Category: Malcolm X

John Lockes State of War compares with Malcolm Xs description of social injustice in several philosophical perspectives. Both philosophers theorize that victims of ferocity, detention, and/or assault, among other destructive acts, bear the right to fight back. John Lockes State of War theory describes war as intrinsic hatred and/or desire of defilement that a person advances on another individuals natural way of life (Bishop 8). The philosopher believes in the law of self-defense that closely correlates with the law of nature, which holds that individuals may terminate others lives in an attempt to defend themselves from destruction. According to the theory, the violent behavior of one person interferes with the freedom of another. Therefore, peoples aggression deprives the victims of a violation of their right to free will. In such cases, the theory presumes that violent people hamper with the state of nature that makes them live together with common reasoning. Lockes State of War theory has found great significance in analyzing cultural segregation, especially in American society. The two philosophers agree that the Whites tendency to oppress the minority groups on unjustified political grounds. This situation has resulted in cultural elitism and social pressure amongst the diverse American racial groups.

In the context of the theory, there is a possibility of reversal of powers whereby the once oppressed minority groups might become the dominant groups oppressors to fulfill their right to free will. Locke presumes that the epitome of social commonality and self-rule of the minorities will compel them to counter the dominant groups deep-rooted antagonistic behavior. In comparison, Malcolm Xs theory advances that victims of oppression will most likely seek their free will and justice through vengeful acts. In the context of Malcolm Xs view, the American war for independence underpins the notion that American society awaits another fight for the liberation of the black community. Just like Locke, Malcolm believes that nonviolence cannot solve the problem that black Americans are facing. Instead, the black American philosopher advocates self-defense rather than mere nonviolence. This notion stems from the scars created on black society through blatant racial profiling, segregation, slavery, and murder, among other brutalities.

Consequently, these ideologies have revolutionized the Blacks minds by awakening their consciousness of their identity amongst the American groups. The result is tiring of the Blacks. The situation has compelled them to impose rebellions to preserve their civil rights amidst the white society.

Works Cited

Bishop, Schuyler. Three theories of individualism: Graduate Theses and Dissertations, 2007. PDF file. Web.

Each person is unique and has a distinct perspective, yet many people seem to share matching ideas on certain aspects of life. For instance, Martin Luther King, Jr., a devoted Christian, and Malcolm X, a representative of Islam, appear quite different but offer many comparable thoughts. Malcolm X and King have similar socio-religious philosophies in terms of viewing the role of religion in freeing Black people from oppression.

While having distinct religious beliefs, King and Malcolm X strived for African American individuals to have better lives. First, the two persons sought freedom for the Black population, as King viewed liberty as Americas goal, and Malcolm X perceived freedom as essential to life (Karenga, 2010; King, n.d.). Second, both Malcolm X and King condemned the White church, as the former perceived it as morally bankrupt, and the latter proposed its weakness (Karenga, 2010; King, n.d.). Third, despite being disappointed with the church, King felt it could play a significant role in confronting racial segregation (King, n.d.).

Similarly, Malcolm X believed Islam was crucial in the liberation struggle (Karenga, 2010). Nonetheless, the philosophies of these men brought them into conflict with others who shared their respective religions. King criticized Christians for not supporting Black people, and before turning to Islam, Malcolm X denounced several religions that opposed his position about freedom (Karenga, 2010; King, n.d.). Accordingly, King and Malcolm X followed different faiths but had comparable purposes.

Furthermore, Malcolm X and Kings ideologies can be better understood through the ideas of John Mbiti. In particular, Mbitis announcement of I am because we are; and since we are, therefore I am signifies the interconnectedness between the individual and the whole society (Reviglio & Alunge, 2020). Accordingly, the statement can apply to King and Malcolm Xs views by suggesting that the liberty of Black people is closely linked to both Christianity and Islam.

To conclude, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm Xs socio-religious philosophies correspond to each other in perceiving that religion is important in freeing the African American population from racial inequalities. The ideologies of these men made them confront their peers in belief, as King expressed his disappointment with Christianity, and Malcolm X accepted and rejected several religions that did not share his view on liberty. Both Malcolm X and King considered that the White church had substantial deficiencies but claimed that religion could assist Black people in overcoming discrimination.

References

Karenga, M. (2010). Introduction to black studies (4^th ed.). University of Sankore Press.

King, Jr. M. L. (n.d.). On the American Christendom (Excerpt from A letter from a Birmingham jail).

Reviglio, U., & Alunge, R. (2020). I am datafied because we are datafied: An Ubuntu perspective on (relational) privacy. Philosophy & Technology, 33(4), 595-612. Web.

Introduction

Learning to Read is an essay written by the African American civil rights activist Malcolm X. He reflects on his journey of learning to read and the profound impact it had on his life and his beliefs. The essay is part of his book The Autobiography of Malcolm X, published in 1965 after his death. It is a powerful and inspiring essay showcasing educations transformative power and the importance of self-reliance and self-discovery.

Discussion

One of the most significant aspects of Learning to Read is the importance Malcolm X places on education. Throughout his life, he advocated for education as a means of empowering people and breaking down the barriers of oppression. In the essay, he describes how learning to read gave him a new sense of purpose and self-esteem and transformed his life (Malcolm, 1965). He saw education as a tool that could help him to understand the world better and to fight against the injustices he saw around him.

Another critical aspect of Learning to Read is how it highlights personal transformations power. Malcolm Xs life was marked by a series of transformative experiences, including his journey from street life to religious and political activism (Malcolm, 1965). His story demonstrates how a persons life can be changed when they gain new knowledge and skills and how education can be a powerful force for personal growth and social change.

Conclusion

Finally, Learning to Read is significant for its message about the importance of self-reliance and self-discovery. Throughout the essay, Malcolm X emphasizes the importance of taking control of ones own life and using education as a means of self-empowerment. He argues that people should not rely on others to provide answers but should strive to gain the knowledge and skills needed to think for themselves and make informed decisions (Malcolm, 1965). This message remains relevant today, as many people face barriers to education and the opportunities it provides.

