that its sad how little access people can have to books that ultimately help people on a day to day basics but i think Malcolm X did a good job for learning how to read to educate people later on in the future. - Samiya C. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:24:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1512991734 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1512992207 By focusing on a specific experience from his life, he is able to talk about the wider issue of white appearances being the beauty standard, which many black people feel societal pressure to fit into, even if it may harm them. Something as simple as a hairstyle is evidence that black people are degraded and shamed for nearly every aspect of their existence.]]> 2021-05-11 12:24:43 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1512992207 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513001058 I think Malcolm X was right in mentioning that hair is an important part of being proud of who you are as a black person. I enjoyed the last statement that your mind is worth more than your appearance, and I agree that is disheartening that we live in a world where natural hair can be seen as unprofessional or deter someone from you. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:27:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513001058 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513013750 I think it is a sad that prisons give people more motivation to be educated than the school systems, and something should be done about the way we educate people in America. However, I admire Malcolm X for dedicating his readings to further help people and use his education for good. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:31:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513013750 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513032337 The significance of this story is important because African men conked their hairs to unify their existence with white people and it's a form of black self-degradation because it's more of a white appearance.]]> 2021-05-11 12:36:30 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513032337 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513036574 2021-05-11 12:37:40 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513036574 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513044622 The claim in saved is important to let known . I think the books he was and or is creating ois good to support his claim because hes powerful and straight up about it . His books educate many young people and adults too til this day .]]> 2021-05-11 12:39:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513044622 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513049744 This part of the biography reminds me a lot of Emma Lou and her struggles to fit in with people in her surroundings, and I think it matches the narrative of millions of people around the world who feel the need to change their appearance in order to fit in with others. I also think that the changes to the hair presented new fashion and a revolution of style that was characteristic to a particular group of black men during this time. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:41:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513049744 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513051392 With him being black and proud , was really shown . With his hair was already supporting his claim.. He didn't think of what people thought about him or his hair , he was proud of it .]]> 2021-05-11 12:41:50 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513051392 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513059527 2021-05-11 12:44:03 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513059527 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513071076 The significance of this story is Malcolm X studying and copying out the entire dictionary so he could acquire knowledge of words he didn't know and it shows that he was very logical in his works.]]> 2021-05-11 12:47:03 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513071076 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513078912 I think it's amazing that he took his time in prison as a time to educate himself. That was a good use of his time but it would have been better if he didn't have to go to prison in order to get there. Doing what you can to better yourself in the face of adversity is one of the truest forms of strength that anyone can have. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:48:58 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513078912 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513090113 I think people should be allowed to style their hair however they want. It shouldn't matter how someone changes their hair or wears eccentric clothing. A person's appearance isn't the whole person. His first conk should have been a fun experience but it was ruined because of what people's stereotypes are. It's ridiculous that people get upset over something like that. ]]> 2021-05-11 12:51:52 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513090113 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513131970 In my opinion I think when Malcolm X went to jail, it shaped his character to become the man we now today as Malcolm X. ]]> 2021-05-11 13:01:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513131970 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513162538 His time in prison really shaped who Malcolm X was as a man. The fact that he was in a prison which, being focused on rehabilitation, encouraged reading and education was a blessing, as it allowed him to pursue academic and political growth that would guide his life once he is released. - Conner M]]> 2021-05-11 13:08:27 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513162538 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513631483 This ]]> 2021-05-11 14:44:12 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513631483 apavena https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513980604 It's amazing that Malcolm X utilized his time in prison by studying, whether it be writing or reading for hours at a time. His statement about prison providing better education than a college, however, was concerning. He's correct, though, college has tons of distractions that prevent you from getting the proper education you need. It's worrying that prison can provide better education than school.]]> 2021-05-11 15:51:38 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1513980604 spbrown5 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1514873574 One thing that is very powerful about Malcolm X's writing, is that it is all personal. My First Conk goes through the experience of Malcolm having to get a hairstyle that fits white people opinion on how hair should be. I believe that we all need to accept the fact that we are different and move on. Black people's hair is part of their culture, and isn't something they should have to shift for other people's believes. I agree, with Malcolm's platform on how he addresses this issue. Like i said before something that makes Malcolm's writing powerful is personal experience and that really shins through this powerful piece. ]]> 2021-05-11 18:54:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1514873574 spbrown5 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1514937931 Malcolm fought for what he wanted and that is why he spent time in jail studying. This was a very powerful piece. Reading this made me feel a little sad Malcolm and the things he has to go through. But I was also proud of how determined he was

