tely beat Richard in front of the class. After submitting to his aunt, he finally confessed the guilty suspect. Rather than to commend Richard for the truth, Aunt Addie attempted to beat him again after school. However, brandishing a knife, Richard defended himself. He had stood up for his dignity and pride, something that was worth more to him than anything.Uncle Tom moved in shortly. He was a stern, proper schoolteacher. As life seemed better, another obstacle faced Richard. One morning, he asked Richard what the time was. Eighteen past five If its a little slow or fast, its not far wrong, replied Richard confidently. His uncle began a fit of fury. Once again Richard was clueless of what he had done wrong. An argument broke out and soon words became threats. Uncle Tom wanted to beat Richard for his sassiness. Fearing this, Richard unraveled razor blades and threatened to cut his uncle. Yet again, he would be punished for something he did not understand. He was a wretched kid, beaten far too many times for meticulous things. Uncle Tom backed away, seeing the anger in Richards eyes. Once more, he had defeated a giant. Richard felt he was a man, defending his dignity.Time and time again, Richard faced racism and discrimination, even in his own family; he lived as a second-class citizen. Only his mother knew how he felt. He would not submit to white people like the black community did, nor would he submit to his grandmother, aunt, or uncle. His character stands in dignity and pride. He stood up for what he thought was right, something that Shorty and other blacks lacked. Despite the harsh harassment from the white community, within his own home, he was under bondage. His experiences with his family prepared him to be one of the first African American authors. Had he lacked this courage and defiance, Richard Wright would not be where he is now. Without dignity, a man is no different from a dog; to sell his digni...
