What are your true feeling toward Malcom X? Honored civil rights leader or in another category?

Question

In the early days of the Black Muslim religious movement, Malcom X and the other leaders were teaching a theology of black superiority and "white Caucausian devils". The Black Muslims would bring pride and discipline into the black communities and make things better. Before he died Malcom X went to Mecca and realized that the true Muslims followed the ways of Mohammed and the Koran. He became a true Muslim and changed his ways and teachings. Then he was killed by the Black Muslims, part of which now go by the name of the Nation of Islam and still teach much of the first teachings. There are also more factions of the original group. If any of these facts are incorrect, please feel free to correct them, with documented proof, please. I feel that Malcom X is one of the most misunderstood black figures in modern American history. He did much good that we never heard about when he was living. All that we can remember are his early speeches and actions, but he did make a change.

Answer 1

Personally, as a white person, I'm not exactly thrilled to be labeled a "devil". However, that being said, I have to also say that I admire Malcolm X for a couple of reasons.

1. In an age where almost nobody says what they really mean, Malcolm X did. He was who he was, and I like that.

2. He demonstrated that we are all eligible for redemption. Malcolm X was a criminal, but he saw his mistakes and corrected them and worked to contribute something positive to society.

3. He seemed to be the kind of guy who would have been the first to admit that he was wrong about some things.

4. His cause was righteous, even if he was sometimes a bit caustic himself.

Malcolm X walked it like he talked it. Gotta admire that.

Answer 2

Malcolm was a racist as much as David Duke. I never believed two wrongs make a right. As far as I can tell from reading his autobiography and speaking to people who knew the man he hated White people. Hating all people of a certain group because some of them are scum shows a lack of intelligence that offends me more than most racists.

The Black Muslim movement in my opinion is no different than the KKK, they spout that same racist jargon. Anyone swayed or manipulated by organized racism deserves what they get.

It is unfortunate that Ali (The Greatest, as much for what he did outside the ring, as for what he did in it) associated himself with the organization. He, more that anyone else created the impression of legitimacy for the movement. Personally I love Ali, and have nothing but respect for the man for the manner in which he lived his life. He was and is one of my childhood idols.

I simply do not share his religious beliefs, other that that I believe Ali is the single most influenial and beloved man of my generation. When Ali beat Forman in Zaire, at the pinnacle of his boxing career, he quoted the Christian Bible (if God is for me, who can be against me). I will not sit here and claim to be able to tell you right from wrong, but when you see it, you reconize it.

If you want to acknowledge a truly honorable civil rights leader you must honor Dr. Martin Luther King. Malcom X (pun intended) pales before the legacy left by Dr. King.

Answer 3

trouble maker.