Racism and Maya
... Maya Angelou in her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is confronted with sinister effects of racism at a young age. ... While growing up as a racial minority in a predominantly white influenced society in Stamps, Arkansas; Maya Angelou encounters racism at school, work, and her daily life. ... In Maya Angelou’s home town segregation is not only apparent but a way of life. ... However, the fact that Momma did not stoop to the level of the “poowhitetrash,” set an example for Maya to follow and avoid violence. ... She will take this example into the later years of her life where she will face blatant first hand racism. ... However, even at this joyous occasion, racism sliced their happy hearts in half. ... This deadly combination of ignorance and racism smashed the dreams of these young bright minds. ... Donleavy’s words to heart, Maya Angelou uses his words as a catalyst to propel herself into a new level of understanding. Racism and prejudice continued to follow her to the workplace.