Malcolm X is the eminent personality of the 20th century, widely known for his combat against African-Americans harassment. Malcolm X had been frequently criticized for his policy, as a considerable part of the society had founded his attitude violent and racist. He had spread the point of view that European Americans and African Americans must be divided and shared black racism ideas. This essay will identify the topic through Malcolm’s background and provide my personal belief that he is the person who changed the world with the readiness to become an influencer and die for his ideology. Malcom’s power of persuasion, his ability to be a leader, and a radical decision showing the determination to changes expose him as a revolutionary.
Insight into the Controversial Persons Background
To understand the necessity to prove that Malcolm X is a revolutionary, it is worth deepening in part of his life story. He was the Nation of Islam’s leader whose purpose was to improve the oppressed population’s spiritual, social, and economic state. Later he left this group as he had become disenchanted with its views. Eventually, the representative of the Nation of Islam killed him for his beliefs and actions. According to Hayes (2020), “As a young Muslim minister, Malcolm X modernized the Nation of Islam, building it into a highly organized and nationally recognized Black formation” (p. 510). Throughout his life, Malcolm X was fighting for his ideology and changing society, which brings the question of acknowledging him as a revolutionary.
My Beliefs about Role Malcolm X Played in the History
Violent decisions are revolutionaries prerogative that should be used with extreme prudence. From my perspective, to bring changes to the world, Malcolm accepted black nationalism and eventually sacrificed his life, making him deserving to be considered a revolutionary. Therefore, I believe that a person who wants adjustments should become an influencer to lead people. From this point of view, this controversial person is definitely worth his title according to the reasons mentioned in the following paragraphs. Malcolm X is an extraordinary individual, as there were people who hated him, who respected him, but it is difficult not to acknowledge his significant role in changing the system.
Reasons to Claim that Malcolm X is a Revolutionary
History shows that many revolutionaries apply unpopular methods, as they are convinced that developments in society are often painful. Malcolm X is known for his radical views and approaches to achieving the goals. Henderson (2018) states that “Malcolm saw black nationalism as the transformation force in contemporary revolutions throughout Africa, and he maintained that the same was true for the US” (p. 165). The mentioned quote proves that Malcolm was willing to accept hard decisions as black nationalism was an intransigent ideology. To change the system, people’s appreciation and assistance are necessary. Malcolm proved himself as an eloquent and fascinating individual capable of conviction in his beliefs. A white college woman who is preserved in his autobiography may be an instance of his power of persuasion. According to Allies (2016), “she was among many young whites who found Malcolm both magnetic and convicting” (p. 182). In the matter of leading people, this famous person is also worth to be considered as a revolutionary. No revolution passes without developments in people’s awareness, and Malcolm’s actions are known for their strong influence on society. Pugh (2020) states that “Malcolm’s black nationalism elevated black consciousness to a new level” (p. 441). The mentioned quotes prove that he did not go without a trace in History and in the system.
Conclusion
To achieve the title of a revolutionary, a person should significantly influence society. During his lifetime, Malcolm X had caused a number of changes in the system. Confessing the violent ideology, he forced the world to respect African-Americans. Due to his power of persuasion, he makes people follow him and accept his beliefs. And finally, he increased society’s consciousness by committing the revolution entirely. Taking everything into consideration, Malcolm X is a controversial person who triggered world-wide changes and definitely can be regarded as a revolutionary.
References
Pugh, M. (2020). Malcolm X and the philosophical theology of James H. Cone. Journal of African American Studies, 24(3), 434-455.
Henderson, E. A. (2018). Unintended consequences of cosmopolitanism: Malcolm X, Africa, and revolutionary theorizing in the black power movement in the US. African Identities, 16(2), 161-175.
Hayes, F. W. (2020). Peniel E. Joseph: the sword and the shield: The revolutionary lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Journal of African American Studies, 24(3), 509-513.
Allies, N. B. (2016). “The Enemy of My Enemy”: Malcolm X and the legacy of John Brown. Malcolm X: From political eschatology to religious revolutionary, 179.