Reference

Malcolm, X. (1965). Learning to Read. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Ed. Alex Haley. New York: Ballantine, 353-361.

Introduction

To many people, prison is the place where freedom is lost and all hope abandoned. However, to some people, prison can be the turning point, where the individual comes to his moment of truth. There are a number of things about prison that may lead to an individual stumbling into a turning point. One of the things is the fact that the person will have too much time because unlike free people, an imprisoned person does not have appointments and deadlines to meet.

The other thing is that this person does not just have a lot of time, but he or she is also closely monitored. Prison will give the prisoner time and space to think and meditate on the most important issues of life and the philosophies of life. Once this person reaches a point where his inner being is seeking to answer the important questions of life, it will be time for the person to look for an alternative reality or to look for something to distract him from his predicament. This is the reason why it is said that the body can be imprisoned, but the mind cannot be imprisoned, at least not in a conventional physical prison.

Discussion

A good example is Malcolm X, who after being incarcerated; he found the love for books and literature. When he realized that he could not read efficiently because his vocabulary was poor, he started mastering the vocabulary of the English language until he was very good at it. The work that Malcolm did in an attempt to master the vocabulary without the aid of a teacher, was amazing and incredible. After he had mastered enough vocabulary, he started reading books, usually the enlightening type. Reading made his vocabulary even better, and he had a better way to improve his vocabulary as time went on.

The mind of an imprisoned person will want to free itself in spite of the fact that it is tightly coupled to the body of the person. As a result, the inner person of an incarcerated individual will try to look for ways to escape from the imprisonment. This is the reason why most imprisoned people become very good in what they do. One person may decide to take a technical course such as masonry or carpentry, and will seem to have the right motivation to make this an area of expertise.

The motivation behind the reason why the person will want to excel in whatever he or she chooses may be different. Some will be doing that because they see it as a second chance to life, and that they cannot manage to waste it. However, for another person, the person may be motivated by the fact that he has been pushed to the philosophical points by the challenges that the prison life brings.

It is not by coincidence that many people who go to prison are those who in one way or the other, had certain aspects of their lives that were so colorful, that prison life will not be able to satisfy them. When such a person goes to prison, he will have to adjust his attitudes and feelings in order to help in compensating for this lack.

In the case of Malcolm X, he says in his article that it was the command that he used to have in the streets, which he now did not have, especially due to the fact that the only channel of communication for him in prison was writing. Though well informed, he was unable to write well, and he couldnt write in slang. Malcolm (1) says, How would I sound writing in slang, the way 1 would say it, something such as, Look, daddy, let me pull your coat about a cat, Elijah Muhammad

Conclusion

The other factor that will change the way a prisoner will see the world and react to it is the way the prisoner will regard the cause of the imprisonment. Some will accept the imprisonment and accept that it was their fault. However, if the prisoner regards the imprisonment as harassment and that he is innocent; he will have a different perspective. Malcolm X did not just have a great desire to read and enlighten his mind, but he did it because he was seeking to understand the history of the black people and the history of all races.

He was raged and concerned about the unfairness of the white people towards the rest of the world races, and this led him to studying any material he could find on the subject. Malcolm (6) admits: The Oriental philosophers were the ones I came to prefer; finally, my impression was that most Occidental philosophy had largely been borrowed from the Oriental thinkers. In other words, he had come to find purpose in understanding the place of the other races in the world history, and this impressed him the most. This is so with almost every other prisoner, because they will come to have a sense of direction which they will follow.

Malcolm even confesses in his article that he could not have managed to learn as much in college as he did in prison. As Malcolm (6) says, In fact, prison enabled me to study far more intensively than I would have if my life had gone differently and I had attended some college.

Works Cited

Malcolm X, Little. Learning to Read. Smccd, 2012. Web.

Introduction

Malcolm X remained a leader of a religious nationalistic Afro-American organization for twelve years. He was popularizing the idea of black supremacy among his followers. Besides, Malcolm X was exhorting society to segregate Americans of African ethnic background from citizens of European ancestry. This speech is to address Malcolm Xs Islam Nation activities and doctrine.

Work in the Islam Nation

Malcolm X was a talented orator because he was improving his skills during his work for the Islam Nation. Besides, he had a great influence on the audience due to his appearance and eloquence skills. Hence, he won the respect of many Afro-Americans because these people were unhappy and tired of their lives in slavery. The general ideas and thoughts of Malcolm X were signifying their dissatisfactions and complaints. He was considered to be the most influential man of the Islam Nation after Elijah Muhammad (Grewal, 2015). Nevertheless, many people of both Caucasian and Negroid races were confused with Malcolm Xs statements during that period. He was accused by his opponents of racism, the acceptance of race segregation, and of not helping to improve the relationships between the two races of America.

Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X had an arduous relationship at the beginning of the 1960s due to the rumors of the latters marriage, which was prohibited by the organizations codex and doctrine. Moreover, the Islam Nation leader was jealous of Malcolm Xs success because he was known by the media and was an incredibly talented orator. In the year of 1964, Malcolm X made an official declaration about his departure from the organization (Grewal, 2015). Malcolm X was menaced by other members of the Islam Nation during the year 1964 because he became an opponent of Elijah Muhammad. Once, an unknown man called to Xs house to tell his wife that he was practically dead.

Before Malcolm X left the religious nationalistic Afro-American organization in the year of 1964, he was popularizing its doctrine through the speeches he performed. He claimed that black people were the first humans to inhabit our planet. Besides, Malcolm X thought and preached that people with white color of skin were the devils race, which was created by Yakub (an evil scientist). Malcolm X was proclaiming the supremacy of blacks, stressing that the white races death is imminent. He argued this point of view by saying that every person who abuses, robs, enslaves people, and bombs cities are the devil in the flesh. After Malcolm X had left the religious nationalistic Afro-American organization, he started to co-operate with the civil rights movement. Substantially, as I saw it, the organization I hoped to build would differ from the Nation of Islam in that it would embrace all faiths of black men, and would carry into practice what the Nation of Islam had only preached (X, Haley, & Sloan, 2015, p. 302). Although, he thought that this organization had to focus on the whole range of human rights, instead of just disputing a political status. What benefit do you think, Malcolm X had from protecting the rights and freedoms of the black population?

