If you lived in a world of torment, ridicule and oppression, would you have the strength to endure it? That world might seem like a horrible nightmare, but it had turned into a reality for Melba Patillo Beals and eight others in her story Warriors Don’t Cry. In Little Rock, Arkansas, the Little Rock Nine were young African Americans that had been chosen to participate in the first integration at Central High School. In the 1950s, many segregationists and students were opposed to this and responded by harassing the children and even abusing them. Melba demonstrates the characteristics of a brave warrior by fighting back against her oppressors emotionally and physically even when the odds were against her. Most of Melba’s battles resided inside her, these battles usually led to decisions that would improve or cripple Melba’s experience as an African American fighting for her rights; winning these battles was crucial to her survival at Central High. Danny was a very positive role …show more content…
In the beginning of the story Melba is asked how she feels about going back to Central High, Melba answers with a bold statement, “We have a right to go to that school” (p.57). She is not afraid to stand up for her rights and for her friends’. A warrior also doesn’t give in when they are faced with obstacles and always rises up to fight for what they believe in. When Andy had threatened her and hit her with a tennis racquet, she shows no expression, “I saw him several times during the afternoon, but I never let him see me cry” (p.170). This shows that Melba wants to be portrayed as a strong individual and doesn’t like showing her weaknesses, this fuels her to keep on fighting. Every warrior has flaws, but to take control of the situation and continue on requires a lot of valor and bravery, which are characteristics that Melba