Similarities Between Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X

American society, over the course of time, has shown itself to be profoundly resistant to change. In order for real change to occur in this nation either of these two must happen; a benefit to those in power or a viable threat. This is especially true in cases of civil rights and the nation's treatment of African Americans. As evidenced throughout American history, political and social change has only been allowed when it is advantageous to the nation's leaders and/ or economy. The emancipation proclamation, for instance, was not a result of President Lincoln’s abolitionist beliefs or moral compass, but a political strategy to win the civil war. This does not conclude that citizens of the United States are powerless to the will of the elite,

King dreamed of a society in which all races could coexist equally. He knew that ethically it was his duty to stand up against unjust laws and although he did do so by using violence he made sure that Black people’s voice was heard. Many of the steps King took such as Montgomery bus boycott, which was a boycott of public buses by African Americans validate many of Malcolm X’s assumptions. When this boycott started to affect the pockets of bus companies that is what led to change and ultimately social revolution. Both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were aware that in order for there to be change that they needed to directly affect what White men cared about, business and politics. King was goal was to negotiate with White people but knew that in order to be taken seriously there needed to be some type of direct action. In King’s letter from a Birmingham Jail he stated how “the purpose of our direct action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation”. King’s plan is to use sit-in, boycotts, and marches in order to gain the attention of White men to negotiate rights for Black Americans. His main purpose for negotiating was to live in a world where Black people and White people genuinely want to become integrated. King wants to address the unjust laws against Black Americans so that all Americans can live in a more perfect society where their voices are heard. In his letter to Birmingham King’s first plan was not to boycott or perform sit-ins but instead to communicate with merchants and officials about their segregated community. He believes in peace but will take extraordinary measures in order to make ensure justice for those who are oppressed. Although King did not support using violence as a way to achieve their goals his method were still very