For the past few weeks, we've been learning about and discussing the Civil Rights Movement. During the lesson, two famous names were mentioned; Martin Luther Kind Jr. and Malcolm X. Although both men were very inspiring men of their time, they were vastly different in their methodology.
MLK believed in peaceful protesting and demonstrations of the unwillingness to accept the inequality that existed towards blacks. He also believed that everyone (whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, etc) should all live in peace on earth. They should all treat one another respectfully and equally for the betterment of our children. He highly believed in civil disobedience. “Pray for guidance and commit yourself to complete nonviolence in word and action as you enter the bus... Be loving enough to absorb evil and understanding enough to turn an enemy into a friend. If cursed, do not curse back. If pushed, do not push back. If struck, do not strike back, but evidence love and good will at all times. If another person is being molested, do not arise to go to his defense, but pray for the oppressor and use moral and spiritual force to carry on the struggle for justice.” Martin Luther King Jr. believed that if you turned around and opened your arms to hug the instigator, the impact would be much greater.
Malcolm X's ideology, on the other hand, would only satisfy the instigator more because he believed, “... if someone puts a hand on you, send him to the cemetery.” Fighting back never resolves an issue.
Therefore, even though both men were very influential in their words, I believe that MLK made a greater impact based on his civil actions.
