The experiences of an author often reflect themselves in their work. Nawal El Saadawi’s protagonist, Firdaus, in Woman at Point Zero and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ stream of consciousness in his memoir, Between the World at Me both depict an experience of institutionalized oppression. El Saadawi utilizes numerous references to the Christian ideology of a Christ-figure and of rebirth through baptism by depicting Firdaus’ experiences of escaping numerous abusers throughout her life. In contrast, Coates alludes to Malcolm X’s, his childhood idol, tendency to defend what he believed was right and just, even if it went against societal standards instilled by the same Christian Bible. Through Coates’ self-proclaimed identification with Malcom X’s life and …show more content…
Through references to Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner, and other renowned activists and leaders, Coates develops his memoir’s theme of institutionalized oppression through racism. Coates speaks of Malcom X’s idea that it is “human for the enslaved to hate the enslaver, natural as Prometheus hating the birds,” in a manner that is quite similar to Firdaus speaking about those who oppressed her. Malcom X’s reference to the myth of Prometheus strengthens Coates’ notion through its gruesome nature. After wronging the Titans, Prometheus was sentenced to being chained to a mountain where birds would pick at his organs for all of eternity. However, Coates utilizes this point to further the impact of his next quote selection. He proceeds to reference Matthew 5:39 in the Christian bible, which states: “If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn them the other cheek also.” Malcom X, however, refused to turn away when he felt as though he hand been wronged, simply because of the color of his skin. Coates states that he “would not be your morality.” Instead, he found power in himself, while imprisoned, that encouraged Coates to “wield the same power…act as through [his] body were [his own].” Through refusing to show humility, Malcom X focused the attention on what was wrong. He would not allow himself to be trampled, as he did not believe in pacifism after violence had already broken out. Specifically, he “was unconcerned with making the people who believed they were white comfortable in their belief.” These sentiments empowered Coates to become a successful activist and journalist on matters relevant to the African American community