...Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X grew up in different environments. King was raised in a comfortable middle-class family where education was stressed. On the other hand, Malcolm X came from and underprivileged home. He was a self-taught man who received little schooling and rose to greatness on his own intelligence and determination. Martin Luther King was born into a family whose name in Atlanta was well established. Despite segregation, Martin Luther King's parents ensured that their child was secure and happy. Malcolm X, for the most part, believed that non-violence and integration was a trick by the whites to keep blacks in their places. He was furious at white racism and encouraged his followers through his speeches to rise up and protest against their white enemies. After Malcolm X broke away from Elijah Mohammed, this change is reflected in his more moderate speeches. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King's childhoods had powerful influences on the men and their speeches. Malcolm X was brought up in an atmosphere of violence. During his childhood, Malcolm X suffered not only from abuse by whites, but also from domestic violence. His father beat his mother and both of them abused their children. His mother was forced to raise eight children during the depression. After his mother had a mental breakdown, the children were all placed in foster homes. Malcolm X's resentment was increased as he suffered through the ravages of integrated schooling. Although an intelligent...
Words: 1181 - Pages: 5
...example of effective rhetoric in action is found in The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley by Malcolm X. The book traces the story of Malcolm X’s upbringing and displays how he rose to become the person that he is known for to this present day. Throughout his...
Words: 1773 - Pages: 8
...Rhetorical Analysis of the “Ballot or the Bullet” and “Somebody Blew Up America” The purpose of this essay to compare and contrast the rhetoric in Amira Baraka’s “Somebody Blew up America” and Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet in regards to ethos, pathos, and logos. Amiri Baraka, born Everett LeRoi Jones, was an African-American writer of poetry, drama, fiction, essays, and music criticism. Baraka read his poem “Somebody Blew up America?” on the September 11th attacks and was heavily criticized for anti-Semitism and attacks on public figures. His poem is free verse and has no set structure but maintains its rhythmic elements for oral sharing. The poem was meant to be shared orally so that Baraka would be able to emphasize and share lines specifically for an audience. Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was an African-American Muslim minister...
Words: 1322 - Pages: 6
...aggressive non-violent protesting. Malcolm X, on the other side, preached the importance of defending themselves and breaking away from the oppressors denying them their freedoms. Malcolm X, member of the Nation of Islam, preached against the idea of integration and “[forcing themselves] on...
Words: 795 - Pages: 4
...Civil Rights Movement Parminder Singh History 145 September 20th, 2011 Christopher Jackson Civil Rights Movement In the early 1960s the American nation was struggling with anxiety in many different ways. The position of America in the world was sinking with the Soviet Union bringing competition to the table with their space programs that intimidated the American government. The public, itself, was concerned about the ‘visibility of Poverty, the rising frustrations of women,’ and most important, besides “other long-suppressed discontents” was the “growing pressures of African American and other minorities” (Brinkley (2007) p.821). The media had a large role on the way the society thought along with Martin Luther King and Malcolm X’s influences that changed the movement of civil rights later in the 1960s. The media in the 1960s was great at getting raw and non-bias stories, unlike in today’s era where most of the news Americans get is mainly leaning toward one side or the other. The media expressed how the African Americans deserved equal rights in the south and other areas; “when urban black parents attempt to intervene, they are characterized as “obstructionist” for requesting those participatory privileges in the educational process taken for granted by white suburbanite parents”[New York, N.Y] 13 Nov 1966: 276). The public’s opinion of civil rights grew with the media displaying raw footage of segregation. The white Americans that once were friends with or even...
