<p>Okay I had a really hard time constructing a thesis for this one without basically restating the prompt, so my first paragraph kinda sucks. What do you think?</p>
<p>Prompt: Are people more likely to be productive and successful when they ignore the opinions of others?</p>
<p>MY RESPONSE:</p>
<p>Success and productivity should be largely based on self-confidence and self-determination rather than on the opinions of others. As demonstrated by Richard Wright's Black Boy and the actions of Malala Yousafzai, it isn't the opinions of others that count, but rather, it is self-determination and self-confidence that count as one tries to achieve success and productivity. </p>
<p>Richard Wright's Black Boy demonstrates how if one is not mindful of others' criticism and judgment, and if one displays a sense of self-confidence and self-determination, that one can be a successful and productive person. Growing up in a time when African Americans were considered largely inferior to others, Richard Wright faced much adversity throughout his life. He had aspirations of becoming a writer, and as a result he was subjected to criticism not by society as a whole, but also by his family. However, he rose above his adversaries and ultimately ended up achieving his dreams of becoming a highly-regarded, influential writer, as now his works are considered classics in literature. </p>
<p>As shown through the actions of Malala Yousafzai, success and productivity are often a result of rising above the judgmental and critical opinions of others. Yousafzai is, indeed, a momentous figure in feminism, as her courageous efforts to expand women's access to education have garnered much attention by world leaders and women's rights activists alike. Growing up in Pakistan, where women are viewed as largely inferior, Yousafzai faced incredible amounts of adversity: she was often ridiculed, and was even shot in the head by the Taliban. However, none of this stopped her in her tracks. She rose above it and today, she continues to fight for women's rights. </p>
<p>After a careful analysis of Richard Wright's Black Boy and Malala Yousafzai's courageous actions, it is reasonable to posit that success and productivity aren't based on the opinions of others, but rather on self-confidence and self-determination. With such characteristics, one can achieve the success and productivity that one seeks. </p>