Abstract This paper compares the philosophies of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X as civil rights activists. It looks at the differences in their methods, King's belief in civil disobedience and nonviolence and Malcolm X's belief in the use of aggressive action violence. It also looks at the committment of both to social change and considers the challenges that current civil rights leaders face.
Tags:Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., civil disobedience, Nation of Islam, non-violence, civil rights
Abstract This paper examines how Spike Lee manipulated the Malcom X story in his film by toning down Malcolm's radical message and even completely altering it at times.
From the Paper "Popularizing Malcolm X by making his message more appealing to a broader base of people than it was initially, is Spike Lee's agenda. As I mentioned earlier this is not an easy task especially in America today as contrasted with the America Malcolm had faced. It is one thing to see eye to eye with a man who insists whites are devils when they act in evil ways toward you, it is entirely another thing to accept that same argument when whites act fairly, friendly and as your equal. Winning over this new generation of young Blacks who have grown up isolated from the centuries of racial injustice and animosity that proceeded them, is the dilemma that Spike Lee has to overcome."
Abstract This paper considers to what extent Malcolm X was a typical African-American. The paper maintains that although he was a controversial figure, he was very much typical to the time in which he lived, sharing common experiences with the average man.
From the Paper "Despite his status as one of the most controversial figures within the American Civil Rights movement, Malcolm X was, in many ways, a'typical' African American during the time in which he lived. Indeed, it was the very fact that he shared common experiences with the average African American man that inspired Malcolm X's tireless pursuit to empower the African American community and attain a measure of political and economic freedom previously denied to them. Thus it may be argued that despite the radical methods that..."
This paper addresses the complex and important issues of stratification and inequity that are presented throughout Malcolm's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X."
Abstract This paper gives a brief but succinct summary of the major events of Malcolm's life, as outlined in his autobiography. It then delves into the reasons underlying the racism and inequality of the United States in Malcolm's time. A brief history of slavery and the African-American experience explains the social conditions for African-Americans in the mid-1900s, in America. The paper also examines the reasons for Malcolm's behavior in the social context of the 1940s to the 1960s in the United States. It describes if Malcolm's conditions and treatment are similar to those experienced by other African-Americans, in the United States, during the same time frame. It provides a thorough sociological analysis of Malcolm's behavior, in terms of the social conditions he was exposed to. Further, it describes Malcolm's behavior in terms of the sociological concepts of both deterrence theory and labelling theory. The paper finally describes the presence of social conditions, in current United States society, that mirror those seen in the 1940s and the 1960s in the United States. It compares these social conditions to the social conditions that were seen in Malcolm's "Autobiography of Malcolm X".
From the Paper "Malcolm X was one on the most controversial leaders in American history. His outspokenness about the plight of the African American people, and his close ties with the black Black Muslim movement made Malcolm X a highly feared black leader. He was known for inflammatory speeches, and his strong belief in the Black Muslim sect. Malcolm X sought out publicity, and was well known for his views on vengeance and retribution for the African American people.
"Malcolm X was born on May 19th, 1925, in Omaha Nebraska. Born Malcolm Little, his father was a Baptist minister, and a strong supporter of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, run by Marcus Garvey. This organization encouraged African Americans to run their own businesses, and discouraged dependence on the culture and economy of white America.'"
Abstract In this examination of "The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley", by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, the author highlights many pertinent points from the book and about the life of Malcolm X. The author tells us that the book looks at the era in which Malcolm X lived as a time when racism was running rampant in the United States. As a result of his experiences Malcolm X became an angry activist who hated everything that white society represented. The paper describes how Malcolm X himself became a racist and he believed that all whites were evil, after his conversion to Islam. The author delves into this further pointing out what made Malcolm X change his way of thinking to become a well known civil rights activist, who is still thought of in a positive light today. Finally the paper reiterates the major changes that Malcolm X went through during his life to make him a key leader of the black civil rights movement in the United States.
From the Paper "Malcolm continued to have a great loyalty to Muhammad, even when Muhammad became too old to actively participate in Nation events. Malcolm then became more and more active in the groups decision making processes. It was at this time that Malcolm and Muhammad noticed that have had some differences in ideology. While they both wished to fight for black rights, Muhammad's goal was to create a completely separate black nation-state that would have a different economy and culture than the rest of the country. Malcolm, however, believed that this would only happen if they took care of the poor black people living in ghettos first. Malcolm wanted the group to become more involved with politics and to change America as a whole, rather than just trying to separate black America from white America. These differing philosophies, as well as Malcolm's growing influence led to Muhammad trying to have Malcolm killed. While this was very difficult for Malcolm, it led to another change in philosophy for him."
