Richard Rodriguez Written Language

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Man-kinds greatest discovery is undoubtedly its use of a written language. Written word is the universal thread in which the masses of history and knowledge are beautifully wove together in strategic, yet thought altering arrangements. It is through these arrangements one can uncover many things; whether it be the answer to a difficult question, the knowledge to something vague and new, or enlightenment to a problem. This, along with much more, can be revealed; only if taking the first steps in throwing out any preconceived notions of reading, and opening the mind to the vast teachings authors offer. There are those who perceive reading as nothing more than a boring, tedious task; something to be done only in necessity. This sense of literary …show more content…
As I read, I picked up that not only did Rodriguez struggle with literacy, often needing to look up whole paragraphs of words in a dictionary, (237) he failed to make connections to a story and make it his own. This lack of personal connection could be due in part of his childhood up-bringing. Where many parents today encourage reading in their children, promoting the cognitive benefits it offers, we learn early off that the parents of Rodriguez, although literate in both Spanish and English, read only for work; never out of pleasure. This biased view of reading, bestowed upon Rodriguez at a young age, caused him to harbor falsified feelings and concerns towards literature; fearing the consequence that books were going to make him 'educated' (238). This is an interesting view on education, as its the same mindset of the characters in George Orwells, 1984; perceiving knowledge as troublesome, rather than advantageous; therefore, never developing introspective thoughts or ideas. However, once placed in remedial classes, Rodriguez began to understand the full value of books as his teacher, an old nun, would often read to him from some of her favorite …show more content…
I perceived reading, along with much of my education, to be nothing but a headache and an overall waste of my time. This lack of interest, consequently, caused my grades to drop, and landed me in the after school program; where I was required to spend two hours catching up on missed assignments and reading from articles the instructor provided. This became such an occurrence that, upon my return, the instructor would greet me with, “Hello again, Vincent. You know what to do.” Rodriguez refers to his instructor, the old nun, describing her in ways which make her seem very personal with her reading, inspiring a sense of fellowship between reader and writer (238). Contrast to Rodriguez, my instructor took a less personal approach; as following my arrival, I would find a seat at one of the secluded desk facing the wall, and take from the stack of articles laid out prior to class. With my instructor also serving as the physical education teacher during regular hours, his choice of provided literature was far from vast. There were no bookshelves lined with text, or a vast collection of National Geographics (237). Instead, the articles consisted mostly of “Sports Illustrated,” and pieces on the then-and-now of athletes; both of which I had no desire reading, but would be required to push out a page long response on how it relates to me. Struggling to read and relate to the impersonal
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