Views of Frederick Douglass - Essay Example

of 3 January Comparing Approaches to Racial Equality Introduction Racial equality was an importantachievement for American society. However, the struggle was marked by controversy and opposition of views. Some leaders adopted a path of negotiation and nonviolent means while others advocated a more aggressive and violent approach. This paper discusses the views of Frederick Douglass on the role of the government in ensuring racial equality. The approaches adopted by Martin Luther King and Malcolm X are described and compared before one is selected as being closer to the ideals of Douglass. Frederick Douglass’ Philosophy of Government In his Address to the Louisville Convention, Frederick Douglas presented some of his grievances against the government that were based on the political and social status of black Americans in the United States. His main complaint was that even after the abolition of slavery, the prejudice against black Americans was rampant and a norm in American society. He observed that the justice system and the clergy were also turning a blind eye towards the discrimination experienced by black Americans (Douglass, p. 2). In particular, he criticized the Lynch law which made the black American community increasingly vulnerable to hate crimes by prejudiced people (Douglass, p. 3). Douglas also stated his grievance against the prejudices demonstrated towards black people in seeking employment and justice. Another grievance that he held against the government was the disenfranchisement of the black Americans. The civil right of political participation was not being protected. He decried that the American government was not ensuring fair representation and that the electoral process was flawed. By disenfranchising the black population, the government was preventing them to be represented as political leaders in the states where they are in a majority (Douglass, p. 5). He argued for a fairer electoral system where the black population was given an equal right to vote and be elected. He stressed that it was the responsibility of the government to ensure that the law was applied uniformly without regard to the colour of the skin of the citizens. Douglas stated that the government was responsible to ensure that the freedoms and civil rights granted in the American Constitution were not denied to any citizen. Approaches of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X In his struggle for racial equality in the United States, Martin Luther King practiced non-violence. He was a believer in dialogue and negotiation to create mutual understanding between the white and black races so that both could enjoy their civil rights equally in society (King, p. 3). Writing from jail in Birmingham, he called out to members of the white community to be sensitive towards the economic and social disparity of the black Americans. He defended his direct action day and stressed that it was a means of highlighting the urgency of the problem and was done in order to motivate the government to take appropriate action (King, p. 3). King believed that the government was responsible for making just laws—laws that were fair and that were compatible with the Eternal or moral law (King, p. 5). On the other hand, Malcolm X had a different approach to achieving equality for the black community. Like King, he believed that the black community needed to make efforts towards obtaining its rights vocally. However, he adopted violence to meet his objectives (Malcolm X, p. 6). While Kind used the moral power of conscience to bring about greater racial equality, Malcolm X did not shy from advocating violent means in response to violence perpetuated by white Americans against black Americans. He believed that any means were justifiable to win greater equality (King, p. 5). He took equality a step further by stating that the black oppressed people needed to adopt violent means as this was the only language that the white oppressors understood and it would help them to see the black people as equal human beings. A comparison of the approaches adopted by King and Malcolm X shows that the nonviolent approach followed by King is the better approach towards achieving racial equality for black Americans. Both King and Malcolm X state that the government has failed to apply the law uniformly. However, King’s is the best approach because it is based on sound moral principles. When King speaks to the white people, he is speaking for the benefit of American society. He believed that racial equality would be good for all Americans. On the other hand, Malcolm X appears to be heavily influenced by the acts of violence against black Americans and advocates a negative approach based on violence and revenge. King urges the oppressors and their defendants towards compassion and morality while Malcolm X attempts to create fear and grudging feelings against black Americans. His approach does not lead to mutual understanding and acceptance between white and black Americans. King appears to be completely against violence and hatred in response to oppression as much as he calls out against the complacency of those who criticize his struggle. King’s approach to racial equality should also be supported because it offers a message of hope. King offers a hopeful vision of a future where black Americans eventually enjoy the rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Malcolm X does not offer any such future. He rather seems to be detached from mainstream American society. Even where he talks of a single humanity, he does not seem to present a very optimistic picture of the future. Conclusion I believe that Douglass would support my choice of King because he shares the values and ideals held by Douglass. Like King, Douglass highlights the discrimination and prejudice faced by black Americans in American society. His focus is not much on the violence but on the underlying moral wrong and unfairness of prejudice and segregation. Like Douglass, King highlighted the positive gains from greater equality in the country whereas Malcolm X failed to offer such a view. Another basis for Douglass’ agreement with my choice would be that Douglass understands that the process of social change takes a long time. While King appears to stress the urgency of the matter by refusing to wait any longer for the promises to be delivered, his approach is still closer to Douglass’ compared to Malcolm X. Works Cited Foner, Philip, S. (1975). Address to the Louisville Convention (1883). The Life and Writings of Frederick Douglass. International Publishers New World Paperbacks Galien, David. (1992). Interview with Malcolm X (1965). Malcolm X as They Knew Him. New York: Carroll & Graf. King, Jr., Martin, L. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Read More