12-08-2015, 05:37 PM
(12-08-2015, 04:26 PM)6andcounting Wrote: I think I learned about MLK every year in grade school. Nothing too in-depth, just the basics. Malcolm X was mentioned once ever in one class and just to compare and contrast him with MLK.
The segregation and racism he supported for much of his career turned a lot of people away, including MLK who was ultimately more successful with his strategy.
That being said, MLK's plan was to be oppressed and attacked to become a martyr and build sympathy. X said carry a gun and when oppression comes looking for you shoot it in the face. I like that second plan better, purely from a safety and self-preservation perspective. MLK carried as well, he just didn't brag about it because it may have misconstrued his message of nonviolence and allowing yourself to be a martyr.
What most people don't know is that X came full circle at the end of his life and no longer believed in isolationism. He had a transformational experience while visiting mecca and seeing white muslims participating in the Hajj. I would highly recommend Malcolm X's autobiography by Alex Haley. A fantastic read and highly informative. It should be required reading in HS.