Struggles for Freedom and Equality - Assignment Example

Compare and contrast the goals and the tactics of Dr. Martin Luther King with those of Malcolm X in effecting change in America in the 1960s. Whose tactics were, ultimately, more successful? Elaborate.  When it comes to approach of the leaders, MLK and Malcom X had two various approaches. It was clear that MLK firmly believed in peaceful, passive approach. Martin Luther King adopted the ideas of Ghandi, which were peaceful protests. However, one cannot say that his approach was too passive. Martin Luther King merely did not believe in violence, but more towards an approach that would incite political and social movement.

Martin Luther King took more of a collaborative approach. In essence, he felt that this battle was for whole America, not just the African Americans themselves. King felt that it was the duty of the humanity to act on the behalf of equality, and that a non-violent approach would go long ways to ensure that equality will be achieved for African Americans.Malcolm X was a Muslim, and believed in Muslim principles. His most famous line was “By any Means Necessary”. Malcolm X understood that to simple play “fire with fire.

” This was a complete different approach to his colleague - Martin Luther King. Malcolm X understood that freedom must be achieved by any means. However later in his life, he changed his views and become more susceptible to nonviolence. Even during the famous March to Washing, Malcolm X felt that this would destroy the focal point of black freedom. In essence, he was a segregationist and was confined to the equality of African Americans within themselves.ReferencesMartin Luther King Jr.. (n.d.).

- Biographical. Retrieved May 27, 2014, from http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.htmlThe Official Malcolm X. (n.d.). The Official Malcolm X. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://www.malcolmx.com/