Quote:
Originally posted by AKA_Monet
I think you should read a little bit more than what the "others" have written on both Civil Rights leaders... Even if you've read both of their books: The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Why We Can't Wait, I think that the scope of both leaders pursuance of "equal access and opportunity" fortifying the 14th Constitutional Amendment, "equal protection" suggests that their ideals are less divergent than one would read or see in the popular media.
Malcolm X still did a Hajj, a peaceful for spiritual renewal at Mecca and it was an unheard of practice done by a popular United States icon...
MLK stood on the doorsteps before racist Montgomery police to be arrested for trumped up Alabama segregation violations...
Your assumptions about who was the better motivational leader for changes in the African American community is rather incomplete. It took numerous individuals in both camps to attain the simple "blessing" you and I are bestowed upon, now.
Your statement of Malcolm's unacceptance of "integration" was similar to that as Martin's belief. MLK was for "desegregation"--NOT integration--fundamental difference... When I saw Betty Shabazz speak, she requested that we as students KNOW OUR HISTORY by reading documents that have enabled us to have rights seen by the Government--especially the 1964 and 1965 Civil Right's acts. She demanded for ALL of us there to KNOW WHAT THEY SAY... Malcolm X obviously supported that concept--I think Betty Shabazz would KNOW...
Yes, we have more rights than available to us just 35 years ago. In no way do I think that racism and bigotry do not exist. But I do think that people of color, especially of African descent, should KNOW how to battle and defeat the concept of white supremacy and europee-on concept of domination, which I think is more of the issue, that plights of oppression... And war does not defeat these humankind ailments... Their defeat will require a Spiritual conquest...
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I was actually hoping that you would respond because I have a great respect for much of what you have to say.
One mere post could never do justice to either man's legacy or his contributions to Civil Rights. However, I think in the broader scope, one must realize that things have been GIVEN when they should have been TAKEN. Rights are not something to be distributed. Human rights are different than Constitutional rights, for sure. And I believe that MLK, Jr., who was more of a political activist, was fighting for the Constitutional rights of the minority. I am favoring Malcolm in this aspect because Malcolm was a
cultural revolutionary. He recognized that the Constitution set forth by the founders of this nation was not only biased, but it wasn't even inclusive of the people that were trying so hard to live by it and be a part of it.
When Malcolm finally did take that trek to Mecca he became disillusioned with the state of the "American" Nation of Islam. Similarly, later in his life, MLK, Jr. admitted that the only integration that had been achieved was token integration. In
Risks of Faith, James Cone says that MLK, Jr. was suffering from "naive optimism." Then and today, in my opinion, integration is only on paper. It has yet to be realized.
AKA_Monet, I know from your prior posts that you are well aware of the state of this society and I have always been very intrigued by your viewpoints. Thanks for the response!
*edited to note that I wasn't trying to diminsh anyone else's contributions to civil rights. I think my first post my have come off like that. I am simply using Martin and Malcolm because they are more widely known*