Speech

Wright is named the valedictorian of his class and is asked to give a speech at graduation. He goes home and writes the speech, but the next day is handed a speech from the principal which he is instructed to read instead of his own. The principal justifies this by telling Wright that he is speaking to both blacks and whites, and therefore does not have enough experience to know what to say. He also tells Wright that the superintendent will be there and that he needs to make a good impression. He also adds that he has been principal for many years and that he has seen many people graduate and "none of them was too proud to recite a speech I wrote for them." The principal threatens to not allow Wright to graduate, but he still refuses even though his family urges him to give the speech written for him. On the day of graduation, Wright gives his own speech and flees the auditorium right after. I think that what Wright's refused to give the speech is justifiable. He worked hard to get where he was and deserved to give his own speech, not one written for him because he was viewed as incapable of giving an acceptable one. Although he gave his own speech the day of graduation instead of what he was instructed, I still think he acted in the right way.