Compare And Contrast Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X

During the Civil Rights Movement Era in the mid 1900’s, several activists emerged from society, trying to make changes regarding the treatment of African Americans. However, there were two individuals who made waves within American society amidst the protests, rallies and injustice directed towards blacks. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, jr., had two distinct outlooks and solutions for the issues facing African Americans. The upbringing of these men, and certain key events in their past shape the beliefs they spread to society, and their childhood, adolescence and early adulthood are nearly opposites. Malcolm Little, more popularly known as Malcolm “X” was born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1925. Due to conflicts with Klansmen in the past, the Little

When in prison, Malcolm was influenced by Black Muslims, and their teachings of hatred against whites. They also influenced Malcolm to believe that whites were evil, and that they robbed African Americans of religion, names, and homeland. From this point, Malcolm developed an abhorrence against whites, and soon embraced his African heritage. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most notorious figures in American history had entirely different key events throughout his past, which developed him to spread different beliefs than Malcolm “X.” King was born in Georgia and raised in Atlanta by his father who was known for being a respected Baptist minister. He grew up in a segregated yet prosperous neighborhood, meanwhile was taught the ideals of hardwork and faith in God by his father. Martin participated in the church choir, and preached sermons at college. During his schooling, he became the elected class president and received the admiration of his white classmates. Soon after graduation, he enrolled at Boston University, where he earned his PhD and soon met his wife, Coretta

Malcolm X grew up with hatred and conflict with whites, leading him to have a much more hostile view and way of action when trying to achieve change. The discrimination he experienced motivated him to desire change in a more aggressive manner, since he showed no sympathy for those who have once betrayed him and his family. On the contrary, King was spared from most discriminatory and harsh experiences with whites. He was accepted into the white community, and rarely came across any violence with racism. His past made him desire a more peaceful change, as he never saw whites as an enemy or a society that is evil. Although both leaders exploited philosophies in which exploited an equal nation between blacks and whites, they had entirely opposite tactics for success. Malcolm X’s methods are much more effective because it highlighted the strength behind a community that appeared to be powerless in the time. Perhaps if King experienced a more hostile environment, his view would have been shapred in a more similar way to