Реферат: Martin Luther King Jr. Vs Malcolm X

X’s beliefs became more similar. Malcolm X corrected himself after

his break with the black Muslim movement. He now emphasised unity and

change through black pride and respect for oneself rather than through

hate and revenge. King, on the other hand, became somewhat angry at

the lack of progress made on equality. He started promoting

non-violent sabotage, which including blocking the normal functioning

of government. At one 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, King and Malcolm X were heroes of the Civil Rights

Movement. However, many have also seen that King was more

pessimistic, while Malcolm X was more optimistic about separatism for

most of his life. Some have said that later on in their lives, they

had taken the opposite roles and changed.

The speeches of King and X reflected both men’s visions on

improving America. Both men believed that if blacks were to attain

freedom, they first needed to achieve self-respect. However, Malcolm

X’s speeches were delivered in a revolutionary tone which could incite

his listeners to hatred of white America. Malcolm X used direct and

to the point language which could be understood by all levels of

society. “He had mastery in language and could project his ideas,”

(Internet, Remember Malcolm X)

This creativity in 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 right for

America to draft us and teach us how to be violent in defence of the

country, then isn’t it right for you and me to do whatever is

necessary to defend our own people right here in this country,” (pg.