Meaning: Albert Maltz, an American playwright and screenwriter, is known for his involvement in the social and political issues of his time. The quote, "By the time I was at college, I became very alert to the question of racial discrimination, and I remember one of my first writing attempts had to do with a lynching," sheds light on Maltz's early awareness of racial injustice and his commitment to addressing these issues through his writing.

Maltz's statement reflects a pivotal moment in his life when he recognized the pervasive problem of racial discrimination and felt compelled to use his creative talents to bring attention to this pressing issue. This quote offers insight into Maltz's personal and intellectual development, revealing the influence of his college years in shaping his social consciousness and artistic endeavors.

During Maltz's college years, racial discrimination was a deeply entrenched and contentious issue in American society. The prevalence of lynching, particularly in the Southern states, was a brutal manifestation of racial violence and oppression. Maltz's reference to his first writing attempt being related to a lynching underscores the profound impact of this abhorrent practice on his burgeoning awareness of racial injustice.

Maltz's choice to address the subject of lynching in his early writing reflects his courage and determination to confront difficult and uncomfortable truths. By delving into such a harrowing topic, Maltz demonstrated a willingness to grapple with the darkest aspects of society and to use his creative platform to advocate for change.

Furthermore, Maltz's mention of his writing attempts related to a lynching underscores the power of literature and storytelling as a means of bearing witness to historical injustices. Through his words, Maltz sought to give voice to the silenced victims of racial violence and to challenge the societal complacency that allowed such atrocities to persist.

Maltz's commitment to addressing racial discrimination through his writing aligns with the broader movement of socially conscious literature and art that emerged during his era. Writers and artists were increasingly using their creative platforms to engage with pressing social and political issues, seeking to awaken public consciousness and provoke meaningful dialogue and action.

In the context of Maltz's career as a playwright and screenwriter, this quote offers valuable insight into the thematic and ideological underpinnings of his work. Throughout his career, Maltz remained dedicated to exploring the complexities of human experience and confronting the injustices and inequalities that permeated society. His willingness to tackle challenging subject matter, such as racial discrimination and violence, underscores his commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change.

In conclusion, Albert Maltz's quote illuminates his early awakening to the question of racial discrimination and his determination to address this pressing issue through his writing. It provides a glimpse into the formative influences of his college years and the profound impact of societal injustices on his artistic and intellectual development. Maltz's commitment to confronting the legacy of racial violence and oppression through his creative endeavors underscores the enduring relevance of his work in advocating for social justice and human rights.