Letter to My Daughter

Angelou addresses the age-old question “How are you?” and the conventional response, which is devoid of meaning and truth. She states that no one actually wants an answer when they ask the question, leading Angelou to conclude, “I believe in that way we learn to give and receive social lies” (17). Everybody is aware of this “social lie,” yet we all indulge it, in part to keep the peace and in part because “we do not wish to deal with the truth” (17). We need not be unforgivingly brutal in our response, but Angelou suggests that replying honestly can be “wonderfully liberating.” Angelou cautions that, as we begin to answer this question honestly, people will begin to avoid us: They too have pain in their knees and do not care to hear about you’re the pain in ours. Angelou writes, “But think of it this way, if people avoid you, you will have more time to meditate and do fine research on a cure for whatever truly affects you” (17). Angelou urges the reader to deal with the truth of their situation because it is in confronting truth that one may overcome all ailments.