Malcolm X: African-American Nationalist Leader - Essay Example

?Malcolm X and of the 0 Introduction Malcolm X was a passionate and gifted black orator that was born in 1925. Malcolm, who was born in Nebraska, was an influential African-American nationalist leader. He was also a Muslim minister, and acted as the Islam’s spokesperson. As a result of his influence, the number of Muslims grew from four hundred in the beginning of the 1950s to more than forty thousand in 1960. History claims that Malcolm was born in a family of eight children. Being born to Earl Littles, who was a member of the ‘Universal Negro Improvement Association ‘, Malcolm experienced a firsthand racism at an early age. This was due to the fact that his family was harassed by the White racists (Abernethy 8). For instance, Malcolm family was harassed a number of times by the ‘Ku Klux Klan’ group. The harassment made the family to move to Michigan. Nevertheless, the situation worsened when their house was set on blaze while the Whites watched the fire consume the entire house. The police force also watched as the house burnt down. In a few years, after the fire incidence, Malcolm’s father was found dead along the streets. Despite Little receiving threats of death from the White racists, the police force dismissed the claims of threats citing that Malcolm’s father committed a suicide. Malcolm’s mother suffered a shock as a result of Little’s demise. She was placed in a mental institution where she succumbed to death. These circumstances were experienced by Malcolm, whose father was a local activist. While in school, Malcolm claims that his schoolmates treated him like a pet as opposed to a human person. However, Malcolm was reported to be a diligent student in class, an aspect that saw him elected the class leader. Perhaps his life experiences led to his courageous stance while advocating the rights of blacks. Malcolm’s opponents accused him of propagating racism and violence. However, he remains amongst the most influential blacks in the US. Being a gifted and influential orator, a majority of his quotes are still honored by a large number of his followers, as well as the lovers of freedom, equality and justice among various races. In one sense, we were huddled in there, bonded together in seeking security, warmth and comfort from each other, and we didn’t know it. All of us, who might have probed space, cured cancer, or built industries, were, instead, black victims of the White’s social system (Malcolm 1). This is an emotional Malcolm’s quote that was recorded while giving a speech. The author specifically speaks about the ‘Harlem’ club. The author refers to the night club as a place that sees a multitude people of the same suffering, especially racism; they gather for a consolation and experiencing good time. The author refers to the crowd as a network of families. The night club is majorly perceived as a private place where the victims of racism find a rest. Malcolm saw a difference between the night club and the external racism among the whites. Generally, individuals that frequent the club are perceived as the victims of racism. These individuals understand the reality of capitalism, and are ready to tolerate the life of the ghetto. As a result, the night club has turned out to be a place where the blacks experience comfort. Although a large number of the blacks frequent the night club, a few of them understand the relationship between their survival and the network. Despite the regulars being belligerent and hustlers outside the club, they feel secure and comfortable while in the club. In addition, the quote reflects on the lost opportunities by the African-American masses. Malcolm refers to blacks as a society that is characterized by a hustling life. There are a number of competent blacks that would have begun successful businesses, but have perished in poverty due to lack of capital and opportunities. There are a good number of African-Americans that have scientific skills, but there are no opportunities to apply their competence. In relation to curing cancer, building industries and probing space, Malcolm refers to the vision of the American society. However, the author is demoralized considering that those opportunities are not available to the blacks’ society. In response, the African-Americans are encouraged to participate in unskilled labor. This situation continues to worsen the already appalling condition of the blacks. In this regard, Malcolm speaks regrettably about the opportunities that the blacks are denied. The author generally equates the situation to lack of equality and perpetuation of racism. Due to grieve resulting from the African-American levels of poverty and lack of effective voice in the government, Malcolm resolves to speak about the oppression by the white racists without fear. This demonstrates the author’s strong courage while advocating for the rights of blacks. In particular, the author accuses the whites of excluding blacks from the American dream. Yes, that raping, red-headed devil was my grandfather! That close, yes! My mother’s father! She didn’t like to speak about it, can you blame her? She said she never laid eyes on him. She was glad for that. I’m glad for her. If I could drain away his blood that pollutes my body, and pollutes my complexion, I’d do it! This is because I hate every drop of the rapist’s blood that’s in me! (Malcolm 1). In his speech, the author expresses vehemently about the practices of the white men on innocent black women. Malcolm refers the ‘red-headed devil’ to his grandfather. The author’s grandfather was a white man. This white man fathered the Malcolm’s