I chose The Autobiography of Malcolm X because he as an individual has always fascinated me especially being a Muslim myself. And although I do not agree with the racist doctrine of his early preaching I definitely respect his impact on America and his refusal to compromise for the well being of his people. The controversy surrounding his life is something that I found intriguing. Him being a figure I've always wanted to learn more about is my main reason for choosing this book.
This book deals with the life of "The Nation of Islam" speaker and leader Malcolm X who being an African American fought for their rights and freedoms however unlike most African American leaders at the time he proposed segregation rather then integration as he felt that there would never be true equality for African Americans in a "white mans" society so he decided it would be better for them to have their own state. This was an extremely controversial idea at the time and caused many white people to consider him a speaker of evil and hatred. Although his doctrine was harsh and he changed his views later in life he is still respected to this day for his outspoken beliefs and refusal to compromise for his beliefs regardless of some perhaps inappropriate views regarding race.
(And to clarify the Nation of Islam is a radical Black Muslim group that does not practice the original teachings of Islam and their views should not be mistaken for Islamic viewpoints.)
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Malcolm X’s doctrine was very controversial during the time of Jim Crow, which is why his autobiography was one of my top choices for this year’s Summer Reading Project. Although his ideas were very harsh I believe that Malcolm thought they were absolutely necessary in order for African Americans to earn respect during that time.
Malcolm X's idea of segregation instead of integration was completely opposite of what other African American leaders and I feel that this idea made him different and therefore had a bigger impact in respect to be given to African Americans.
-Shawn Dyal
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