Chapter 5

Introspection and Reflection

Discussion Questions

  1. What did you learn about Obama from reading this chapter?  What was of most interest to you?  What do you need more information about?  What, if anything, was confusing to you? 
  1. On pages 93-95, Obama describes some of the problems that he had in his teenage years.  What were those problems?  How did he confront and solve the problems?
  1. Just before he leaves for college, Obama goes to visit Frank, the friend of Gramps that we first met in Chapter Four.  Frank gives Obama advice about going to college.  What does Frank advise, and why?  Is it good advice?  Why or why not?
  1. Joyce, Regina and Marcus are three out of the several characters Obama meets during his two years studying at Occidental College in California.  Please write down five things you understand about each of them. Then, compare these characters in terms of their attitudes towards race and identity. How does each of them feel about being black in America?  What does each of them teach Obama?
  1. On page 105, Obama describes how Regina helped him to find his voice again.  What does he mean by that?  What do you think made him feel like he had lost his voice?  What does Regina say to him that helps him to regain it? Why does she tell him this, and what does he realize about himself?

Cultural and Historical References
Lady Billie Holiday - p. 92 and 112
One of the greatest American jazz singers, throughout her life, Billie Holiday (1915-1959) struggled against racism and sexism.   Listen to her sing “I’m A Fool to Want You,” the song that Obama hears at the beginning and end of Chapter Five.
Franz Fanon Franz Fanon - p. 100
A psychoanalyst and philosopher, Franz Fanon (1925 - 1961) was known for his analyses of colonialism, black identity, the problems of nationalism, miscegenation and other topics.
Compton

Compton and Watts - p. 99
In 1965, racial tensions exploded in Compton and Watts, two primarily black districts of Los Angeles.
Marcus Gravey Marcus Garvey - p. 101
A prominent African-American leader, Marcus Garvey (1887-1940) organized and led the "back to Africa" movement.
Joseph Conard Joseph Conrad - p. 102-103
A novelist who had been a sailor in the early part of his life, Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) wrote novels, including Heart of Darkness, about many of the “exotic” places to which he had traveled.