mother. However, Louise, is Malcolm’s mother, was fathered by the white man via raping. Even though the White man was Malcolm’s grandfather, X speaks harshly about the act of rape. The author’s unforgiving speech is also directed towards the general oppression practiced by the whites against the blacks. Although Malcolm gained from having a relative light complexion, since it enabled him to intermingle with other white students in school, the author still faced a number of disadvantages such as the difference between the native Whites and him with respect to skin-complexion. This heightened the frustration of the author following mistreatment at school by fellow schoolmates. However, the author’s sentiments with regards to the ‘pollute blood’ refers to the held belief by the Nation of Islam. The Nation of Islam believes that the whites were raised from the African by a barmy scientist in an endeavor to let loose evil on earth. Considering this fundamental value by the Nation of Islam, X is confused about his situation since he has the blood of the whites. The author feels that if there was a possibility, he would have freed himself from the inherited genes of the whites. In addition, the authors sentiments reflects on grieve of the black men due to the raping of black women by the white men. Although the whites were initially discouraging the interracial sex, Malcolm speech also indicates the efforts of blacks to depress the act of interracial marriage. The attempts by both communities are aimed towards ensuring purity is maintained. This illustrates the efforts of Africans excluding the native whites from the blacks association. However, this act was practiced earlier by the whites to exclude the blacks. Therefore, the author’s sentiment is an effort of retaliation. Generally, the author demonstrates the oppression practiced by the whites against the black communities (Fay 30). “America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem” (Malcolm 1) The speech by Malcolm reveals the author’s Islamic faith. The author believes that the Islamic religion is likely to change the social problems of the American society. However, the author acknowledges the diversities that exist between the Islam practiced in the US and that of the Middle East. In his career as an influential activist, the author attempts to employ the Islamic religion in changing the divine, political, economic and social wellbeing amongst the African-Americans. Malcolm efforts of ensuring Africans experience freedom is underpinned by the author’s believe of the role of Islamic religion in ensuring equity and justice. The travelling by the author to the Middle East helped him to understand the differences of the US Islamic religion that is associated with politics from that of the Middle East which is related to divinity. According to this quotation, X believed that the problem of race among the American societies can be resolved. This thinking is associated with the past experience of Middle East where the communities are characterized by brotherhood. The author was able to associate with the white Muslims. As a result, Malcolm believes that brotherhood, as embraced by the Muslim communities, is able to change the trend of racism in the US. I reflect many, many times to myself upon how the American Negro has been entirely brainwashed from ever seeing or thinking of himself, as he should, as a part of the nonwhite peoples of the world (Malcolm 1). This quotation shows Malcolm’s dedication to the wide aspect of racism and repression. Although Malcolm held the whites responsible for the blacks’ backwardness and hardships, the author believes that the effort of the entire black community in the world would ensure blacks are released from the various types of adversities. In contrast to the quotation regarding Islamic religion as far as solving the American racism is concerned, the author centers on the sole effort of blacks in terminating the oppression and suffering. In this regard, the author focuses on the blacks. According to the author’s opinion, there was a possibility of the blacks rising above the repression and adversities. As a result, Malcolm asserts that Africans have been convinced of having minor powers by the whites. In relation to the author’s quotation, the blacks have the power to change their destiny (Terrill 36). I have had enough of someone else’s propaganda… I am for truth, no matter who tells it. I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I am a human being first and foremost, and as I am for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole (Malcolm 1). The quotation above appeared on a letter that Malcolm wrote from Mecca to the United States. This later indicated that the America’s racism had advanced. The writer was demonstrating his strong stance against submitting to any propaganda. Malcolm is seen to be against the Nation of Islam opposition regarding the whites’ rhetoric and nationalist inclinations. The author felt that these aspects were associated with unprogressive social and economical phenomena. Malcolm attempts to handle racial problems at advanced levels. This is witnessed when Malcolm talked to the whites, as well as the white’s institutions. Malcolm believes that a solution can be found by engaging the whites in various discourses. The author was passionate about finding equality among the blacks. The author’s dedication to justice and truth represents Malcolm’s major step in becoming an international African-American political leader. Although Malcolm declared to have an open discussion with the whites in an endeavor to achieve equality among the American