Malcome X’s Brutality Speech Vs Martin Luther King's Nonviolence Campaign

Introduction

“Only a refusal to hate or kill can put an end to the chain of violence in the world and lead us toward a community where men can live together without fear.” This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. encapsulates the essence of his nonviolence campaign during the civil rights era. While King is widely recognized for his contributions, he was not the sole civil rights leader opposing discrimination. Malcolm X emerged as a prominent figure for the black nationalist movement and the Nation of Islam three years before King earned his Ph.D. in theology, highlighting that Malcolm was advocating for civil rights even before King. The quote, “I’m not going to sit at your table and watch you eat, with nothing on my plate and call myself a diner,” used in Malcolm X’s speech on brutality, more accurately reflects his beliefs. Although both were fighting for equality, King and Malcolm X had differing views on how to achieve this change. Specifically, Malcolm X emphasized his right to defend himself against white aggressors, while Dr. King consistently advocated for turning the other cheek. Unlike the "Ballot or the Bullet" approach, King's philosophy aimed to build empathy between the protestors and the skeptical community.

Malcolm X’s Brutality Speech Vs Martin Luther King's Nonviolence Campaign

Upon deeper reflection, it becomes evident that King had a more successful strategy. Remaining peaceful while still disrupting the status quo garnered significant positive attention from the public and media. “To destroy anything, person or property, can't bring us closer to the goal that we seek,” King asserted, reinforcing the principle that violence only leads to a darker path (King, 1963). In contrast, Malcolm X declared, “It'll be ballots, or it'll be bullets. It'll be liberty or it will be death,” highlighting his belief that there were only two possible outcomes (Malcolm X, 1964). This logic was only partially successful in advancing the Civil Rights Movement, as it made the public feel trapped or coerced into compliance, creating a sense of bias under pressure. King's tactics compelled white bystanders to confront the violence and delusions inherent in their usual way of thinking by demonstrating that what African Americans were denied was innocent and that their oppression was unjust.

Different Backgrounds, Different Approaches

Another perspective emerges when considering Malcolm X's background. While his methods were more volatile and unpredictable, he still operated within the confines of the law. Unless the law prohibited him from speaking out or conveying his message due to his race, he strictly adhered to it. This unspoken rule was also followed by Dr. King. Their contrasting childhoods likely influenced their approaches to the civil rights movement. For instance, Malcolm X's father was murdered, and his mother suffered a nervous breakdown from which she never recovered, leading him to enter the foster care system and eventually into a life of crime. Conversely, King grew up in a household where both his father and grandfather were preachers, and he aspired to follow in their footsteps. These distinct backgrounds shaped their respective methods of protest and advocacy.

Legacy and Modern-Day Implications

This historical context significantly impacts contemporary thinking regarding civil rights. Today, civil protest is widely perceived as inherently non-violent, largely due to King's enduring legacy. However, Malcolm X contributed just as significantly to the movement as Dr. King during his lifetime. Furthermore, Malcolm X was not wrong to use his rights to defend himself. It is now commonly believed that any form of violence, even in self-defense, is detrimental. While this may be true, history has shown that violence is sometimes a necessary tool for change. The nuanced legacy of both leaders continues to influence modern discussions on civil rights and protest methods.

King, M. L. (1963). I Have a Dream. Speech presented at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Washington, D.C.

Malcolm X. (1964). The Ballot or the Bullet. Speech presented at Cory Methodist Church, Cleveland, Ohio.