Introduction
Malcolm X, a key figure in the civil rights movement, underwent significant transformations in his beliefs and attitudes throughout his life. This paper examines the factors that influenced these changes, particularly whether they were primarily influenced by the actions and words of individuals of all races or a reaction to the racist social and political structures they encountered. As an influential leader and speaker, Malcolm X’s experiences and interactions with people and systems profoundly impacted his worldview and political activism.
Influence of Individuals
Malcolm X’s early life experiences shaped his worldview and initial beliefs. His father’s activism and eventual murder by white supremacists deeply affected him, leading him to join the Nation of Islam and become a minister. This decision brought him under the influence of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam.
Muhammad’s teachings on black self-reliance and separatism deeply resonated with Malcolm X, and he became one of his closest advisors. In his autobiography, Malcolm X remarked, “But he wouldn’t let me do anything but stay with him and listen while he advised me on the best ways to spread his message” (X 230). Malcolm did as Elijah Muhammad asked and tried his best to practice what he preached.
Malcolm X’s interactions with international figures also influenced his beliefs. He traveled to Africa and the Middle East, where he met with leaders and gained an appreciation for Pan-Africanism and anti-colonialism. He also met with prominent figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, whose revolutionary ideologies he admired. Malcolm X stated, “We never can win freedom and justice and equality until we are doing something for ourselves!” (X 248). Malcolm believed in the overthrow of all unjust systems of exploitation, in the principles of democracy and constitutional government. Still, he felt that it had failed Negroes and other minority groups.
Other civil rights leaders also had an impact on Malcolm X’s beliefs. He attended rallies and meetings with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and admired their efforts. However, he also criticized their integrationist approach and argued for Black nationalism.
In a speech, Malcolm X stated: “Even when I was a follower of Elijah Muhammad, I had been strongly aware of how the Black Nationalist political, economic and social philosophies could instill within black men the racial dignity, the incentive, and the confidence that the black race needs today to get up off its knees, and to get on its feet, and get rid of its scars, and to take a stand for itself” (X 419-420). He emphasized that they must establish a Black Nationalism to teach their people the importance of controlling and owning their businesses, as well as the politics of their community.
Influence of Racist Social and Political Structures
Malcolm X’s experiences with the racist social and political structures in America significantly impacted his beliefs and attitudes. As a Black man, he faced systemic oppression and discrimination, which fueled his activism and advocacy for Black empowerment. He witnessed police brutality and the political disenfranchisement of Black Americans firsthand, further strengthening his resolve.
Malcolm X often spoke out against the racism and discrimination he and other Black Americans faced. In a speech, he stated, “I said that on the American racial level, we had to approach the black man’s struggle against the white man’s racism as a human problem, that we had to forget hypocritical politics and propaganda” (X 420). He emphasized that Black men should strive for their freedom.
Malcolm X’s experiences with the systematic oppression of Black Americans, including police brutality and political disenfranchisement, further shaped his beliefs. He spoke against police brutality, stating, “I hope I never again have to withstand seeing another case of sheer police brutality like that” (X 262). Malcolm X’s denunciation of police brutality reflected his enduring commitment to justice and equality for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. He also called for political empowerment and self-determination for Black Americans.
Interplay between Individuals and Social Structures
Malcolm X’s beliefs and attitudes were shaped by individuals and the social structures he encountered. Positive influences included individuals who fought against oppression and worked to promote Black empowerment. For example, Malcolm X’s mother, who advocated for Black self-sufficiency, instilled in him a sense of pride and self-respect. His brother, Reginald, introduced him to the Nation of Islam, significantly shaping his early beliefs. He also drew inspiration from international figures like Kwame Nkrumah and Fidel Castro.
However, Malcolm X also experienced negative influences from individuals who perpetuated oppression, including the racism and discrimination he faced from white Americans. The social structures in America, including systemic racism, political disenfranchisement, and police brutality, also served as barriers to individual progress for Black Americans. Despite these challenges, Malcolm X’s personal experiences played a critical role in shaping his beliefs and attitudes. His prison time and experiences with the Nation of Islam led him to reject his earlier views of nonviolence and advocate for Black self-defense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malcolm X’s views and temperament weren’t static; they underwent dramatic evolution over his lifetime, a result of the various people and societal forces he encountered. Key individuals, such as Elijah Muhammad and international figures, along with fellow civil rights leaders, certainly shaped his thoughts.
However, his development was equally influenced by negative social and political structures, including pervasive systemic oppression, police brutality, and the denial of voting rights. The journey culminated in a fundamental shift after his pilgrimage to Mecca and the creation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, demonstrating that his personal experiences were the ultimate drivers of change.
Work Cited
X, Malcolm. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. National Geographic Books, 1992.