Martin Luther King Jr Martin Luther Kings Essay - 1,328 words

... d any moral conscience and he promoted the role of the angry black race against a racist America. Kings philosophies present a sharp contrast to those of Malcolm X. He believe that through hard work, strong leadership, and non-violent tactics, that blacks could achieve full equality with whites. His belief in non-violence even extended to a woman who nearly killed him. King was reported as saying, dont persecute her, get her healed. (pg. 52, Martin Luther King, Jr.


and the Freedom Movement) Near the end of their lives, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm Xs beliefs became more similar. Malcolm X corrected himself after his break with the Black Muslim movement. He now emphasized unity and change through black pride rather than through hate and revenge. King, on the other hand, became somewhat angry at the lack of progress made on racial equality. At one point in time, Malcolm X actually wanted to join forces with King and the progressive elements of the Civil Rights Movement. (pg. 262, Malcolm X: The Man and His Times) To many, Martin Luther King Jr.


and Malcolm X were heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. However, many have seen a very pessimistic side to King, while Malcolm X was more optimistic towards separatism for most of his life. Some have said that later on in their lives, the two began taking opposite roles and changed. The speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X reflected both mens visions on improving America. Both men believed that if blacks were to attain freedom, they first needed to achieve self-respect.


However, Malcolm Xs speeches were delivered in a revolutionary tone which could incite his listeners and followers into the hatred of white America. Malcolm X used direct and to the point language which could be understood by all levels of society. Malcolm Xs creativity with language helped build the Black Muslim Movement in the United States. In his Definition of a Revolution speech, delivered in November 1963, Malcolm X openly justifies violence as a way of gaining equality.


And if it is fight for America to draft us and teach us how to be violent in defense of the country, then isnt it right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in this country. (pg. 253, Malcolm X: The Man and His Times) He encouraged blacks to hate white America and to revolt against them. Revolution is bloody, revolution is hostile, revolution knows no compromise, revolution overturns and destroys everything that gets in its way. (pg. 255, Malcolm X: The Man and His Times) In his speech Gods Judgement of White America, delivered on December 1, 1963, Malcolm X again promoted his separatist philosophy. America must set aside some separate territory here n the Western Hemisphere where the two races can live apart from each other, since we certainly dont get along peacefully while we are here together. (pg. 287, Malcolm X: The Man and His Times) After Malcolm Xs pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964, he reappraised white America and modified somewhat his racist and anti-white beliefs. This change is reflected in his Communication and Reality spoken to the American Domestic Peace Corps.


I am against any form of racism. We are all against racism. I believe in Allah. I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I do not believe in the brotherhood with anybody who does not want brotherhood with me. (pg. 289, Malcolm X: The Man and His Times) Martin Luther King Jr.


was and equally strong speaker. Dr. King on the other hand used a more sophisticated style in order to reach the educated. He used most of his speeches to encourage white and black people to work together for racial harmony. He especially wanted to teach impressionable black youth that equality could be gained through non-violent ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Essay Tags: places shall be made, martin luther king jr, black muslim movement, martin luther kings, civil rights movement

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