Civil Leader In James Gaines The Sky Is Gray

Few of us ever consider what the early years of our public leaders may have been like. For example, what lessons did Dr. King's father drive home during King's childhood, or what was Jesse Jackson's socio-economic status as a child. It is my belief that Gaines' "The Sky is Gray" depicts the possible roots of a public leader, in the way the nature of the young narrator James is portrayed it illuminates the character traits in civil leader. This theory is supported by three specific events during the story. The first strong character trait James possesses is that he begins to develop a sturdy sense of the world around him at a very young age. This is important in civil leadership because a great leader such as Dr. King understands, to a high …show more content…
This theme was first revealed in the scene in which James and his mother are waiting for the bus to Bayonne. He wanted to comment on the fact the bus still hadn't arrived, like most any child of his years. However, he knew that his mother did not think well of stating the obvious. Furthermore, he understood that his mother was predisposed with concern for their family. Another example is the various scenes in which James tries to hide his toothache. The average child would have wailed in pain every chance he or she got. On the other hand knew that pulling teeth costs money, money that his family desperately needs. These are very important scenes in James' development because they illustrate that James is already versed in conceding to other's needs. This is a character trait chief among civil leaders. They must understand the needs of the community. Not only this, they must be willing to put those needs before their …show more content…
James already introspective of his society was very intrigued by the student. James decides that he too, like the student, will question everything. He even puts this ideal into practice when he is asked to carryout the garbage. This is an important development in that all civil leaders must question any situation that is not advantageous to their stability. Had not Garvey questioned his ethnic identity, had not Dr. King questioned Jim Crow laws, consider where our society would be today. Therefore, when James makes the statement when he grows up he will question everything; it firmly reiterates the point that he will make a strong civil