This paper analyzes the significance of the interracial sexual relationship between black Malcolm and white Sophie, in Spike Lee's 1992 film "Malcolm X".
Abstract This paper explains that the interracial sexual relationship between black Malcolm and white Sophie, in Spike Lee's 1992 film "Malcolm X is striking in the context of the civil rights movement, which only recently had begun to make such liaisons relatively safe and acceptable, and the narrative of the film, in which it develops into a criminal partnership. The author points out that Spike Lee positions this relationship as a direct result of Malcolm's ambition and power and Sophie's desire to realize her sexual fantasies. The paper relates Malcolm's ability to roam sexually in the upper class testifies to his personal strength and ability to succeed, an important theme in the film. The author concludes that Malcolm's relationship with Sophie serves as a symbol of the liberation of the civil rights movement.
From the Paper "With the emergence of the Civil Rights movement, black/white relationships lost at least some of their taboo, and increasingly became public. Both blacks and whites expressed profound distrust of mysogenation. As Michele Wallace, a black woman growing up the time, bluntly put it: "Only the rejects crawl for white pussy." In "Malcolm X", Laura's jealousy and disapproval at Malcolm's relationship with Sophia exemplifies this attitude. Interestingly, both in the historical record and paralleled in the film, the sexuality of black women seems less important than that of black men during this time period."
Tags: over-possessiveness mysogenation criminal, black power, excitement
Abstract This paper explains that Spike Lee's film, "Malcolm X," depicts the way Malcolm X, in prison, forged his identity based on social and religious values, not the values of the dominant white culture, but rather values in opposition to the white Anglo-Saxon Protestant culture, which, for centuries, had oppressed persons of African descent. The author points out that Malcolm X was a sincere adherent to Islam, which was not the religion of his African ancestors, but the religion of modern Africa. The paper relates that Spike Lee demonstrates how, when Malcolm X embraced Sunni Islam and incorporated its teachings into his approach toward black liberation, his militant views became more tempered; this shift from pure militancy toward cooperation directly led to his assassination.
From the Paper "As Lee's movie shows, Malcolm's family history and early experiences affected his radical political views. He joined the Nation of Islam while in prison, as he felt a sense of camaraderie and solidarity that he never would have found in the outside world. Lee depicts how Malcolm X was deeply and personally affected by his exposure to the Muslim religion. In fact, one of the most remarkable things about the life of Malcolm X was his ability to grow with his religious beliefs, rather than having his religious beliefs dictate strictly what his actions were. As the film points out, Malcolm X did the necessary pilgrimage to Mecca shortly before he was assassinated."
Abstract This paper discusses the short life of one of the most important AfricanAmericans in the history of the United States, Malcolm Little, more famously known as Malcolm X. The author recounts Malcolm's life, speaking of his childhood, and the experiences he had. The author also speaks of Malcolm's time in prison, his conversion to Islam and his devotion to the religion. The paper narrates Malcolm's journey to becoming a famous activist for black people's rights and praises his strong stand against racism and racial oppression.
From the Paper "Malcolm X was married from 1958 at the time of his death and he had six daughters. His wife and his family were dedicated to the causes of the Nation of Islam and they were fervent followers. Malcolm continued to be a dedicated member of the Nation of Islam until 1964, when he left the group because of the differences that arose between him and Elijah Muhammad. He was disappointed to discover that the leader of Nation of Islam was not as dedicated and committed to the ideology of the group, as he discovered he has been committing adultery, which was clearly against the religious beliefs promoted by the Nation of Islam."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in order to understand Malcolm X as a leader, one must first understand him as a street thug, because his street life was essential in shaping him as a leader. The writer points out that Malcolm, himself, acknowledged how essential his past was in helping him become a great leader. Therefore, to understand Malcolm X as a leader, one must look at his history, and a substantial part of that history involved Malcolm's life on the street. The writer discussses that Malcolm's street life helped him develop practical leadership skills, honed his charisma, and helped him break away from his Baptist upbringing.
