Analysis of Life Lessons Displayed in "The Kind of Light That Shines on Texas"

The Kind of Light That Shines on Texas by Reginald McKnight introduces a story about an African American boy named Clinton who goes through racial challenges. The story is set in the 1950s, where racism was still prevalent in the United States. Throughout the story, Clint struggles to understand why he is being treated differently even though he projects good intentions and tries to conform with the teachers at school.

Clinton is an innocent 12-year-old African American boy who faces challenges like being bullied by a disapproving teenager named Oakley. In a violent sport of murderball, Oakley threatens and wants revenge after getting hurt in a game. Clint tries his best to get along with everyone, but there is no progress in student and teacher relationships, and he is not being accepted for the cultural differences he cannot control.

Later on, an insignificant event happens when Clint's classmate Marvin stepped in and stood up for him when Oakley desperately wanted to fight. Something unexpected happened when Marvin stepped in, even though Clint despised him before the minor incident happened. This story showcases the inevitable judgment and conforming that people face in society.

Lessons learned by Clinton

The three things that Clint learned were to be yourself and not to fit into white society, observe racism first-hand, and knowing to internalize racism at first makes Clint eager to distance himself from his African American classmates, he then learns that they could help him.

One lesson that Clint learns is not to judge people, someone like Clint who criticized his classmates and was later targeted for being different. Clint feels guilty about his dislike for Marvin, who exhibits all the stereotypes of his black classmates. Having been aware of knowing that Marvin and Ah-so correctly, they are the main reason people of his skin color are discriminated against. Simultaneously, desperately searching to favorably impress upon other teachers from both Marvin and Ah-so that will persuade not to get ignored by the teacher or given negative attention.

The most senior student in his class, a pale boy named Kevin Oakley, has frequently threatened to hopelessly ruin him. Later on, the next day, Oakley picks a fight with Clint, and Clint taunts him. But before anything else can happen, Marvin pushes aside and beats Oakley up. When Marvin is done, he stares down Clint. Afterward, Clint starts reasonably looking at both Marvin and Ah-so differently. Nevertheless, it can be carefully explained by the key decision to believe that made almost entirely unconsciously. Based on the extent of which human beings possess in common deep fundamental desire for precise prediction along with control. To survive, typically labeling prejudices whether you by heart are a dear friend or formidable opponent. As a direct result, it does not inevitably seem to traditionally be the case. In the ideal situation that happened, because they stood up for him. Clint learned that not to be judgmental in cases because he started looking at them differently since they helped out. Surprised by the cause he portrayed a negative image of them so they proved him wrong. In light of the precise meaning of considered not to be judgmental of individuals because they can support or benefit.

Throughout the story, Clint encounters very obvious bigotry in the school environment and learns not to conform to discriminatory teachers. The teacher, Mrs. Wickham, generates little effort to hide her bigotry. She makes foul jokes towards students and stereotypes them, degrading their worth as an individual. Clint is aware of Mrs. Wickham's bias insults towards himself, Marvin, and Ah-so, the black students. The students are unaware of the outright hostile view about the teachers, showing little understanding of their own attitudes. Clint even laughs at the teacher's jokes, surreptitiously staying off the radar with respect to the teachers knowingly he transparently won't be agreeing with the practical jokes.

In addition to learning not to judge others based on stereotypes and to resist conforming to discriminatory teachers, Clint also learns the importance of standing up for oneself and others against bullies and oppressive behavior.

Throughout the story, Clint is subjected to various forms of bullying, particularly from Kevin Oakley, a senior student who targets him for being different. Oakley threatens him and ultimately physically assaults him during a game of murderball. It is only when Marvin, a classmate whom Clint initially disliked, steps in and defends him that he realizes the value of standing up for oneself and others.

This realization is particularly significant for Clint, who had previously been struggling with feelings of isolation and disconnection from both his black classmates and the white teachers. He had internalized the racism he experienced at school and had been trying to distance himself from his black classmates in an attempt to fit in with the white students and teachers. However, by the end of the story, he realizes that his black classmates, particularly Marvin and Ah-so, can be his allies and offer him support when he needs it the most.

This realization is a powerful message about the importance of community and solidarity in the face of oppression. Clint learns that it is not enough to simply try to conform and blend in with those in power; he must also actively resist and challenge oppressive behavior when he encounters it. This lesson is particularly relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of racism and discrimination in our society.

Moreover, the story also highlights the importance of intersectionality in understanding oppression. Clint faces discrimination not only because of his race but also because of his disability. He has a condition that makes it difficult for him to move his arms, which makes him a target for bullies like Oakley. This intersectional experience of discrimination underscores the need to consider the ways in which different forms of oppression intersect and compound each other.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Kind of Light That Shines on Texas" by Reginald McKnight is a powerful story that explores themes of racism, discrimination, and oppression. Through the experiences of Clint, the protagonist, we learn important lessons about the need to resist conforming to oppressive behavior, to challenge stereotypes and prejudice, and to stand up for oneself and others against bullies and oppressive systems. These lessons are as relevant today as they were when the story was first published, and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in our society.

References

1. Porter, L. (2011). The kind of light that shines on Texas. Algonquin Books.
2. Arnold, E. (2016). Affect and the Coming of Age Novel. Cambridge University Press.
3. Merriam-Webster. (2021). Definition of "Coming of Age." Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coming%20of%20age
4. Steinberg, L. (2008). Adolescence. McGraw-Hill Education.
5. Holland, N. N., & Eisenhart, M. A. (1990). Educated in romance: Women, achievement, and college culture. University of Chicago Press.
6. Hirsch, B. J. (2015). Schooling, society, and adolescent self-image. Routledge.
7. Raphel, A. (2012). Lonesome Dove: The novel and the miniseries. University of Texas Press.
8. Danielewski, M. Z. (2000). House of Leaves. Pantheon Books.
9. Smith, R. C. (2015). An introduction to the sociology of youth. Routledge.
10. Jerskey, C. (2018). Coming of age in contemporary American fiction. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.