MLK has a good rep today because of the non violence. Malcolm X and the Black Panthers were just as if not more influential for change, but they’re completely ignored in schools and media today.
For anyone who grew up learning about MLK Jr and not Malcolm X -
I’d recommend a book called “The Sword and The Shield”! I thought it did a dope job comparing and contrasting the two figures. Importantly, MLK Jr was way more radical than many of us were taught in school, and by the end of his life he was changing his approach, having been forced to acknowledge that non-violence alone wasn’t going to cut it. In other words he became more aligned with Malcolm’s principles and beliefs as he watched the civil rights movement struggle and falter, and I believe this is ultimately why he was killed.
And then our lords and masters de-fanged his legacy, teaching generations of kids only the non-violence, giving millions the false idea that non-violence alone is enough, and not just enough, but the preferred and historically-proven method of achieving change.
It never has been and never will be, non-violence is only effective alongside credible threats of violence (at a minimum), and Martin and Malcolm both knew that to their core. That book helped me correct what was a confusing hole in my understanding of the world.
Not my experience. Maybe briefly covered Malcolm, but if we learned anything about him and/or the Black Panthers at all, it was always in a negative light.
I had never even heard the name “Fred Hampton” until I was in college.
That wasn’t my experience whatsoever and to me yours sounds uncommon. Not being combative with you, I promise, I just worry and wonder how successfully Malcolm X (et al.) has been whitewashed from history.
MLK has a good rep today because of the non violence. Malcolm X and the Black Panthers were just as if not more influential for change, but they’re completely ignored in schools and media today.
For anyone who grew up learning about MLK Jr and not Malcolm X -
I’d recommend a book called “The Sword and The Shield”! I thought it did a dope job comparing and contrasting the two figures. Importantly, MLK Jr was way more radical than many of us were taught in school, and by the end of his life he was changing his approach, having been forced to acknowledge that non-violence alone wasn’t going to cut it. In other words he became more aligned with Malcolm’s principles and beliefs as he watched the civil rights movement struggle and falter, and I believe this is ultimately why he was killed.
And then our lords and masters de-fanged his legacy, teaching generations of kids only the non-violence, giving millions the false idea that non-violence alone is enough, and not just enough, but the preferred and historically-proven method of achieving change.
It never has been and never will be, non-violence is only effective alongside credible threats of violence (at a minimum), and Martin and Malcolm both knew that to their core. That book helped me correct what was a confusing hole in my understanding of the world.
Thanks for the book recommendation!
You’re very correct, but that’s not the point I was trying to make.
Also schools definitely cover Malcom X and the Black Panthers just as much as MLK Jr., or at least my public school did.
Not my experience. Maybe briefly covered Malcolm, but if we learned anything about him and/or the Black Panthers at all, it was always in a negative light.
I had never even heard the name “Fred Hampton” until I was in college.
That wasn’t my experience whatsoever and to me yours sounds uncommon. Not being combative with you, I promise, I just worry and wonder how successfully Malcolm X (et al.) has been whitewashed from history.
Edit: redundancy
Both Malcolm X and MLK Jr. (and every other civil rights activist throughout history) have been severely whitewashed in general.
I would argue Malcom X might be more demonized than white washed. They told me his violence was why he didn’t succeed.
Same here, Malcom X practically read like a footnote to me when I was taught by my school
I wasn’t countering you, just adding my voice to your plea.
That’s good that those were covered for you. I can tell you the coverage on that in my corner of the South is absolutely lacking.