From the Paper "These first criminal acts, though Malcolm was the victim and not the perpetrator, served as an important introduction to a life of crime. First, they taught Malcolm the importance of having a capacity for violence. Part of Malcolm's leadership ability was the fact that he was not preaching passive acceptance of white violence. Instead, his message was that blacks should be prepared to meet violence with violence, which was a message that appealed to people, like Malcolm, who had first-hand experience with how devastating white violence could be to a black family. Finally, though Malcolm's mother may have suffered from mental illness even if her husband had not been murdered, his death meant that her children were parceled out to relatives and foster homes once she was institutionalized for her mental problems. This lack of a true family environment certainly contributed to Malcolm's delinquent behavior."
Tags: violence, black, street, life, civil, rights
Abstract This paper discusses "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", which tells the story of one of the most influential black leaders of the 1960s, Malcolm X, born in Omaha, Nebraska as Malcolm Little. It looks at how the book shows Malcolm X as a real man, with flaws, dreams, and hopes for the future. It also discusses how the book shows that Malcolm X truly hated "white devils," and how it is easy to see why so many people were frightened of him and his messages.
From the Paper "Haley's and Malcolm X's thesis for writing this book is quite simple. Haley wanted to share Malcolm's life in largely his own words, so blacks and whites would understand a little more about this man who made such a difference in many people's lives, and inspired fear and misunderstanding in so many whites. In Haley's Epilogue to Malcolm's story, he writes of trying to convince Malcolm to tell his story. Finally, Malcolm agrees. Haley writes, "He said, 'I agree. I think my life story may help people to appreciate better how Mr. Muhammad salvages black people. But I don't want my motives for this misinterpreted by anybody - the Nation of Islam must get every penny that might come to me'" (Haley 386). Clearly, this is the thesis of this work, and this represents the popularity of the work, as well. First published in 1965, it is still popular and studied today, indicating just how far-reaching Malcolm X's life truly was."
Abstract This paper is about the experiences and reactions of Malcolm X at various instances in his life. While Eliezer resigned and submitted to agony, Malcolm X rose to transform himself through a similar kind of struggle. Both suffered injustice. When Eliezer saw the Jews in misery and the immense amount of pain, he lost his belief in God after doubting much. But the misery encountered by Malcolm X only made him want to change and to make things real. Malcolm X became a strong believer in God.
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses the significant factors that influenced Malcolm Little to become Malcolm X. The writer then examines Malcolm X's transformation to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. The writer offers biographical information in this article. The writer also discusses Malcolm X's conversion to the Black Muslim movement while in prison. The writer concludes by looking at his assassination.
From the Paper "Behind every significant figure in world history is a series of events, persons and social institutions that dramatically shaped his or her conscience, convictions and beliefs. Perhaps the most influential factor in the life of a struggling oppressed young person is that of religion. Religion offers hope. It offers reason. It offers redemption. For Black Americans in the middle of the twentieth century the rising Islamic tradition in American known then as Black Muslims gave such hope to a generation of bitterly oppressed ... "
Tags: malcom x, nation of islam, muslim mosque, civil rights, 1960s, black nationalism
Abstract The paper considers Malcolm X's 1965 autobiography and maintains that it reveals as much about one man's personality and lifestyle as it does about an entire social and political revolution taking place in the United States. The paper emphasizes that Malcolm X shows how racism and problems associated with racism, such as poverty in African-American communities, are endemic to American society. The paper describes Malcolm's upbringing, and discusses how after experiencing the results of racial bigotry and rising from the ghetto underworld, Malcolm became one of black America's most important social, political and spiritual leaders.
From the Paper "Malcolm X's early childhood and young adulthood show the origin of his views on race relations in America; his experiences were not all that unique. Malcolm's family was not poor until his father was shot by white supremacists. When his mother was forced to take care of her eight children she descended into despair and depression. Malcolm recalls the effects of his father's death and his mother's subsequent destitution: "something began to happen. Some kind of psychological deterioration hit our family circle and began to eat away our pride. Perhaps it was the constant tangible evidence that we were destitute," (p. 14). Gradually Malcolm and his siblings looked to other families to provide the emotional and financial support that their mother could not provide."
Abstract This paper discusses the main themes that are covered in the work "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X. By understanding the main ideas behind his view on racism in America, the writer demostrates the different view of a black that fought hard for equal rights, within the period of the civil rights era. Some of the basics precepts of his work are examined, as well as the core ideas that represent his thought in the struggle for equality of the races in the United States.