Moreover, X said that Islam was the only religion of black people, whereas Christianity was a white peoples faith, which was imposed on Afro-Americans by their slaveholders. The Christian church returned to Africa under the banner of the Cross-conquering, killing, exploiting, pillaging, raping, bullying beating, and teaching white supremacy (X et al., 2015, p 138). It would be proper to state that X was proclaiming the segregation of black people from white citizens during mass protests against this barrier between the two races in the United States of America. Another interesting fact is that Islam Nation leaders were developing a project of a new Commonwealth for black people on the territory of southern American states. This particular area was considered as a terminal for Afro-Americans that would like to return to their motherland. Moreover, Malcolm X was persuading his audience that the U.S. government was obligated to financially compensate for all the centuries of black peoples slavery. Besides, he denied a non-violence strategy, which was suggested by people who fought for the civil rights of blacks. Furthermore, Malcolm X insisted on Afro-Americans protecting themselves by collective self-defense.

Malcolm Xs chief complaint was that blacks were brainwashed by their slaveholders, the media, and American society. He saw that some Afro-Americans have resigned themselves to their fate on the territory of the United States of America. X wanted his countrymen and countrywomen to fight for their freedoms as hard and obstinately as it was possible. Do you think that it would be possible for X and his companions to establish a separate state for Afro-Americans?

Although Malcolm X remained a leader of the Islam Nation, he had some controversies that did not meet with the organizations strategies. Therefore, he decided to leave this organization to argue his points of view to black people. Nevertheless, when he remained a member of the Islam Nation, all his speeches were overwhelmed with phrases that refer and show respect to the greatest Muslim leaders of all times. Furthermore, during his interviews, Malcolm X said that he was just a puppet in the hands of Muhammad who gave X various directions for his actions and speeches (X et al., 2015). Moreover, he claimed that Islam Nation members were professing their religion just like in the other parts of the world, but some divergences were obvious due to the low quality of life and poverty among black people in the United States of America.

Malcolm X claimed that he and other members of the civil rights movement were to protect themselves against different aggressors, that they were to fight for freedom and equality between races in any possible ways (X et al., 2015). When X was asked to express his opinion about socialism by one of the journalists, he said that he supported anything beneficial for Afro-Americans. Nevertheless, X was traveling to some Muslim countries to learn and gain more experience from the worlds Muslim leaders. These explorations slightly started to change his set of mind, especially after he met with revolutionists from Northern Africa. He confessed that he had realized all the backsides and dangers of racism. How did Malcolm X demonstrate his position as a racist before?

Conclusion

Malcolm X was considered to be one of the greatest and most influential authorities in the United States of America. His activities and works are appreciated by Afro-Americans nowadays because he was showing and proving that the black population was better than other races. Due to his statements and beliefs, Afro-Americans do not feel like derelicts among white people anymore. Malcolm X was professing that black people were the first humans on Earth, that Caucasians were the devils face, and that blacks should have protected themselves. Moreover, he wanted black people to segregate from the white ones, and to create a Commonwealth for Afro-Americans on the territory of Southern states.

References

Grewal, Z. (2015). 1965 and the global intellectual afterlife of Malcolm X. American Studies, 54(2), 9-21.

X, M., Haley, A., & Sloan, S. (2015). The autobiography of Malcolm X. New York, NY: Ishi Press International.

Malcolm X left the Nation of Islam after he conflicted with the movement and its leader, Elijah Muhammad, and embarked on a personal and spiritual tour of the Middle East and West Africa in the early 60s. While in Mecca, and as he completed the hajj, he experienced something that could only be described as his second conversion (Payne, 2020). He uncovered an all-inclusive, genuine, and united Islam  an experience that changed his worldview. As a result, in both the public and in the letters he sent from Mecca, he declared that blonde and blue-eyed Muslims exist and, in turn, broke away from years of his own teachings (Payne, 2020). Malcolms new worldview accommodated mainstream Islams doctrines and gave him political flexibility, making it possible for him to get support from sincere white people.

In his time abroad, he focused on reinforcing his qualifications as an orthodox American Muslim, which sharply contrasted those of Elijah Muhammad and his teachers. Through letters, he condemned Elijah personally as a religious faker, most probably referring to the rumors that the leader had fathered children with his secretaries while demanding absolute morality from his followers (Payne, 2020). While Malcolm was in Egypt, he studied and spent time with Muslim scholars and was certified as qualified to teach and spread the word of Allah.

Malcolm then shifted his efforts from the Middle East to Africa and became more political than religious. He was working to rally a diplomatic charge of Africans against the United States, which he felt was an anti-black oppressor (Payne, 2020). He wanted to get at least one African state to charge the United States with human rights violations in the United Nations. He submitted the idea during the second meeting of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Cairo, Egypt, in which emissaries from more than thirty states were in attendance (Payne, 2020). In spite of his lobbying, the OAU did not take a stronger stance as he was requesting. Instead, it approved a resolution concerned with the racial practices of the United States (Payne, 2020). Disappointed with the outcome, he wanted to talk personally to each leader once they returned to their countries as he felt the United States influence contributed to the outcome.

In his new philosophy, Malcolm changed his use of the mainstream media. Since he was building his mosque and organization, he wanted to get his message to the black people throughout the country (Payne, 2020). Therefore, he needed to change his obsession with opinions regarding white people and focus on how the media could get his message to them. The easiest way was to change the narrative that all white people were devils. He also saw capitalism as the real enemy and believed that a white person could not believe in one and not the other (Payne, 2020). As such, he stopped referring to himself as a black nationalist since there were other revolutionaries who were not black, especially in the African nations.

