Unearthing Hidden Literacy:Seven lessons I learned in a cotton field

When thinking about the historical times of slavery, I think about the unpleasant events that happen. Working in a cotton field and being beaten are just a few events that happen during that time, but who would have thought that this haunted memory would be an appreciated lesson? In the reading “Unearthing Hidden Literacy: Seven lessons I learned in a cotton field” by Lillie Gayle Smith, she never thought she would be proud to do the work that her ancestors use to do. When she was growing up, her mom sent her brother and her to work with their cousins in her aunt’s cotton field. Being upset that she had to do this job every summer, Smith did not appreciate the experience. It wasn’t until she took a “Black Women’s Literacy” class, that she was grateful for the opportunity.

Studying what slavery did to black women, the teacher made Smith realize that she should embrace the opportunity of working in a cotton field. A few things that Smith learned from working in a cotton field is that black women were exploited as slaves, they developed greater independence and self-reliance than other races. She also learned that black girls retain a high degree of self-esteem in high school unlike their white and Hispanic peers because they lose their self-esteem throughout the school years. And another thing she learned was how to value a dollar. Being paid for her work made her appreciate what the job had to offer.
I can kind of indentify with Smith on how slavery benefit me today. Growing up, I didn’t appreciate slavery and still don’t to this day, however, the knowledge of the past has made me stronger as a person. Although I did not work in the cotton fields growing up, I did get made fun of for being black. And although it was hurtful, just like Smith learned, black women have an heir about them that makes them independent. The torment and harassment we go through does not shut us down, but makes us stronger, and I definitely see that in me when looking back on my life. When I was in high school, other races would immediately lose confidence, drop their heads in shame, or try to change their selves just so that other people would like them, but as for me I stayed the same. I didn’t let anyone’s negative comments get to me, even when they hurt. Reading what Smith learned while working in a cotton field, taught me to keep my head up and appreciate the pain my ancestors went through.