Words: 821 - Pages: 4
...Martin Luther King and Malcolm X are regarded as two of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Both leaders believed in the need to better the lives for African Americans during a time of racial strife in the United States. However, their approaches and goals differed entirely with Dr. King being an advocate for an interracial and integrated community that would be reached without violence. Malcolm on the other hand preferred races to be separated but with African Americans to be superior in a movement that would not be opposed to a violent revolution. King's ideas for integration challenged many of the current beliefs held on race during his time but allowed all of society to be part of his multiracial community, creating a more exceptional argument than Malcolm X. Early beginnings influenced their ideas on race and violence. As time progressed, King's ideas continued to develop prosperously without the inconsistencies of Malcolm's development. The optimism of Martin Luther King Jr. may have derived from his middle-class life as a child with close relationships to his family. His own positive thinking hit a wall from personal negative experiences with his early understanding of a race problem....
Words: 798 - Pages: 4
...his name was Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X. Malcolm X got his point across and successfully improved the Civil rights of African Americans with the support of not only African Americans but Muslims too. There will be three focal points I will be discussing in this research paper. The first one being the nation of Islam made a huge difference in the popularity growth of Malcolm X which allowed Malcolm to have a louder voice in public and be able to speak to the people. The second one consist of Malcolm being smart with how he approached communicating with the people, he spoke and...
Words: 1647 - Pages: 7
...Malcolm X A Controversial Leader Iris Robinson Central Michigan University PSC 785 Dr. Robert Boggs Abstract This paper is going analyze the leadership traits, behavior and power that made Malcolm X the type of leader that he was. Malcolm X was considered a great leader to some people because of what he believed in. Malcolm X was a very controversial leader because of his views on different subject. This paper will show how Malcolm X went from follower to a leader. Malcolm X possess a lot of good trait that people look for in good leader such as motivator, responsible, assertive, self-confidence, firm and task orientate and most of all honesty. Leadership can be defined as a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. Leadership is also a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. There are certain trait that a good leader must possessed such as excellent communication skills, be direct, be fair, capable and kind yet firm. Good leader also possess certain personal qualities. A good leader needs to have an exemplary character. A good leader should be enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. A good leader should be confident. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. Good leaders...
Words: 4864 - Pages: 20
...“Learning to Read,” Malcolm X shows the concept of self-teaching to become a literate person. As a Malcolm X was learning new vocabularies and reading books in prison, his view of the world and he himself have changed. Malcolm X is able to express in writing words about how he feels at the moment and realizes the idea of American master narrative in history books. Throughout history texts, almost all historical events are written by white man's perspective and or by dominant views of how history had happened. Malcolm X’s argument regarding the importance of reading from self-education will bring benefits to one’s future is largely effective. Though this excerpt is an anecdote from Malcolm X’s prison experience, there are underlying...
Words: 1325 - Pages: 6
...Martin & Malcolm & America In this paper, there will be a primary focus on two of the most prominent leaders during the civil rights era. These two leaders are Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. The paper will discuss how these extraordinary men made their phenomenal contributions to America by offering to bring about their own political, racial, and social views that were affecting the people of color. Their ability to voice their strong opinions about the injustices that were taking place among African Americans and the oppositions that were before them gave them the durability to prolong the fight for freedom and justice. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were both men of purpose, dignity, and pride. The ongoing effort they gave for the people and to the people helped them to earn the respect that has followed them for decades. For that reason, this paper will reflect the ways in which both men contributed to the African American culture and the shaping of America in an effort to bring about a change that was needed to move forward. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X had different political philosophies; however, they both went about using different methods to campaign for civil rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a champion of non-violent protests and peace marches. His speeches entranced both blacks and whites into action for the civil rights movement. MLK knew that if the blacks worked for peace, peacefully, then equality was inevitable. “What they...
Words: 1387 - Pages: 6
...The Movement of The Past Throughout history, mankind has struggled to determine what is ethical and what is not. There are many leaders who stand out for their courageous efforts to change what was wrong with society to create a better place for posterity. These leaders go down in history as bold, brave heroes of our time and are looked upon for guidance. A more current movement than that of slavery, is the Civil Rights Movement, which still continues to have a huge effect on the United States of America, as well as other nations across the world. Two leaders that stand out and affect all of us personally are Malcolm X and Rosa Parks. These two distinct individuals broke away from the unjust laws and regulations that they had to abide by...