]]> 2021-05-11 19:11:23 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1514937931 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1515942912 For one I'm just amazed at how well Malcom took the pain of getting a conk ( which is the same thing as a relaxer) because I've seen reactions of people who have gotten it and it was not so good. But I think that his claims in this excerpt is very 2 faced because he for one got a relaxer because he wanted a look a certain way but at the same time he was also criticizing other black men and women on how ignorant they were by changing there hairstyles based off of how the white people looked. Although he was criticizing other African Americans for doing something that he didn't want them to do but did it himself, I think that he learned in the end that is he had listened to what the inside was telling him rather than the outside that he would have been better off. ]]> 2021-05-12 01:56:06 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1515942912 apavena https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1515973208 The shame in having hair that isn't naturally straight has existed for hundreds of years for black people, and the pain Malcom X describes he went through to get that "ideal" hair just doesn't seem worth it. People look ridiculous wearing wigs and burning their heads to be something they're not. They should appreciate and show off their natural hair like he grew to do.]]> 2021-05-12 02:08:08 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1515973208 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1515990704 This except was very powerful to me because it showed me how even at your worst times in life there is always some good that can come out of that experience. For Malcom when he went to prison at first he wasn't able to make the most out of the situation because he could barley read, write, and speak proper English. Until one day he got tired of not being able to read or write so instead of just sitting there letting time just passed he decided to start putting his focus on studying the dictionary until he was able to finally be able to read a book and understand it. Which is why I do agree with his platform and some of his claims because I do believe that in life sometimes you gotta take 10 steps backwards just to take 5 steps forward which means that sometimes you gotta hit rock like he did just to come out on top even stronger. ]]> 2021-05-12 02:14:44 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1515990704 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1516408208 Personally i feel like when malcolm X was going to jail and in that jail time i feel like his character really shaped  in to malcolm X and with his words he was a really powerful man and the pain that he went to really gave him a wide perspective on life and made him
 wise man. ]]> 2021-05-12 05:59:09 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1516408208 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517052585 when Malcolm X was in jail i feel like he had enough time to figure out who he was and what he wanted to do wit his life and how to help other people save theirs.]]> 2021-05-12 11:50:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517052585 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517056375 a lot of men were insecure about their hair in the 1960s, so they would conk their hair and i think malcolm X was really just trying to teach them that they shouldn't do anything with themself even if they are insecure ]]> 2021-05-12 11:52:04 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517056375 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517546349 I watched an autobiography of Malcom X the other night and a scene of his first conk was included. I'm grateful I got to read more about how they work, why they were popular, and how they went out of fashion. It puts that scene into perspective.]]> 2021-05-12 14:05:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517546349 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517558584 Malcom X's passion for reading made me realize how much I missed it. I think reading is so vital, especially when it's not instructed. When you read because you can, because you want to, the experience is truly your own, and I feel it has more of an impact than instructed reading. I think this is why he stated that he would not have studied as intensely if he were instead in college, and I agree.]]> 2021-05-12 14:07:55 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1517558584 hdiallo6 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1526036182 This text is very relatable to much of the African American Community today. Many people get perms, conks, wigs or laces just to not deal with their hair. Having kinky hair does suck a lot, and it's upsetting that they get perms and conks, practically BURNING their scalp to fit into the white community. His claim about how this isn't necessary, I completely agree with. He learned that the pain to fit in with the white man isn't necessary, and I highly agree with his platform.]]> 2021-05-14 19:47:37 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1526036182 hdiallo6 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1526694731 Prison changes many people. I watched a documentary of Tupac Shakur and he changed after he came out. He became a scholar. He read books incorporated that into his music and spread messages and spoke the truth. Prison changed Malcolm as well. He read the books from the prison, his mindset has changed. He realized prison wasn't so bad, it pushed him to learn EVEN MORE and to continue to educate despite the tough situation he is in.]]> 2021-05-15 04:08:25 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1526694731 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1583718525 As a Muslim woman reading Malcolm's story was very emotional. To see someone fight so hard for his beliefs and for what he believed to be right is extremely inspiring. The fact that he utilized his time in jail to become even more set and educated in his beliefs was so beautiful and amazing
It inspired me a lot]]> 2021-06-03 21:14:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1583718525 https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1583721685 Hairstyle is a huge part of the Black Identity because as proven, it was a source of oppression that was used against them by white people. Malcolm's attempts to embrace his hair was shut down by white people and it was absolutely heart shattering to read. His attempts to show other black men the beauty of embracing themselves after his own experience was great to read]]> 2021-06-03 21:17:02 UTC https://padlet.com/sdgavin/d1l7j59z8o8m2qhy/wish/1583721685