"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"

Albert Maltz's quote reflects an extensive personal and societal awakening relating to racial injustice. His experience in college acted as a turning point in his life when he became acutely knowledgeable about the prevalent problem of racial discrimination in society. This awakening was so significant that it influenced among his earliest literary undertakings, focusing on a deeply disturbing and violent manifestation of racial hatred: lynching.

Maltz's option to deal with lynching in his early writing highlights the gravity and urgency he felt concerning racial issues. Lynching, a ruthless and extrajudicial punishment historically used in the United States mostly against African Americans, represents the extreme violence and dehumanization related to racial injustice. By choosing this as a topic, Maltz not only proofs the impact that his awareness of racial discrimination had on him personally but also shows a dedication to using his craft to highlight and challenge these oppressions.

His statement recommends that college was more than simply an academic journey; it was an eye-opening experience that shaped his worldview and artistic direction. Maltz's admission of ending up being "really alert" shows an increased consciousness and sensitivity towards the oppressions around him, possibly influenced by the diverse point of views and turbulent socio-political environment he encountered throughout his education.

This awareness and subsequent literary engagement suggest a shift from passive observation to active involvement in social discourse. By channeling his thoughts and feelings into writing, Maltz aligns himself with a custom of artists and intellectuals who utilize their platforms to clarify social ills and advocate for modification.

In summary, the quote highlights a vital juncture in Maltz's life where his personal development intersected with his developing social consciousness, driving him to face the severe truths of racial discrimination through the power of the written word.