Malcolm, like thousands of others of his generation, grew up during the Great Depression. A time that was hard on everyone economically, but that carried an even greater racial burden on African Americans. From early childhood, Malcolm had memories of Ku Klux Klan members tormenting his mother. They were in search of his father, who they claimed was "'spreading trouble' among "good- Negroes of Omaha with the "back to Africa- preachings of Marcus Garvey,"" page 1. After drawing the attention of local whites, Malcolm's father is abused and berated. Their house is burnt down and when Malcolm is six, his father is murdered. Like most other Americans during this economic catastrophe Malcolm's mother is forced to turn to welfare. She begins to have issues, especially with religion and is eventually sent to mental hospital. Malcolm and his eight brothers and sisters are separated. While first living with family friends, Malcolm is expelled from school and sent to a detention home. It was here, in Michigan, where Malcolm's character begins to take shape. When a teacher asks him if he has given his career any thought, Malcolm responds, "Well, yes, sir, I've been thinking I'd like to be a lawyer,"" page 36. The teacher responds,.
Malcolm, one of life's first needs is for us to be realistic. Don't misunderstand me, now. We all here like you, you know that. But you've got to be realistic about being a nigger. A lawyer "that's no realistic goal for a nigger. You need to think about something you can be. You're good with your hands "making things. Everybody admires your carpentry shop work. Why don't you plan on carpentry? People like you as a person "you'd get all kinds of work."" page 36.
This breath-taking response Malcolm received from his teacher persuaded him to set even higher goals for himslef. His aspirations did not include low-income jobs like carpentry work. They were jobs that dominant figures held.