Malcolms final phase of life can be overly romanticized and misconstrued as gentle and more accommodating to the tastes of white people. In truth, he was just as fiery when he returned to the United States (Payne, 2020). Even though his worldview was taking a new turn, his criticism of liberalism continued strongly. He still stressed black peoples need for the right to self-defense but wanted to connect with non-violent civil rights organizations. In fact, it was at a secret meeting in the house of one civil rights leader that the idea of going to the United Nations was developed (Payne, 2020). However, Malcolm would never have the opportunity to fully evolve his new worldview, as he was shot and killed in 1965.

Reference

Payne, L. (2020). The dead are arising: The life of Malcolm X. Liveright.

Malcolm Little was born in Omaha, Nebraska during the height of the discrimination and racial violence against African-Americans. Even after the family moves to Michigan to escape racial violence they still suffer for the simple reason that they are black. Malcolms father is murdered and his mother goes insane and is committed to a mental hospital. He ends up in a detention home until he finished 8^th grade. Upon completion, he moves to Boston where he becomes involved in the nightlife. He was able to pass for being older by wearing flashy clothes, gambling, drinking, doing drugs, and dating an older white woman at a time when a black person could be lynched for doing so. Eventually, he takes a job as a railway porter and moves to New York to be a Harlem hustler. In Harlem, he indulges in running numbers, selling drugs, and pimping black brothels to white people. In addition, he committed several armed robberies.

Eventually, life in Harlem becomes too risky even for the adventurous Malcolm. He is arrested and imprisoned. It is in Jail that Malcolm begins his transformation when he converts to Islam under the Nation of Islam group. As a result of his conversion experience, he ceases drug use and he begins to read and pray diligently. Upon release on Parole Malcolm becomes a model citizen and an active member of the Detroit temple of the Nation of Islam. He also drops the name Little and adopts the placeholder X as a homage to his now-lost last name from his African ancestry.

Now known as Malcolm X he meets with Nation of Islam leader, Elijah Muhammad and rises to the rank of Temple assistant in Detroit to the Nations first national minister. Malcolm becomes an advocate for black unity and militancy this disturbs the Nation of Islams leadership and they suspend him.

As the Nation of Islam grew more frustrated with Malcolm he begins to receive death threats. After a particularly divisive argument with Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm leaves the Nation of Islam and he utilizes his fame to found his own Muslim Mosque Inc. This organization is more politically active than the Nation of Islam and its views on the Islamic faith are at variance with those of his original organization. In 1965 at the height of his fame he is assassinated.

What has it taught me?

The story of Malcolm X taught three things. First, that discrimination against African-Americans was a real, unwelcome, blight in our nations history. Second, a conversion experience can change a man from being a corrupt and worldly person who gives his life in the service of others. Third and most important, Malcolm X taught me that humanity is a basic human right.

Malcolms father was murdered, his mother driven mad by the violence around them, even after they left the Midwest where discrimination was supposed to be worse and moved to the more benign and tolerant state of Michigan. The specter of discrimination still followed them. This is an unfortunate truth, even though Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves in 1862 even in the mid-1950s there are still people who look down on African-Americans as if they were slaves. They are treated very poorly as if they were not human. They can even be beaten by a mob for dating a white person. Perhaps the unkindest cut of all is that Colored, a term that connotes being dirty, people are excluded from fine restaurants and hotels. Segregation was the order of the day. Malcolm X was the contemporary of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. Like Dr. King, he suffered many indignities by virtue of the color of his skin.

Prison should have been a low point in his life. Instead, Malcolm was converted to Islam and made a radical turn for the better. He turned his back on drugs and a life of crime. Instead, he chose to serve Allah in the most profound way possible. The Nation of Islam promised hope and unity to the downtrodden colored race. Even after his parole, he remained very active in organizing his fellows and leading them to the Nation of Islam. He also began to commit himself to improve his mind that he may better serve his fellow African-Americans. His conversion eventually made him a fiery radical who espoused militancy as a means to assert their rights. He becomes a sort of opposite to Dr. King who insisted on non-violent resistance. Malcolm X was a radical but was nevertheless a serious advocate of his peoples civil rights.

Humanity is a basic human right. This is a contentious lesson even in the modern-day as some people are still discriminated against and treated in an inhumane manner. But for the African-American people this was an essential issue in the time of Malcolm X. Their rights were often denied them. After all, the Bill of Rights applied to all people and the Declaration of Independence claims that all people are created Free and Equal. Yet their treatment was far from equal to whites. It is important to remember this lesson as we meet to celebrate diversity in America, not only are there many ethnic minorities already present there are many more who seek to share the virtues of our United States.

Authors bias

Malcolm X and Hayley were biased in their efforts to present a sometimes larger-than-life representation of Malcolm X. The exaggerations broaden his legend and succeed in making him an even more heroic figure. An example that even the author admits is when Malcolm X pulled a stunt where he fired his gun into his head in front of his followers. The stunt intimidated them into obedience and was written into the book. However, later Malcolm X admits that the gun was empty. The fact that the anecdote was printed in its original form, that the gun was actually loaded, shows that Hayley was also interested in exaggerating Malcolm Xs legend.

Works Cited

Malcolm X, Hayley, Alex. The autobiography of Malcolm X.

In the history of the U.S., there have been an extended number of great and powerful influencers who used their inner strength to advocate for freedom and truth and make peoples lives better. Some of them used speeches and letters as their tools to influence society, spread their point of view, and allow everyone to see the real situation in the country. Many of these letters and orations are now studied by philosophers, linguists, and political scientists in order to gain an understanding of the motives and actions of those influencers. For example, The Ballot or the Bullet by Malcolm X and Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. are such historical pieces. They allow modern people to see how these figures perceived democracy and understand the American legal system, what strategies they used, and how they were influenced by their religion. While all these aspects are interesting, the purpose of this paper is to study Martin Luther Kings and Malcolm Xs perceptions of democracy and strategies of power and resistance.

