John Locke’s State of War compares with Malcolm X’s description of social injustice in several philosophical perspectives. Both philosophers theorize that victims of ferocity, detention, and/or assault, among other destructive acts, bear the right to fight back. John Locke’s State of War theory describes war as intrinsic hatred and/or desire of defilement that a person advances on another individual’s natural way of life (Bishop 8). The philosopher believes in the law of self-defense that closely correlates with the law of nature, which holds that individuals may terminate others’ lives in an attempt to defend themselves from destruction. According to the theory, the violent behavior of one person interferes with the freedom of another. Therefore, people’s aggression deprives the victims of a violation of their right to free will. In such cases, the theory presumes that violent people hamper with the state of nature that makes them live together with common reasoning. Locke’s State of War theory has found great significance in analyzing cultural segregation, especially in American society. The two philosophers agree that the Whites’ tendency to oppress the minority groups on unjustified political grounds. This situation has resulted in cultural elitism and social pressure amongst the diverse American racial groups.
In the context of the theory, there is a possibility of reversal of powers whereby the once oppressed minority groups might become the dominant groups’ oppressors to fulfill their right to free will. Locke presumes that the epitome of social commonality and self-rule of the minorities will compel them to counter the dominant groups’ deep-rooted antagonistic behavior. In comparison, Malcolm X’s theory advances that victims of oppression will most likely seek their free will and justice through vengeful acts. In the context of Malcolm X’s view, the American war for independence underpins the notion that American society awaits another fight for the liberation of the black community. Just like Locke, Malcolm believes that nonviolence cannot solve the problem that black Americans are facing. Instead, the black American philosopher advocates self-defense rather than mere nonviolence. This notion stems from the scars created on black society through blatant racial profiling, segregation, slavery, and murder, among other brutalities.
Consequently, these ideologies have revolutionized the Blacks’ minds by awakening their consciousness of their identity amongst the American groups. The result is tiring of the Blacks. The situation has compelled them to impose rebellions to preserve their civil rights amidst the white society.
Works Cited
Bishop, Schuyler. Three theories of individualism: Graduate Theses and Dissertations, 2007. PDF file. Web.