Two things grew in the 1960s: peace and violence. The civil rights movement gained momentum in the 1960’s, bringing change with it. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr emerged as two powerful activists. Both activists had very different philosophies, one preached a non-violence method, and the other thought violence was a necessary action to bring change. During the civil rights movement, Malcolm X’s philosophy made the most sense because he wanted to improve the lives of every black American, he believed that the government wasn’t doing enough for colored people, and he thought violence was necessary to bring a change. Malcolm X believed it was vital for Black Americans to learn about economics and finances. Malcolm X said, “So, the economic philosophy of black nationalism puts a burden upon the black men learning how to control his economy” (Document G). He thought it was best to keep the money cycling throughout their community. Unlike King, Malcolm disliked boycotts and protests because he believed it took money away from the community they live in, “in order for us to control the economy of out own community, we have to learn the importance of spending money in the community where we live” (Document G). Malcolm X …show more content…
King, Malcolm X’s philosophies involved violence. Malcolm X believed that violence was a necessary action in the civil rights movement. In an interview he stated, “I believe we should protect ourselves by any means necessary when we are attacked by racists” (Document K). Malcolm X wasn’t pro-violence, he just wanted a fair fight. During this time, the KKK used violent methods to force African Americans into submission. “Nonviolence is only preached to black Americans, and I don’t go along with anyone who wants to teach our people nonviolence until someone at the same time is teaching our enemy to be nonviolent” (Document K), being pacifist wouldn’t help black Americans during this time period because of how violent everyone else