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In Maya Angelou's Essay I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

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In the essay I Know why the Caged Bird Sings Maya Angelou discusses the pain of the African American stereotypes. The negativity and discouraging belief of blacks only being good in the athletic field and not in the classroom is closely examined as a big problem during this time period. This essay brings back Maya to her middle school graduation. While her thoughts and emotions build up in excitement, they are quickly destroyed when the unknown white man gives a speech that changes everything. In his speech he talks about the kids from the white schools and their academic achievements, but only thing he mentions about the black kids is the athletic achievements. Never brings up any dreams or goals of academic scholars for them. This brings

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