Similarities Between Malcolm X And Frederick Douglass

Imagine being a slave in the 1800’s with no clue to why you have no absolute freedom. Imagine being in prison and completely changing into a different person while you’re in there. Imagine being the only daughter of six sons, however, you are neglected by your own father and brothers. These situations may have their differences, but in a way they actually have many things in common too.

Frederick Douglass was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Hughs. He saw them as a parent figure, especially Mrs. Hughs since she taught him the alphabets and such. Malcolm X used to be a thug. When he was caught in a burglary crime, he realized he needed to change. He had read Elijah Muhammad writings and wanted to emulate him. Elijah Muhammad became like a father to him,

Hughs. She taught him the alphabet, but once she realized she had made a mistake, she became afraid of him. She longer let him go near anywhere where he can read. “She at first lacked the depravity indispensable to shutting me up in mental darkness. It was at least necessary for her to have some training in the exercise of irresponsible power.” (pg.9-12, p.103) But it was too late, she “had given him the inch, and no precaution could prevent him from taking the ell.” Meaning, “if you give him an inch, he’ll take a yard.” (pg.40, p.105) According to what I’ve read, I believe Mr. Hugh had brainwashed Mrs. Hugh into becoming strict and treating Frederick as if he were a “brute.” “She now commenced to practice her husband’s precepts. She finally became even more violent in her opposition than her husband himself.” (pg.29-31, p.104) Frederick Douglass then found any way to learn to improve his literacy. When he was sent to do errands, he always took a book with him. He would also bring a piece of bread with him. The plan he had became successful, he became friends with all the little white boys and converted them into teachers. “This bread I used to bestow upon the hungry little urchins, who, in

Frederick Douglass lost so much hope at first, thinking he’d be enslaved for life. He was a rebel and did what the whites were most feared by- educated slaves. The books he had read brought him hope. Especially the one where the slave talked back to his master and was able to become free at the end. Frederick then knew he wasn’t alone, he didn’t give up just yet. He was for sure that his way out of slavery was through how educated he was. Frederick became encouraged to abolish slavery. Not only did Malcolm X want to become articulate with himself, he also wanted to speak out to racism. Sandra Cisneros wanted her father to be proud of what she