To begin with, it is essential to notice that, in his letter, Martin Luther King expresses severe disappointment in the fact that both the White Citizens Councilor and the white moderate tell African Americans to stop their actions and wait. They insist on the current unnecessity of the Negro community gaining their rights and freedom. However, this is what leads America to democracy. According to the activist, the latter means allowing all people to live freely and without fear, segregation, violence, and the need to fight for their rights. Democracy is the ultimate absence of discrimination and prejudice, and in a democratic state, children should not feel inferior because of their skin color (Thepostarchive 00:14:02-00:14:41). Simultaneously, parents should not worry about their kids lives and health just because the people around them are opposed to their race. Finally, democracy does not allow any unreasonable sign or characteristic to be used against a person and in order to humiliate their dignity and deprive them of their civil and human rights.

In his letter, Martin Luther King Jr. describes the recent events and mentions some strategies that were used by the Negro community. Noticeably, all of them were peaceful and did not initially contain violence. As noticed by the activist, in any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action (Thepostarchive 00:04:29-00:04:37). While facing racial injustice, segregation, and brutality, experiencing unfair treatment in the courts, and having their houses and churches bombed, African Americans still tried to engage the citys white power in good faith negotiations.

When this strategy failed, it was decided to change the plan. According to Martin Luther King Jr., they chose to prepare for nonviolent direct action that seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue (Thepostarchive 00:09:15-00:09:35). Again, the strategy did not contain any violence, and this is what defines the essence of the activists philosophy. He did not want to destroy and eliminate those who supported white supremacy. Instead, Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for helping such people see the benefits and value of brotherhood, mutual understanding, and love and get rid of racism and prejudice.

Further, it is essential to analyze the way Malcolm X views democracy. In his speech, the activist indicates that he has never seen true democracy, and the one that exists in the U.S. is actually hypocrisy (Npatou 00:25:18-00:25:20). Political figures lie to people and never hold their promises, worsening the situation in the country and making it more challenging for the Negro community to live. Therefore, though Malcolm X does not directly mention what democracy is, he instead states what features it should definitely not have.

On this basis, it is possible to understand how the activist perceives democracy in America. A democratic leader does not lie to the citizens and always holds their promises, and a democratic state is supposed to guarantee voting rights to Negroes (Npatou 00:33:36-00:33:40). According to Malcolm X, it is either freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody because democracy means providing everyone with equal rights (Npatou 00:37:40-00:37:42). In order for America to be truly democratic, discrimination has to be eliminated, and all people, especially African Americans, need to gain their freedom and use their civil and human rights. As for the strategy of achieving it, Malcolm X insists on uniting against white supremacy, becoming more politically educated and mature, and being ready to die if liberty is not achieved.

Works Cited

Malcolm Xs Legendary Speech: The Ballot or the Bullet (annotations and subtitles). YouTube, uploaded by Npatou, Web.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Reads his Letter from a Birmingham Jail. YouTube, uploaded by Thepostarchive, Web.

Introduction: The Dual Pillars of Civil Rights

Leadership is regarding the change management. Leaders establish a line of action; they develop a future prospects and match the participants with that expectation, and encourage them to conquer obstacles. Leadership may also be used to encourage people to achieve a set of objectives or dreams. Good leaders have often had certain characteristics and attributes connected with them. The trait hypothesis aims to understand the traits that distinguish members by reflecting on their attributes and personal attributes. Charisma or attractiveness, passion, determination and confidence include such attributes. Such qualities and features have been related with historically great rulers. Some of the biggest pioneers of the civil rights revolution are Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, opposing racism and discrimination against African Americans. This was achieved by Malcolm X by inspiring people to employ equal force toward terrorism. Through promoting non-violence Dr. Martin Luther King, on the other hand. The same liberties were not given to whites in a time of discrimination, Jim Crow Blacks.

The two African American icons, Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, had very contrasting backgrounds and ways of course. As O’Donnell states, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King helped change these people through ‘socio-cultural and social conditions.’ Most of the Black people was exposed to racism, inequality, terror and white brutality. Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King were internationally respected icons to promote social and political progress. They also required the Black Americans to have equality of opportunity and quality of life. To order to achieve this, these members used different objectives (Carson, 2005). This can be demonstrated not just in their personalities and perceptions but in their style and leadership quality. During the development and implementation of nonviolent protests by Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X urged Blacks to combat brutality with white imperialists?

Despite the fact that Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King campaigned for the similar end goal-freedom and equality-there were very separate ideologies with distinct leadership styles. This is evident through Dr. Martin Luther King’s experiences and knowledge. He takes the initiative in non-violence, respected and established for his strengths of inspirational leadership. He brought up with other Middle-class Blacks in a loving and supportive home in a middle-class neighborhood. He was living in a home with two parents and a minister’s son (Conyers & Smallwood, 2008). The effective minister was Dr. Martin Luther King’s uncle. On the other hand, Malcolm X was born and raised in NAACP and a prominent part of the black society. Dr. Martin Luther King thus had advantages that several Black Americans did not have. He received a doctorate degree in the year 1955, with the support of both his family member. Dr. Martin Luther King was determined to pursue his father’s steps regarding his potential and his upbringing Dr. Martin Luther King and his memories have formed him into the charismatic leader pursuing non-violent with whom we today identify, as a supportive community and a lifelong role model in his father foot-notes. On the other hand, Malcolm X’s life was quite different.