societies, the author’s arrival in New York is characterized by rejecting the whites request to join his organization. Malcolm held the belief that only the blacks can improve the life of the black community. No one can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you are a man, you take it (Malcolm 1). This quotation was spoken by Malcolm in 1965. The quotation indicates the author’s determination of achieving freedom by any means. This reflects the failure of the author’s struggle in relation to achieving freedom and justice via peaceful negotiations. The blacks continue to suffer oppression perpetuated by the Whites. The murder of the author’s father, while at his tender age, and his struggle in achieving freedom reminds the author that an individual should take the freedom by any means, including use of force. The statement illustrates the authors grieve and aggravation of failure in a number of attempts as far as attaining an individual freedom is concerned. The author has witnessed inequalities between the whites and blacks since childhood despite various efforts by diverse blacks to liberate the black community. In this regard, the author states about taking freedom due to the past frustrations regarding failures of his father and other activists to achieve justice and equality. Sitting at the table does not make you a diner, unless you eat some of what is on that plate. Being here in America does not make you an American. Being born here in America does not make you an American (Malcolm 1). The quotation by Malcolm reflects the state of condition that existed between the whites and blacks. Due to suffering and oppression which the blacks suffered, the author felt that the black community was treated as refugees, despite being born in America. According to the author, a factor that determined whether you are an American or not were the skin complexion. As a result, the whites enjoyed a number of privileges in the US relative to the African communities. This saw a number of Africans live in the poor urban areas, whilst the whites resided a variety of gated neighborhoods. The blacks lived in the ghettos, neighborhoods that were characterized by low quality of education and poor provision of healthcare. The blacks were associated with high levels of unemployment as a result of racism and deficiency of various facilities, such as the best schools. In this regard, Malcolm supposed that the blacks were isolated from participating in the American economy, as well as meaningful politics. The author felt that, although the blacks lived in the US, they were excluded from realizing the benefits provided by the US economy, social and politics. This saw large number of the blacks continues to suffer various types of adversities. Generally, the author demonstrates the distress of Africans due to the whites’ repression, and the exemplary life experienced by the whites. “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” (Malcolm 1) This quotation reflects on peace and freedom. The quotation was quoted from the Malcolm’s speech in 1965. The statement continues to reflect on the advocacy for freedom among the black communities. This statement explains the reason why the blacks continued to fight for long period to gain freedom. Since the old days of slavery, the blacks continued to struggle for a complete freedom. In more than two centuries, the blacks held demonstrations regarding a variety of rights ranging from slavery to quality education, equality, justice and political powers. Since freedom was not completely gained, the blacks continued to struggle for a complete freedom. This saw a number of blacks face death resulting from assassination practiced by the white racists and their agents. The whites were afraid of the blacks fighting for political powers. However, deaths and other inhuman treatment by the whites did not demoralize the blacks from making concerted political and social efforts in an endeavor to realize liberty (Sharp 28). Moreover, the author demonstrates that freedom and peace are inseparable. In this respect, the blacks considered that peace would prevail in the event of a full achievement of sovereignty. Consequently, the efforts of the whites to end various movements that were associated with Africans were unfruitful. The African leaders believed that, unless freedom is granted to every community in the US, peace would not triumph. The urge to achieve self-determination among the blacks’ leaders led to the assassination of various nationalist such as Malcolm X. Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it is against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it is against the oppressor. You don’t need anything else (Malcolm 1). This is amongst the last quotations the author gave before death; it signified a sense of hope amongst the blacks who were struggling for equality and justice. The author indicates that nothing is needed given that both time and truth were on the side of the oppressed. Due to various strong blacks’ movements, the whites in the political arena allowed African-Americans to run for political seats. Major forces resulted from various activists such as Reverend Jr. Luther. Although various activists were assassinated, the American politics began changing by embracing equality and justice amongst the various communities in the US. In 1970s, a good number of Africans were attending universities, representing a new dawn among the blacks as far as education is concerned. The economic equality and justice that various activists (such as Malcolm) saw it forthcoming, was now becoming a reality among a majority of the blacks and other