Graduation in Stamps (Maya Angelou)

In ôGraduation from Stampsö, Angelou spends the first half of the story of her graduation from eighth grade describing the excitement, anticipation and general euphoria gripping the black community and school children who ôhad come down with graduation epidemicö (333). We see how, much like whites and blacks in society, the student population resembles a microcosm of society. The children represent a hierarchy of power and privilege, with different classes comprised of graduating students, students about to move into their graduation class, or students lower on the ladder. Above all is AngelouÆs graduating class who represent ôthe nobilityö in this microcosmic social structure (333).

Despite the anticipation of graduation and despite the sense of admiration, pride and accomplishment felt by the black children and black community, the society outside of this community exhibits a large measure of racism and prejudice. However, we often see how this racism and prejudice is internalized by those it is directed at, making them feel somehow le

. . .
Some common words found in the essay are:
Henry Reed, Stampsö Angelou, Joe LouisesThe, National Anthem, Bird Sings, Arkansas Negro, racism prejudice, Edisons Gauguins, Graduation Stamps, Nevertheless Angelou, prejudice racism, white speaker, black children, henry reed, Plays Essays, eighth grade, black community, graduation stamps, ôgraduation stampsö, sources strength,
Approximate Word count = 984
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Graduation in Stamps (Maya Angelou)