Contrasting Backgrounds: Shaping Ideologies

Malcolm X’s childhood molded him into the brave Black Nationalist, whom society recognizes and acknowledges. He lost his father at an early age. Malcolm’s dad was a pillar of the community as well. At an early age, the Ku Klux Klan had assassinated his uncle. For the remainder of his life this incident was to have a major impact. His mother faced through a manic depression in which she could not take care of her children. Malcolm was orphaned after that. Without the love of a family, he grew up in fosters and in a miserable lives. He has been whisked from place to place and has no connection with his relatives (Jenkins, 2018). In the second half-century of the 20th century nobody had a greater influence on African-Americans ‘ cultural awareness than Malcolm X, who more than any other revolutionized the black psyche, turning the placid Negroes and ego-effacing men in the colors. Predators and religious scholars producing racial theologies, declaring God as Liberator and Jesus Christ as black. The leader for Civil Rights was a black movement and said, ‘It’s the time for the Country’.

Students at colleges and schools requested and received black studies. Poets, dramatists, musicians, artists and other introduced a new black aesthetic appeal that ‘black is absolutely gorgeous.’ Malcolm’s influence did not escape any area in the African American society. The black leaders who currently dismissed him as a roarer continue to promote his cultural philosophy and encourage black people to love each other first until they even assume of loving others. Malcolm’s influence did not escape any area in the African American society. The black leaders who currently confined him as a “rabble rouser” and continue to promote his cultural philosophy and encourage black people to love each other first until they even assume of loving others. Nobody was loving the blacks more than the love shared by Malcolm, nor did he tell us more about themselves. Many Black people had nothing to associate with Africa until Malcolm (Elliott, 2019). However he teaches us that ‘you cannot hates the tree roots and neither the trees; you cannot dislike your origin and you cannot hate yourself; you cannot dislike Africa and you cannot envy yourself.’ Though, no one can illustrate this thing as done by Malcolm X.

The initiating framework involves conducts that try to organize research, working ties and goals, and provide a corporate structure. This includes assigning roles to team members and requires a certain degree of succession. Concern has something to do with ties of work marked by shared trust, regard for emotions of followers. A highly esteemed leader is polite, approachable and cares to personal issues of his supporter. In the lifetimes of Malcolm X, a figure prominent in promoting the organization of fellow members were defined and given roles in organizing conferences and mobilizing new participants of the nation of Islam (Johnson, 2018). He was also very polite because he was very respectful to people, because he was friendly and accessible and he really was concerned with their well-being, as shown by the police brutalization of a leader. Malcolm X organized group colleagues at the police station and made it easier to release the follower and made sure that he was provided with medical care. This self-sacrificing behavior and consideration for the followers contributes to his leadership performance. Leaders with certain characteristics and attention and structuring behavior, are much more competitive. Malcolm X managed to strike a balance among the work done and the well-being of the people of Islamic State. This is called transformative leadership.

Leadership Styles: Nonviolence vs. Militancy

Values, motives, and attitudes of adherents are changing the spirit of the philosophy of transformational leadership. Transformation management aims to increase people’s awareness through appealing to their self-interest and their ethical values, through organizing them to transform their organization and in return they are gaining through taking care of their well-being. This was the situation of the African Americans persecuted in the United States of America by Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X was charismatic and revolutionary, scientifically stimulating and giving his supporters praise, reverence and accountability (Girgis, 2018). However, transformative leadership philosophy cannot be utilize only to demonstrate Malcolm X’s management style, but the charismatic leadership philosophy is another theory that can be utilized. It is often regarded as a sister of transformative leadership or an aspect of transformative leadership. This type of leadership is ideally applied for leadership politics.

The leadership theory of Charismatic can be utilized to define leadership style of Malcolm X’s since he openly contest the ruling class and talked to American culture in a manner perceived as a threat. Malcolm X had been selfish and did not receive financial rewards, he had been encouraged by the Nation of Islam vision, and this is why he had been respected by his supporters because he had been committed (Aidi, 2018). The history and training of these two leaders contributes to the disparity in their approaches to leadership. The experiences in life influenced the way in which they led but also promoted and facilitated social reform. The style of leadership that they used led to public awareness and culture. The horrific upbringing of Malcolm inspired him to lead a criminal life. He did not have a father’s role model and power to help him. Their childhood conditions allow an individual to comprehend that of Malcolm X as opposed to Dr. Martin Luther King, the contrast in leadership.

In contrast, his commitment to abuse, prayer and leadership have fostered his parent’s death catastrophe. Unless Malcolm grew up with a politician father and a supportive mother, perhaps he cannot have the same characteristics of leadership that have been identified. The White people, the Devil, were called by Malcolm, and the Blacks were empowered to violence. This Malcolm supported the Black economy as a weapon toward White supremacy to be free, strong, and united. It directly reflects his contribution to the advancement of Black Nationalism. While Malcolm X encouraged Blacks to only use aggression in the face of violence, Dr. Martin Luther King did the exact opposite. Dr. Martin Luther King urged White and Black Americans to engage in non-violence in order to promote social justice. Throughout his leadership he stressed to minorities and many others that he should not strike Whites harshly, even in the face of violence. This display of will, a silent peaceful demonstration and a ‘march for freedom’ demonstrated that everybody could fight and peacefully fight for equal rights (Redmond, 2019). Those who oppose social change are changing tactics to use ‘love guns’. Dr. Martin Luther King ‘appealed to White American concept of fair play, by urging non-violence against racism, to alter socially by promoting nonviolence, thereby rejecting the idea of self-defense.’

By addition to Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King taught and preached by Dc in several African American churches. His approach was not merely to meet Black people but to promote transformation and social equity, as were White and Black. There are many who view Malcolm X in negative terms. The author observed in a paper that ‘Malcolm X’s worldview was pretty much colored by anger, bitterness and the will to go back to a system which treated him relatively unjustly.’ Malcolm X is, like Dr. Martin Luther King, a minister. For the Black Muslims Malcolm was teaching to express the same sentiments for the whites as for the blacks. In contrast, Black Nationalism, economic and social freedom, self-defense and other strategies against discrimination have been promoted by the Nation of Muslim. Among White Americans, Malcolm induced terror among the similar manner White Americans made Black culture afraid. ‘Malcolm has always spoken to White America of the bitter and insignificant present and warned against aggression in a voice that struck the majority of the whites.’ Whereas others protested about Malcolm X’s methods, many other did the similar for Dr. Martin Luther King’s style of leadership (Jenkins, 2018). Martin is thought to be conservative. He didn’t broadcast television shows or radio. Rather, he spoke and advocated justice to his followers. He was and did himself as a minister of Christians. ‘Martin must be liberal, because many whites sponsored and financed the civil rights movement.’ Nevertheless, Dr. Martin Luther King appealed to all public opinion, regardless of race, justice and civil liberty. It promoted social equality and a stop to segregation. Dr. Martin Luther King may have achieved this because of Whites ‘ encouragement. Dr. Martin Luther King always tried to influence White people and shift their perceptions and beliefs. Blacks have been linked to negative synonyms and connotations that has continue to be related now (Elliott, 2019).

