As Coates devotes much of this next reading to the breakdown of the education system, I could not help but agree with him. Much of the history that is taught is selected with a strong filter that would enhance the image of the great "American Dream." The massacre of Natives and theft of their land is not deemed as such but is rather called a war; as if it was the Natives fault that they defended their homes. I have no idea what an inner city educational institution is like. From what Coates writes, it sounds like the system is completely built to destroy those that are unfortunate enough to be born in the system. It sounds desolate. It sounds completely hopeless. I pains me to think that these young men and women see the world as only having two paths: school, an instution of perceived deception, or the streets. Coates thoughts on Malcom X and the Black Panther movement is actually quite stunning to me. The stark pragmatism sheds a whole new light on the views of Coates. I ...