Words: 1723 - Pages: 7
...Prison sentence can be beneficial. Prison can cause people to reevaluate their lives and change themselves. In this case, “Learning to Read” by Malcolm X and “Yes, One Book Can Change Your Life, Even in Prison” by Dwayne Betts, both men went through different aspects by just picking up a book to read to further their education. Changes in Malcolm X and Dwayne Betts articles both have similar and outcomes based on their knowledge they gain. Although both articles have different aspects, they proved that reading can help you out for the better. In “Learning to read” by Malcolm X, he changed his last name by stating X stood for what he had been and what he had become. In this article Malcolm X gave himself a “homemade education”. This article basically explains how knowledge is the key to success. Malcolm X worried about having streets sense but not book sense. He set a goal and made it come true. He took it step by step every day, because he motivates...
Words: 745 - Pages: 3
...Two Influential and Morally Different African Americans Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are both household names of men who fought diligently for African American rights in the postmodernism 1960’s. The 1954 Supreme Court ruling favored that segregated educational structure left blacks at a disadvantage. This was the spark that triggered uprising in the following years. Malcolm X and King Jr’s emphasis on their beliefs is evident in the works and actions that they have done through their lives. Their philosophies do differ from one another, as we will see in “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” and with “Letter from Birmingham Jail”. Both men had different approaches and desires for the black community as well as different upbringings that influenced them. We will see how such differences are reflected throughout their work to get a better understanding on how they compare and contrast. Known as Malcolm Little, the Omaha-born future activist suffered an impoverished start in life due to his father’s early demise. Prior to his death, Malcolm’s father was a “follower of Marcus Garvey, who instilled racial pride among the masses of African Americans” (Lauter 3088). To make end’s meet, Malcolm became a drug dealer and thief while living in Harlem, which landed him time in jail. His experience in jail and childhood shaped him and encouraged him in to becoming the activists that he was known for. Malcolm “replaced his own last name with “X” which stands for the African name...
Words: 1327 - Pages: 6
...The Autobiography of Malcolm X Three-hundred and sixty degrees is said to represent the sum total of knowledge in which God has. Consequently, if there was a man that made a 360 degree turn of his life, that man would be: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, better known as Malcolm X. He was a man who learned early the true meaning of survival of the fittest, actually going from street menace to Minister. The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley, reveals the factual story of Malcolm Little and several uneasy transitions through his life that seemed to only make him stronger, emerging as an unlikely leader in America at a time when black leaders of his fiery style and impeccable speaking ability were uncommon. Unfortunately, like other leaders throughout history, Malcolm X was eventually assassinated, but his story lives on. A closer look provides the insight that in a desperate time of need, the trained mind of a street hustler envisioned the advantage of taking on and implementing the right opportunity to make a significant difference in society. While Malcolm X loved the religion of Islam, he still used it, maybe without even knowing it, as a scapegoat to start a movement towards a response to racism and Christianity with the ultimate goal of establishing a new identity for African Americans. Malcolm’s early childhood included constant attacks on his family from the white supremacy group, the KKK. Eventually Malcolm was plucked from his family, sent into foster care...
Words: 1656 - Pages: 7
...There were many prominent male figures in the Civil Rights Movement, such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, or A. Philip Randolph. However, many women played a large role in the movement. Rosa Parks became the symbol of the Montgomery Bus Boycott when she refused to give up her seat. Ella Baker helped form both the SNCC and the SCLC. Frances Beal brought up the issue of the exploitation of black women in America’s economic system. The role of gender was still an issue, as it was men who held more leadership positions. Without the involvement of women in the movement, charismatic leadership would have been the main way of leadership, and there would not have been as much group-centered leadership. The involvement of women in the movement brought...
Words: 1293 - Pages: 6
