Freedom of Speech

The feeling of having the ability to express yourself in words is unparalleled to any other. Ms. Gruwell provides them with journals, the perfect start for them to begin writing down their thoughts. They think that nobody is interested in their own musings, but what better way to get to know yourself than to read back on those entries in the future? There is no doubt that many of Ms. Gruwell's students have nobody to turn to even when they want to talk about something. The racial discrimination and gang life that they have learned to live does not create a conducive environment for them to grow up and express their feelings. From young, they are taught to be quiet, to recognize the colours and stay on their own side of town. Writing provides the perfect getaway for them to express themselves without being judged or hated. Ms. Gruwell thinks that it is not right to grade their journals because she believes that this will hinder them from writing. By writing these journals, they are freed from their pain as they finally have someone to pour it out to, even if it is all on paper. The students let Ms. Gruwell read their journals, because secretly, they all want someone to listen without judging them based on their skin colour or their past.