Malcolm X Flashcards
How did Malcolm X’s background contribute towards his opposition of non-violent protest?
His father Earl Little was killed by the KKK according to Malcolm due to his support of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association. His mother Louise was later institutionalised. Attended predominantly white high school, aspired to be a lawyer, teacher told him to be a carpenter, dropped out of school in the eighth grade (age 13/14). Criminal activity - peddling drugs & numbers running - ‘Detroit Red’.
In what year was Malcolm X arrested and on what charges?
Arrested 1946 for larceny & breaking & entering, served 6 ½ years. In jail became a follower of Elijah Muhammad & studied world history and politics extensively.
What positions did Malcolm X hold within the Nation of Islam?
Became a minister for the group in 1952 and assumed the title Minister Malcolm X - the X symbolising his African name that had been replaced by slave oppressors. 1957 became national representative. Broke with the group in 1964.
How was segregation different in the North than the South?
South = de jure segregation, embodied by laws North = de facto segregation - poverty, discrimination in law enforcement, housing etc. harder to challenge.
How and why was segregation kept in Northern suburbs?
Property developers and white house owners have silent agreement not to sell to African Americans. 1960s blacks start to move into neighbourhoods, whites complain it’ll lower house prices.
What sources did Malcolm X use to support his arguments for segregation and the use of violence?
References to history (Babylon, American Revolution), religious sources (Bible, Qur’an).
When was the Nation of Islam founded and who was its original leader?
1930s during Great Depression, many black nationalist groups were formed during this period. Wallace Fard Muhammad who disappeared in 1934 and was replaced by Elijah Muhammad.
What was Fard’s ideology?
Emphasised/revitalised black pride, said Africans first humans created by God, whites a mutation, reversed attitudes of white supremacists.
What were the Nation of Islam’s aims?
Separation of races, self-determination (own government), separate black republic within USA, exemption from taxes as they don’t get equal rights, no interracial marriage, no integration (whites 400 year old enemy), white promises of integration a deception.
In what ways was the Nation of Islam a positive organisation?
Jailed African Americans a group they can reach out to, want to uplift images of African Americans, enforce strict rules of personal conduct to show you can uplift even the lowest class, gain ability to respect themselves. 400 followers by 1952, succeeded in turning lives of petty criminals around. Huge appeal to urban poor.
Why was the Nation of Islam especially appealing to African American men?
Restoring black masculine pride - 1950s, instability in black families, poverty, employment discrimination, South to North migration, women earning while men unemployed. Nation encouraged men to reassert themselves as head of the household, protect women, restore the patriarchy, absolving men of blame for their situation, the condition is white men’s fault.
How did Malcolm X’s trip to Mecca challenge his views on race?
- Encounters real Muslims, all ethnic origins, challenges his views on segregation however feels that they need to change white ideologies before desegregation can take place.
What political action does Malcolm X take against America after his trip to Mecca?
Tries to convince heads of African countries to convince the UN to charge America for persecuting its citizens.
Why was Ghandi an example of both why non-violent action was ineffective but also why violent action would be ineffective?
Indians the majority of the population, African Americans a minority. Would be suicidal to fight against those with all the power, Selma shows how violent white supremacists could be and they were unprovoked, if they act violently they could lose the moral high ground/federal support.
Why was Malcolm X perceived as a threat?
Never committed direct violence, may have incited it, perceived as a threat due to his control over a large number of followers who followed his commands - makes whites more reciprocal to King (& etc.) non-violent approach.
