Grade 8
Memoir, NarrativeWritingThere was a day that made me how I am today. It was a day I will never forget because I learned an important life lesson, and my perspective on this world changed forever. I remember vividly what happened on that day. It has been seared into my mind ever since. It was the day I learned, “Just because you are unique does not mean you are useful or special.”
Two years ago, on a scorching summer day, fluffy snow-white clouds floated listlessly in the soothing blue sky like giant sheep. The blazing sun shone through the sky, giving off a warm and gentle light. It was a normal and peaceful afternoon, just like any other day. Our class was doing social studies, and we were learning about the Segregation Era. The Segregation Era was when Jim Crow laws ruled the land, removing justice and equality for people.
During this era, many races were being discriminated against, especially the African-American race. They were being discriminated against not because they committed crimes or because they were terrorists, but only because their skin color was different. Long before the Segregation Era, Africans were captured as slaves. This caused the African-American race to be thought of as inferior beings. In the Segregation Era, they got old and poor supplies and services. There were barely any differences between the races. The only visible difference was their skin color, and this little difference caused the Segregation Era. I was shocked by this. The humanity that I was once proud of was nothing but a cover. Under the cover was the abhorrent truth where humans pillage each other to fulfill their own greed.
After I learned about the Segregation Era, I also learned the life lesson of “Just because you are unique, it doesn’t mean that you are useful or special.” Before, I thought this world was a peaceful and loving world, but now I realize this world and humans are dreadful. I became pessimistic. I learned the truth, and this life lesson completely changed my perspective on life, on this world, and on humanity.
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