Malcolm X was a brilliant student but was not recognized just for his skin

It's interesting to note that Malcolm X attended Mason High School, where he was one of the very few black students. He excelled academically and even won the race for class president here. Malcolm X decided to drop out of school at the age of 15 after learning that black children didn't have many good career prospects. Malcolm X had no reason to favor his junior high school teachers, but he did love English and history. His history book only contained one brief, derogatory section on African Americans.

The teacher grinned as he read it to the students, who were all white with the exception of Malcolm X. He was delivered an even larger blow by his English teacher, who had typically seemed to be pleasant and encouraging. While advising his white students to set high standards for themselves, the teacher counseled Malcolm X to do the opposite when he mentioned pursuing a legal career. " It's great having you here, he said. You must, however, be truthful with yourself about your nigginess. A nigger shouldn't aspire to become a lawyer ". Which course of action is best for this skilled and smart eighth-grader? The teacher advises carpentry.