Speech Giving

In chapter 8, Wright graduates valedictorian of his class, and is asked to write a speech to give to his classmates and assembled people that are white and black. However, the principal has pre-written his speech so that it does not offend whites (presumably) and demands Wright read his prearranged speech. Wright refuses, and is perfectly justified in doing so. Throughout his life Wright is unable or unwilling to bend to authority just because it is authority. He will do what is right even if those in power are trying to force him to do the opposite. Wright is so committed to his code of morals and ethics that he would rather give up his diploma and his graduation than say a speech he had not written. In a way, he is being stupid. He will find it harder to get a job and the principal could have prevented him from graduating, and the only reward for these great risks was the right to say a speech that probably means little to those hearing it anyway. However, Wright is showing backbone in the face of adversity, an unwillingness to bend to the sterotypes and limits of his socioeconomic class when everyone around him is giving up and living under the boot of the system. Wright is standing up when everyone else is lying down.