Public Perception and Influence

Dr. Martin Luther King used a non-violent method to transforming this view to demonstrate that African Americans are not racist, immoral or destructive. The non-violent approach allowed society to understand all Black people experience in a separate society and what they want to endure to have equal opportunities. ‘Blacks would have to love themselves first in building the Black consciousness’ encouraged Malcolm X. Malcolm supported Black corporations, Black property and persuaded Black people to take the necessary steps in the direction of economic and social freedom. At that moment, most Blacks had no hope of running a Black business or of being marginalized.

As a consequence, Malcolm X urged Blacks to be loaded with confidence. In this context, he ‘really want to love Black people and join and govern their own cultures.’ Dr. Martin Luther King was also fighting for the society of the Blacks. Yet Dr. Martin Luther King promoted tolerance, cooperation and reconciliation instead of utilizing Black pride as a motivation. He intended America to be a big melting pot that would provide Whites with the same rights of opportunities for people from various ethnicities and ethnical backgrounds. He was also going to do it by semi-violent demonstrations and protests (Aidi, 2018). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was a competent leader for the civil rights movement of the African American under the U.S. He was smart in his ability to lead African Americans in the promotion of civil rights in peaceful political ways. He was great and powerful and used his authority to influence the righteous. Dr. Martin Luther King was trained in Systematic Theology from University of Boston to receive his PhD in Philosophy. With a good mental strength, perceptive skill and thought, one seems to become a good leader. He had a very good verbal skill. Throughout the protest to Washington, he considered for the stop of racism, the ‘I have a dream’ statement was delivered. The powerful statement continues on more than 40 years later.

Through his message, Dr. Martin Luther King influenced others. A ruler also has a major role to play in his own self-confidence. Self-confidence is the opportunity to be sure of your skills and talents (Redmond, 2019). You would gain the confidence of your supporters if you believe in your acts. That nobody wants anyone who is uncertain and unqualified to guide him. Being a leader, they must trust that the decision is taken in the perfect time to make the right choices. The faith and justice of Dr. Martin Luther King attracted supporters. He was optimistic that he could one day bring the Black community to equal rights. If Dr. Martin Luther King had no self-confidence, the fortunes of the African Americans would not have been affected. Dr. Martin Luther King could not have any negative effects on him deter him from achieving grandeur. Finally, a good leader’s characteristics are determined. Commitment is the willingness to do the work. Dr. Martin Luther King is eager to achieve his dream of receiving equal justice someday. His enthusiasm and push inspired others to adopt the capabilities of him. He also didn’t cancel, even when things were tough and he was placed in jail. For the African Americans he proceeded with his peaceful path. He offered all of it to Dr. Martin Luther King and placed himself and his friends in dangerous situations. Dr. Martin Luther King’s perseverance was the explanation behind his strong campaigns (Elliott, 2019). Eventually, when he fought for independence, he made the ultimate sacrifice He was killed in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray. In 1964, he was granted the Nobel Peace Prize, given the chaos he confronted. His career and life are celebrated with a public holiday, public schools and structures named for him. Had Dr King not been committed, he would not have earned all the accolades, nor would his Independence Mall statue in Washington DC.

Conclusion: Leadership Through Personal Experience

Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King have very different lifestyles and leadership styles. While Dr. Martin Luther King was given the highest credibility, Malcolm X was an extremist self-educated. In order to achieve Black equal rights by all necessary methods Malcolm X preached Black pride and Black Nationalism. Dr. Martin Luther King employed non-violence, public discourses and protests to promote political and social changes. Considering their lives and knowledge we can better understand how ‘personal life interactions form the concept of democracy of a citizen.’ Although not everyone is born to be a leader, though in their workplace they can still make a significant difference. You can have various leadership characteristics that help you become effective leaders in your organization. He was the first member in his African American community to succeed on Dr. Martin Luther King. In all respects, he excelled across getting his men to justice. He was able to fulfill his vision with the leadership qualities he acquired. Dr. Martin Luther King proved that he could be the greatest leader. Even if he is not living any more, his legacy continues.

References

1. Carson, C. (2005). The Unfinished Dialogue of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. OAH Magazine of History, 19(1), 22-26.
2. Conyers, J. L., & Smallwood, A. P. (Eds.). (2008). Malcolm X: A Historical Reader. Carolina Academic Press.
3. Jenkins, L. R. (2018). A Sumitography: A Listing of Postage Stamps Celebrating Contributions to Civil and Human Rights by Martin Luther King Jr. and Associates.
4. Elliott, R. (2019). Malcolm X’s Analysis of Citizenship & Rights For Black Americans. Available at SSRN 3403265.
5. Johnson, K. D. (2018). Looking Back at Martin Luther King, Jr.: An Interview with David J. Garrow.
6. Girgis, C. (2018). Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz: Coming Out From the Shadow of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X (Master’s thesis).
7. Aidi, H. (2018). The Political uses of Malcolm X. Nka: Journal of Contemporary African Art, 2018(42-43), 212-221.
8. Redmond, J. (2019). Malcolm X. Mason Crest.

