Why Does the Caged Bird Sing?

Why Does the Caged Bird Sing?!

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, is a very heart touching autobiographical novel. This novel is about the pain and the lost innocence of a young girl that takes place in 1930's, in the south of United States, and California. Maya describes her journey of ignorance, low self-esteem, unfortunate incidents, and how she conquers all by her strength and courage. She also mentions the discrimination she faces where she lives with her grandmother," Momma", in Arkansas. When Maya is three years old, her parents send her with her brother Bailey to live with their grandmother. Few years later, when she goes to visit her mom, she gets raped by her mother's boyfriend. For many years, Maya lives with shame and low self-esteem, but she faces all the negativity in her life by getting her diploma and she becomes the first black lady who drives a street car. Even though Maya knows that she would not be accepted, she informs her mother, who replies, "They will not accept colored people on the Streetcars." At last, Maya gets the job with her being persistent and facing all the odd that are against her. During her lifetime, Maya faces prejudiced situations based on her race, like her, I also faced prejudiced situations but mine is based on my nationality.

Despite all the odds Maya turned to be something great, inspiring and incredible. She faced all the racism and prejudice and fought them with her strength and intelligence. She inspires me not to be disappointed and to turn the negativity into something good. Like her I also been prejudiced against, but not for my color, I have been prejudiced against my nationality. I had to face it, leave my weak moments behind and to rise up to change my reaction. As they say" what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." Everyone in some point of their lives should have gone through this situation at least once. Some can face it and move on; some can't and affects their life negatively. In order to prevent and stop people from being racism and prejudiced, there are some ways that can be learnt and be proactive. First, every person should walk in other's shoes. It means, before you judge, annoy and irritate others; you consider yourself in their place, and see how it feels. Secondly, understand what you are prejudiced or racism about and try to think about it with an open mind. Then, when you recognize what you are prejudiced about, search it. Searching, reading and asking about it and try that with an open mind, make you see things and understand them from other aspects. These are basic things every person could do.