Profession, Chapter 1 Summary

Richard uses the label "minority student" to his advantage in an effort to go far in his academic career, without having to spend much money. He wins many scholarships and awards. He later regrets using the label to his advantage, because of what it means. Richard thinks that the phrase has no positive message. After reading the note a teacher scribbled on his essay, he becomes more disgusted with the phrase. The teacher said that his opinion may be tied to him being a minority student.

Around this time, black Americans were fighting for the right to be admitted into universities in order to obtain degrees. Richard feels that, although this is a good idea, it will only help those black Americans who are able to take advantage of the opportunity. These black Americans, Richard says, are not the ones most...