Quote 1
“They, like myself, had grown up in an environment where the value of an education was never emphasized, where the first thing a child learned was not how to read and write and spell, but how to fight and steal and rebel; where the money to send children to school was grossly lacking, for survival was first priority. I kept my membership in the gang, knowing that for as long as I was under its influence, I would never go to school.” (Mathabane 123).
Analysis
Mark Mathabane has had no experience in school before in his entire life. The only information he gains, is that from the school dropouts who reveal the brutality of school. Mark’s mind had always been under the influence of the gang member’s view on education, only believing in the false philosophy of education. Even so, the environment in which he lives in does not stress the importance of education, but rather on
survival. Education was never the priority in Alexandra as being able to survive in the apartheid system is the main concern of every citizen.
survival. Education was never the priority in Alexandra as being able to survive in the apartheid system is the main concern of every citizen.