Wright was absolutely justified in refusing to recite the pre-written speech at his graduation. The only reason he was asked to read the new speech was because the principal wanted to please the white audience members. The fact that it was Wright's ambition to become a writer only made that request more insulting. It was within his rights to be able to reflect on his personal feelings as a student at this school rather than spit out what was designed to impress the audience. As Wright said on page 177, though the principal's speech was more lucid, Wright's said exactly what he wanted to say.
However, just because it was morally the right choice doesn't make it the smartest option. Throughout this book, Wright has been getting into trouble with authority figures. Normally I would see his resistance honorable, but under the circumstances he was in, it would be safer to make friends. Without a single ally, to rebel is only to willingly sacrifice without getting anything out of it for anyone other than your own sense of pride. Had he a friend who agreed with him that it was wise to recite his own speech, I think that it would have been better.
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I agree with you on many points, but i think it is also important to discuss the implications of not giving the principle's speech. This made it impossible for him to get a teaching job in Jackson. I think it was imperative that Wright got out of Jackson, and if he had a long term low paying career, he would have been much more tied to Jackson indefinitely. Since he was now blacklisted from teaching jobs, it was unlikely that he would find a long-term job, therefore ensuring he would leave eventiually.
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