Why do white people love Martin Luther King Jr., but ignore Malcolm X?

Question

Is it because Malcolm X called for a more militant solution which scared many whites?

Victor ious-Yes jealousy was present in NOI, but don't think that COINTELPRO didn't have a hand in the assassination.

Victor ious - Even after leaving NOI, Malcolm X still said he would defend himself by any means possible. MLKJr advocated non-violence no matter what. It's just that Malcolm X saw that NOI was attacking him and his views had changed slighlty that's why he parted with them. But it's not like he become a pacifist either.

Answer 1

You are talking about Malcolm X before he seen the NOI's leadership was not even true Muslims. After he seen and exposed NOI's corruptness - he changed his tune and stated quite clearly he was not going to judge a man based on the color of his skin, but by actions.

Shortly after that Louis Farrakhan had Malcolm X assassinated and covered his tracks. It was the NOI leadership that held with militant views (still do) - Mr. X come out of that and it cost him his life.

Do you read?

Answer 2

I think lots of whites would have come to like the reformed Malcolm if Elijah Muhammad didn't have him whacked. But to answer your question, the status quo is happier with the unknown that appears safer. Blacks liked Nixon more than Wallace in the 60s for similar reasons.

Answer 3

For a period of time, Malcolm X encouraged his followers to rise up and demand their rights by "any means necessary" which may equal violence returned for violence. Although, looking back it is one strong way to induce change.

Martin Luther King, jr. advocated peaceful protest and common good. He supported a 'Christian' approach and was more inclusive of the rights of all men, not just black vs. white.

Interesting to look also to Booker T Washington and W.E.B DuBois who had a similar position during the days of slavery.
Both wanted change, but in dramatically different ways.

Isolation, intimidation and violence are historically effective ways to enact change, but most people want to rally behind a peaceful and inclusive approach. Even though it may take longer.

Answer 4

Read the Autobiography of Malcolm X to gain insight to your question!!

Answer 5

Yes absolutely. Malcolm X scares a lot of people. Which is too bad. Today we could use some third rail solutions with how bad the Dems and Rethugs are.

Answer 6

I don't. I would have loved to see what he became. I think our children need to know there's more to black history and the civil rights movement than Dr. King. I particularly love how Malcolm X changed after going to Mecca, shortly before his autobiography (and unfortunately, his life) ended:

"Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and the overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as practiced by people of all colors and races here in this Ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all other prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors.

"I have been blessed to visit the Holy City of Mecca. I have made my seven circuits around the Ka'ba, led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad. I drank water from the well of Zem Zem. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. Arafat.

"There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue eyed blonds to black skin Africans. But we were all participating in the same rituals, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had lead me to believe never could exist between the white and non-white.

"America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have considered 'white' -- but the 'white' attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.

"You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to re-arrange much of my thought patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experiences and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth...."

Answer 7

With all respect, in my opinion not all white people love MLK. As for Malcolm X, in my opinion he was not a loveable person. Feel free to differ.

Answer 8

I am not so certain that all that many white people 'Love" MLK. MLK was made into some PC icon that couldn't be ignored.

Answer 9

Although MLK jr is more celebrated, I dont think ppl ignore Malcom X.

Answer 10

King was CIVILIZED!

X was a RABBLE ROUSER!


By this time I would hope ALL people of Colour area ABOVE being followers!


(We pale faces are going to get quite a shock to see all the faces in Heaven! :>) )