Alfred and I How would you feel if you were insulted because of your race or couldn't act or do the things you really wanted to do. Alfred Brooks is a poor young colored boy from Harlem New York who trains to be a boxer. Reading The Contender by Robert Lipsyte I have learned that I have some similarities and some differences to Alfred Brooks like disadvantages of being back in the 60s, acting on your own beliefs and peer pressure. One thing that i cannot relate to Alfred is being black in this time period. For example in chapter one Major calls Alfred Uncle Alfred. Major says “your such a good sweet boy Uncle Alfred…. How much those jews give you for slavin….. Sweep that floor you skinny nigger” Major is saying black stereotypes to upset Alfred. Major demonstrates what it was like to be black in that time period. I cannot relate to this because I have never been treated like that or have seen anyone treated like that.…show more content… Struggles to act on his own beliefs because he goes to church instead of joining the nationalist movement. The nationalist says “well look at that, on his way to pray to whitey’s god, lean to tom and turn the other cheek.” The author said “Alfred hurried on away from the crowds nervous laughter” Alfred sees the nationalists and wants to join them but because he went to church with his aunt instead. Alfred's actions show that he would rather do what his aunt would want to do than what he wants to do. This is similar to me because if I had a family member wanting me to do something I would do that over what I want to do because I wouldn't want to deal with the
