Martin Luther King and Malcolm X

Martin Luther and Malcolm X: A Comparison

Martin Luther and Malcolm X are very prominent African American figures in history. They fought for what they stood for in different ways. As we all know, there are no notable figures who are alike. Their beliefs and perceptions are characteristic of the environments that influenced their upbringing. Martin Luther grew up in a relatively middle-class family while Malcolm X was from an underprivileged surrounding that was hostile. In our discussion, we would analyze Malcolm X’s Message to the Grass Root speech and his 1965 conversation with Gordon Parks. Based on that, we would obtain a comparison of his stance to that of Martin Luther and how they differed.<\/p>

Malcolm X's Conversation with Gordon Parks

Malcolm X’s conversation with Gordon Parks before his assassination is one of the most iconic excerpts in history. It depicts the picture of a man who is remorseful for his past beliefs (Parks). For long duration, he let his ignorance guide and shape his decisions. Malcolm believed that it was impossible for black Muslims and the white community to ever coexist evident from his reply to a college girl. However, after listening to other renowned revolutionaries, his views changed and began viewing life from a different angle. Throughout the conversation, he expressed regret for his shallow viewpoint but ultimately appreciated the awakening stage.<\/p>

Message to the Grass Roots

With regards to that, there exists a significant difference in his personality between the duration and when he made a public speech titled the Message to the Grass Roots. He delivered the speech during the year 1963 at the Northern Negro Grass Roots Leadership Conference held at King Solomon Baptist Church (Malcolm). In the statement, Malcolm described the difference between the black revolution and negro revolution in addition to contrasting the field and house negro during slavery and in the present period. Malcolm emphasized the need for the black community to unite and fight against a common enemy. He continued expressing how revolution becomes a reality when there is bloodshed in addition to using other punitive ways. Besides that, he also criticized the march on Washington.<\/p>

Divergent Approaches to Civil Rights

From the talk, there is proof of contrasting traits in Malcolm. During the period, he was unapologetic and pushed for radical measures aimed at achieving equality and respect for the black community. The speech is one of his most political and controversial that led to his departure from the Islam nation. What is more, it was beyond Islamic teaching and hence unacceptable.<\/p>

Concerning that, it is apparent that Malcolm X and Martin Luther had opposing views with regards to civil rights and equality movement (Howard-Pitney). Martin’s approach was non-violent protesting and passive resistance. The scenario is apparent on the march from Washington to the Lincoln Memorial which was one of his most significant life achievements. King wanted all races to unite so that hatred and violence could come to an end.<\/p>

On the other hand, Malcolm's approach was different. He felt integration would destroy the black and white man. Moreover, he emphasized the need for black uniting and begin giving the same race self-respect. Malcolm was suspicious of whites and was willing to use any means possible to achieve equality. He was a segregationist till he left for Meca. Nonetheless, the two shared a belief for achieving equal rights for African Americans but implemented diverse approaches.<\/p>

A Common Goal

In conclusion, Malcolm X speeches portray his ideological transition on the course he advocated and championed. Despite his radical ways, his primary objective was to liberate African communities. However, there exists a difference between him and Martin Luther but ultimately shared a common goal. Despite the distinction, one cannot underestimate the role they played in shaping our society.<\/p>

Works Cited

Howard-Pitney, David. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and the Civil Rights Struggle of the 1950s and 1960s+... Bedford/St. Martin's, 2004.

Malcolm, X. "Message to the grassroots."November 10 (1963): 78.

Parks, Gordon, "Malcolm X: The Minutes of Our Last Meeting"In Clarke, John Henrik, ed (1990) [1969]. Malcolm X: The Man and His Times. Trenton, N.J.: Africa World Press. P. 122.