communities. If violence is wrong in America, violence is wrong abroad. If it is wrong to be violent defending black women, black children and black babies, and black men, then it is wrong for America to draft us, and make us violent abroad in defense of her. And if it is right for America to draft us, and teach us how to be violent in defense of her, then it is right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in this country (Malcolm 1). This strong statement was spoken by Malcolm in 1963 in New York. The statement explicates why the black leaders were advocating for the rights of their people. According to Malcolm, there was an expectation of mutual respects among various communities. However, in various circumstances, the whites were frequently oppressing the blacks. A number of heinous acts practiced by the whites against the black women such as raping were supposed to be punished. In contrast, a good number of committed crimes among the whites were unpunished. This raised several questions among the blacks and other communities regarding justice and equity among the various American communities. In addition, the black children were denied a number of basics such as quality education, water and healthcare. These practices undermined the respect for humanity. In this regard, Malcolm and other leaders resolved to fight for the rights of their own people (Eckstrand 17). It is due to issue of equal opportunity and evenhandedness that coerced Malcolm in a number of aspects. In the first place, Malcolm states that if violence is wrong in the US, then it is also wrong overseas. Malcolm attempts to illustrate that violence cannot be accepted in one community and made illegal in another. The comparison of violence between two countries attempts to illustrate that justice and fairness should defeat egotism. The author narrows down to a specific theme where he compares the violence of the blacks and that of the whites. However, the author claims that the blacks’ violence is always a reaction to the whites’ violence. Malcolm asserts that unless the American stop making the blacks violent, the black leaders would often attempt to defend their people. In this regard, Malcolm is requesting for equity and fair treatment between the whites and blacks. Nevertheless, in the event that the whites do not show respect for the blacks by initiating violence, Malcolm encourages the blacks not to relent on peace. I believe in brotherhood of man, all men, but I don’t believe in brotherhood with anybody who doesn’t want brotherhood with me. I believe in treating people right, but I’m not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn’t know how to return the treatment (Malcolm 1). This message was given to people when Malcolm was speaking in Detroit. Malcolm was calling for mutual respect and treatment. Since Malcolm had faced a number of mistreatments in his lifetime despite determined efforts to treat everyone right, he resolved to treat right whoever respects him. This message was also reflecting on the wider American society. The blacks were mistreated by a number of whites regardless of their commitment to respect and discipline. The blacks continued to suffer various pains despite being innocent. Blacks continued to languish in poverty, while others were imprisoned. The discouragement of the blacks from engaging in the white collar jobs was disheartening among the black communities. The mistreatment of the blacks characterized most of the work places. These are the factors that made Malcolm to resolve in brotherhood with an individual that is interested in the same friendship. The author is also determined to return good for good, and disregard an individual that do not demonstrate care. This situation illustrates a condition of giving up on tolerance as far as exploitation and oppression by the whites are concerned. 2.0. Conclusion The life experience and great words of Malcolm is associated with the advocating for liberty and justice among the blacks. Although Malcolm was born in the US, he faces a number of challenges that are associated with racism. This makes Malcolm X live in fear in his own homeland. The deaths of his father and mother as a result of racism while he was young, demonstrates a lack of freedom among the blacks. Despite having a light skin, Malcolm faced racism since he would not integrate successfully among the white students. The author’s difficult life since childhood enhanced his courage to defend the rights of the blacks at the national and international level. Being a gifted orator, Malcolm influence strengthened while in his 20s and 30s. The author’s strong and powerful statements encouraged the blacks of achieving liberty in the near future. Malcolm’s quotations focused on the oppressions and racism practiced by the whites against the blacks, lack of justice and equity among the various American communities, especially African-Americans. The quotations were helpful considering that they inspired the blacks to seek for sovereignty and justice in the face of difficulties and detractors. Works Cited Abernethy, Graeme. The iconography of Malcolm X. Lawrence, KS: Univ. Press of Kansas, 2013. Print. Eckstrand, Tatyana. The librarian's book of quotes. Chicago: American Library Association, 2009. Print. Fay, Gail. Malcolm X. Chicago: Heinemann Library, 2013. Print. Malcolm, X. Quotes from Articles and Speeches. Purdue U, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. Sharp, Anne. Malcolm X and Black Pride. Detroit: Lucent Books, 2010. Print. Terrill, Robert. The Cambridge companion to Malcolm X. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print. Read More