When faced with racial violence and injustice, what is the right path to take? Is peaceful protest the answer? Or should the victims fight back physically and respond with aggression? Is there even a point to integration with the enemy? Even though the United States outlawed slavery in 1865, segregation and discrimination against African Americans persisted for nearly a hundred years and still lingers on today. With the continued brutality against African Americans came the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were undeniably prominent activists in the long fight to secure rights for African Americans and other people of color. However, their tactics and methods were vastly different; one was more militant in their beliefs and the other supported passive resistance. It became obvious with time which man’s strategy was more successful: Martin Luther King.

When Martin Luther King received the Nobel Peace prize in 1964, he summarized the crisis that America was facing impeccably: “We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers” (Nobel Prize.org). When he became a minister in Montgomery, Alabama, African Americans in the South were suffering due to the Jim Crow laws that segregated whites and blacks in everyday life (Prentzas, G. S., and Jack Rummel). Despite the bitter, heinous ways they were treated, King was inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy and had the powerful, spiritual notion that the best way to combat these atrocities committed against them was through nonviolent demonstrations and peaceful protests (Prentzas, G. S., and Jack Rummel). One of his first actions within the Civil Rights Movement was organizing the Montgomery bus boycott when Rosa Parks, a black woman, denied giving up her seat to a white person. Despite the threat of death looming over his head, his house even being firebombed during the year the boycott took place, he still held tightly onto the concept of love and civil disobedience overcoming hatred and intolerance. With this mindset, Martin Luther King orchestrated and took part in nonviolent protests where they refused to leave segregated, white-only businesses until they got service. While these efforts took America by storm, King truely engraved his mark on American history with his famous “I Have A Dream” speech during the March on Washington. He announced with passionate certainty in front of thousands of people that their fight would “continue to shake the foundations of the nation until the bright day of justice emerged” (1963). Even after an incident where he was stabbed in the chest, King said in an address given at Bishop Charles Mason Temple, “We aren’t going to let any mace stop us. We are masters in our nonviolent movement in disarming police forces. They don’t know what to do” (I’ve Been to the Mountaintop, 1968). Martin Luther King was an activist who embodied the idea of light overcoming darkness from the very beginning all the way to his tragic end. King stood tall, never wavering in what he believed to be God’s will, even though he knew could very well die at any moment for his cause.

Not all activists agreed with one another and Malcolm X had a very different view on the matter of civil rights for African Americans. During his time with the Nation of Islam, Malcolm preached that blacks should come together and do anything in their power to get the rights that they deserve through any means necessary (Escovar). He was a firm challenger to Martin’s visions of black and white people walking hand in hand to the Promised Land. It was evident through his speeches that he strongly opposed working with white Americans. He believed that black people should only trust those amongst themselves and that whites were inherently evil and deceitful. “What we have foremost in common is that enemy — the white man. He’s an enemy to all of us. I know some of you all think that some of them aren’t enemies. Time will tell.” Malcolm warned at a rally in Michigan (Message to the Grassroots, 1963). He felt that it was wrong that African Americans were still under the laws of whites, regardless of whether they treated them well or not, and that they should be able to “control the politics and the politicians in his own community” (The Ballot or the Bullet, 1964).

In the same speech, he goes on to say, “You don’t have a revolution in which you love your enemy. And you don’t have a revolution in which you are begging the system of exploitation to integrate you into it. Revolutions overturn systems. Revolutions destroy systems.”

Malcolm wanted blacks to stick to themselves, essentially, and insisted that intermingling with whites would eventually lead to chaos and being ordered around. They could only rely on themselves to get what they deserved and counting on white people for any kind of help would be self-deprecating and self-destructive. In short, he thought that the only way that could make change happen was to take matters into their own hands, not just wait on the approval of the enemy. Although he disagreed with King, Malcolm knew that regardless of method, all black people were searching for freedom.

“No, I’m not for separation and you’re not for integration, what you and I are for is freedom. Only, you think that integration will get you freedom; I think that separation will get me freedom. We both got the same objective, we just got different ways of getting’ at it” (The Ballot or the Bullet, 1961).

Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X made a lasting impact on history and both had valid, understandable approaches to the fight for freedom. Nevertheless, to this day, King is the man most Americans think of when the Civil Rights Movement is brought into discussion, not Malcolm X. King was a man of patience and so he was able to compromise and take things slowly, while Malcolm was a man of urgency and resisted the opinions of white people. Malcolm was a bit too radical in his approach and while his ideas were honorable and noble, he also came across as intimidating to many white Americans, further dividing the country. King, on the other hand, was much more approachable and accepted the kindness of anyone who supported his cause, regardless of race. When television broadcasts showed the horrific manner in which peaceful protestors were being treated by the police in Birmingham, Alabama (I’ve Been to the Mountaintop, 1968), it woke America up. If the protestors had fought back, no matter how justifiable it would have been, their violent resistance would have been twisted into a negative light by racist, white Americans and used as evidence that America should stay segregated. Malcolm vaguely implied in his Ballot or the Bullet speech that “bloody revolution” was the only way to get their freedom if white Americans refused to give them rights. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. The sit-ins organized by King were very effective even though the participants didn’t resort to violence. It disrupted business and stirred up controversy. The Montgomery bus boycott is a prime example of this as it made the public buses carry the financial losses that their absence came with. In order to get their money and their respect, they had to be respected in return. That was what King was all about. Mutual respect and harmony. That was something that appealed to American nation as a whole and made many white people realize the nightmares they’d been inflicting on black Americans. It appealed to their sense of morality. Malcolm X’s ideals, while understandable and respectable, only fueled the narrative that racists wanted to tell.

Although historians can’t agree on when exactly the Civil Rights Movement began (Smith), one thing is for sure: it’s not over yet. It will never be over as long as there are minorities in the United States that are mistreated and judged for anything but the content of their character. While the movement marches on, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X will be names forever remembered. All things considered, however, Martin Luther King made the more lasting impact on the United States of America with his influential dream of a country where harmonious diversity reigns triumphant.