Malcolm X Response Journal

Matt Altstiel
11/08/05
AFRO 3866

Xing Out Personal Bias

The video portraying the life and messages of Malcolm X was truly an eye opening experience. Representing a sharp break from the non-violent and coalition ideologies of King and his adherents, Malcolm X helped usher in the era of militant Black nationalism. The film, shown entirely through the words of Malcolm X and his contemporaries revealed more about the character and thoughts of the man than any narration or film could do. The chronological progression revealed the evolution of a man who underwent great spiritual and political change. Throughout my childhood and teenage years Malcolm X was vilified, seen as the epitomy of dangerous racism and a hindrance to racial equality. Indeed, viewing early speeches of the man as he advocated strict racial segregation and espoused words demonizing every aspect of the white man confirmed these sentiments. However, the film made clear such expression did capture the true spirit of Malcolm X, but rather the corrupt and racist leanings of the Nation of Islam and Elijah Mohammed. Certainly racial pride is central to creating self-worth and the impetus to demand legal equality, however designating the other (the white) as an object of contempt and hatred (as X later learned) does not advance any cause. X’s spiritual enlightenment and break from the Nation of Islam as portrayed in the film helped open my eyes to the reality and the message of Malcolm X.

Indeed, as someone knowledgeable about the religion of Islam, the awakening of Malcolm X after his Hajj to Mecca represented the true nature of Islam. I was unaware of this fundamental shift in perspective, that Malcolm X no longer saw white people as a monolithic enemy to African American people. Instead, Malcolm X correctly targeted the government which allowed and enforced certain conditions upon African American people. While still controversial, the depth of Malcolm X’s commitment to social justice and search for truth made him a highly respectable and enviable figure in my mind. The personal courage displayed by Malcolm X and his family in the face of constant death threats showed him as a man deserving the accolades and affection of an entire people. The film challenged the conception held by me and other I know that Malcolm X was a dangerous man who divided the civil rights movement. I now view Malcolm X as a man motivated by high ideals who even in the face of intense pressure did not waver from his firmly founded convictions.