But our tour guide on the trip changed my view on the subject. He was African-American and said the Malcolm was a great person, and his idol. At first, I was confused because our guide did not hate us (even though we were white). Based on the book, I thought that all supporters of Malcolm hated white people. But our guide seemed to love us, and enjoyed that he could show us his world and culture.
Later, I finally understood what I was missing before. First, Malcolm's main goal was to help blacks, not hurt whites. But the only way he could help his own race was to put down whites. He was only being "anti-white" in order to advocate equality between all races. Second, not all of Malcolm's followers believed in the same extreme nature of his teaching, only in the basic ideas. But at the time, the extremist ideology was the only one that was accomplishing anything. Third, Malcolm was forced into his extreme philosophy by a country that would not respond to anything less. If he had just talked about advancing blacks, without mentioning the "white devil", he would have never attracted the media attention that ultimately furthered his cause.
This website shows how Malcolm had a profound effect on African Americans, especially youth. http://www.marxists.org/archive/novack/works/1967/julaug/mx02.htm . (Scroll down and look under "Arena of Influence")
When going to Harlem, I would have never guessed that my view of Malcolm X and the whole Nation of Islam would change so dramatically. That one tour guide, on that one day in New York City, changed my view on an entire culture and religion, for the rest of my life.
I am so glad that this trip was meaningful to you, Allison! Now add some content from the web that may also relate--about idolization of Malcolm by youth, etc.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked that he used those strong words to describe whites, but I was glad to see that African Americans these days do not feel the same hatred Malcolm felt towards whites. But then again, back in Malcolm's days, generally speaking, whites were not the way they are now. They are more liberal and treat colored people equally in the Northeast region. However, back in those days, whites were extremely racist toward blacks. Because whites nowadays are not racist, they will be insulted to read how Malcolm called them devils. However, maybe if whites in that period read this book, they might have felt less insulted because they know that blacks were less accepted in the society. So the comparison between Malcolm and his followers today proves how the world has changed over time.
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