THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Abstract

Just as the Civil Rights and Black consciousness movements have inspired human rights activists around the world, Malcolm X has been a motivating figure for such people (Marqusee 1999). Malcolm X's appeal and recognition have transcended the boundaries of “race” and national borders.

Given the anti-Muslim rhetoric espoused by leading social commentators following 9/11, Malcolm X's appeal and message of social justice seems more relevant than ever. Recent anti-war demonstrations in the UK saw Malcolm X's image employed by young British-Muslims demonstrating what they perceived as social injustice being committed to Muslims around the world in the name of fighting terrorism (Saeed 2004).

This article examines why Malcolm X has been such a key figure and role model for many non-white communities and especially the Muslim and South -Asian Diaspora in the UK (Saeed 2003) In order to do this the article highlights historical developments in Malcolm X's political career that helped make him a symbol of anti-racism and the personification of an assertive black consciousness (Van De Burgh 1992).

Introduction

Racial discrimination and segregation has been part of American history since the day Europeans set foot on western lands and claimed them as their own. All who were not of white ancestry were thought to be inferior and were treated in an inhumane manner. This type of division amongst human beings can still be seen in some parts of the world today. The Civil Rights movement was therefore created to fight for the rights of black Americans and speak for those who had no voice. One part of this movement was Malcolm X.

Though Malcolm X was striving for the rise of the black race in the United States, unlike the movement, he did not believe in equality nor did he believe that the fight could remain nonviolent. Yet, he was a great leader whose actions made a great impact on American history and played a big role in the American way of life. This is so because, in the long run, his speeches brought respect for blacks and pride to those who were African descendants. Not only did he speak the minds of millions of blacks and some whites around the nation, he also gave them courage to defend themselves and stand up for what they believe in. Furthermore, he created awareness of the negative effects that racial discrimination had in the world.

And just you see the oppressed people all over the world today getting together, the Black people in the West are also seeing that they are oppressed. Instead of just calling themselves an oppressed minority in the states, they are part of the oppressed masses of people all over the world today who are crying out for action against the common oppressor. [February 11 1965] (Malcolm X 1992, 63)

Malcom was a son of two active black nationalists who followed the teachings of Marcus Garvey, the most influential pan-Africanist of the early twentieth ...