What Is Malcolm X's Role In The Civil Rights Movement

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X have both played crucial roles in the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties. However, only one is remembered and revered for his work, despite the two sharing the same passion and drive for change in society and in the treatment of the black population. Martin Luther King Jr. and his accomplishments are taught at a young age, and are celebrated on the third Monday of every January, in addition to the hundreds of documentaries and books that help him continue to be an inspiration and discuss his legacy. Meanwhile, Malcolm X is someone people learn about in later stages of education when they specifically study the movement and its leading players. For sure, he is not as honored or discussed as much compared …show more content…
His more violent attempts in attracting attention would have probably left the rest of the American population in awe at the destruction, and fill their hearts with disapproval, rather than a desire to help. It wouldn’t be surprising if his methods were the sole factor in his lack of praise today. But of course, there are also little errors in his beliefs and reasonings that may have also had an effect. Cornel West, a philosopher and expert in African American studies, critiques Malcolm’s views in “Malcolm X and Black Rage”. He mentions in his work that one ideology the leader had was one that stated that a loving and caring community would flourish and emerge from black rage. West pointed out that even if his methods were to be successful and make the black community safe from the oppressions, how would the anger be contained and transformed into something that is not destructive (West)? Where would the rest of it go? This is a major flaw, and a poor excuse to use violence. Evaluations such as these bring out logical flaws, and this is also why he isn’t revered as a role model. In reality, apart from the violence and illogical assumptions, his direct influence is actually ambiguous to this day, and this is seen when Epps explains this toward the end of his article, “The Rhetoric of Malcolm X”: “It remains to be seen how Malcolm X’s contribution will, in the end, be evaluated. We know …show more content…
and Malcolm X; two completely different leaders with significantly contrasting stories. Their approaches, their audience, their methods, and their legacies are polar opposites despite sharing the same passion and honest efforts. King’s success and influence that is still seen today works to his advantage when it comes to his image, whereas Malcolm X’s radical views and inability of reaching his goals did not. After comparing the two side by side, even though their difference in fame are justified, both are important figures that we, as part of the American population, can all learn from, and apply that knowledge to help improve our already better and more equal