Literacy Autobiography

I reminded of an author by the name of Chris Hedges who mentions that today in the United States of America, we are currently living in two Americas as opposed to one nation. First America consists of a minority group which can differentiate what is real and what is fantasy. This group can cope with the complexity we are experiencing in this country and are determined to confront the problem head-on. The other America is the mass majority where individuals are consumed by spectacles, entertainments, and falls into the idea of magical thinking that can perhaps improve their way of living. This group lacks critical thinking and rely on pseudo-science, pseudo-intellectuals, and demagogues as their salvation.

After reading Chris Hedge’s powerful and informative book; Empire of Illusion, it helped define who I am and exposes the world we are truly living in. Prior to that, I have read numerous books on the history of Afro Black Americans, Native Indians, Workers, Women, and People of color from all race and religious beliefs. 

My personal library back home contains books from all type of subjects; from Politics, Current Events, Novels, Fiction, Non-fiction, Science, Poetry and World History. However, all this past and current readings of books might not have been possible if it wasn’t for one man I met in the mid 90’s that introduce me to politics and The REAL history of the United States of America. No, he was not a scholar, or a teacher, or a high-profile political figure. No, he was not a celebrity or a person who was financially wealthy either. This man was a former Golden Glove Boxer and a mail clerk at a company located in New York City. I remember how he just came over to my desk and handed me some books to read and afterward during the week we would sit down and discuss it during lunch hour. I was very fortunate to meet this great man in my life. Unfortunately, he passed away, but the knowledge and deep philosophical talks we had will resonate with me always.