Compare And Contrast Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X

Civil Rights activists Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X spoke upon the oppression of the african-american race in the sense that blacks simply had no rights like the white man had. They preached for equality and unison among the community of the American people. Although they each focused their efforts for the same cause, they had very different philosophies and mentalities on how change will be pursued. MLK believed that using violence in order to achieve racial justice “is both impractical and immoral.” He inaugurated his idea that “if the Negro is to achieve the goal of integration, he must organize himself into a militant and nonviolent mass movement” furthermore, believing that correct nonviolence will amend the issue of racial inequality. Malcolm X on the other hand, presumed that to achieve civil rights the black man should be armed and prepared to protect themselves, their property, and family. Although he believed that appropriate violence is necessary for survival, he didn't wish to “go out and initiate attacks indiscriminately against whites.” Malcolm X’s proposals were viewed as preaching the initiate of an anarchy and MLK’s Gandhian Philosophy was seen as a peaceful ideal.

He believed integrating violence in a proper movement would only cause more complicated problems with temporary results. MLK wished to respect all, even for those who had no respect for him. In Mr. King’s perspective, forming a mass movement of militant quality brings conflict which breeds anarchy. Repudiating violence encourages the people to take their side instead of the opposing force from the oppressor. His remarks were recited to inspire those who heard to change their mindsets on their own, instead of resorting to induced force to change the