ARCHIVE - Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

[Samanta]

Prologue discussion question - page 4

(view spoiler)[On page 4 of the Prologue, the author is describing the Audubon neighbourhood on February 21, 1965. He says that NYPD always assigned police patrols during OAAU rallies, but on this day, there were practically none. Why do you think that was? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Hi Dale!

Just a reminder to use the < spoiler > tags. Have you tried them yet?

I'm incorporating your message here and responding:

Dale's post on Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[Two things strike me. First, he seems like a young man without direction save that given by others. Secondly, Marable has mentioned a number of discrepancies between MX's auto-bio and facts or strong leading evidence. Is this yet another re-making by the man? (hide spoiler)]

Response to Dale - Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[You may be on to something. If I understand what you are pondering, you're asking if Marable is the one remaking Malcolm X, at least in this instance, by offering some information that has not been presented before? Very possible. I know the Prologue eluded to Marable offering evidence that even Malcolm X did not know at the time. Particularly information from the FBI.

I'm hoping to get some time to dig through the files they have online about him. If you have a chance, you could look up the FBI Vault - https://vault.fbi.gov/ - lots of scathing information on lots of people, I'm sure. ;-)

Adding the Autobiography citation here as well, since you mentioned it in passing.

by Malcolm X(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Jovita]

Prologue Discussion Questions

(view spoiler)[1. Malcolm X died on February 21, 1965. Were you alive at the time of his death? If so, do you remember hearing about his death? Did it affect you and/or your community? If you were not alive during this time, what did you know about his death prior to reading this book?

I was born in 1981, so I was not alive when Malcolm X was assassinated. I did know that he was assassinated by members of the NOI from watching the Spike Lee film about his life.

2. On page 14 Marable describes Malcolm X, “He was a truly historical figure in the sense that, more than any of his contemporaries, he embodied the spirit, vitality, and political mood of an entire population – black urban mid-twentieth-century America.” Yet, many African Americans at the time disagreed with Malcolm X and his teachings. What are your initial impressions of Malcolm X’s charismatic personality? Why do you think so many people were drawn to him, yet did not agree with him? We’ll learn more as the discussion progress and we read through the book and will see if your impression changes.

I think one reason many blacks were drawn to him, even if they did not agree with him, was because of the way he carried himself and the way spoke to and about whites. He carried himself very professionally, was very intelligent, and spoke to and about whites very boldly, expressing exactly how he felt about race relations at the time, without filter and without fear. I think this was striking to many blacks, especially those in the South, who were not able to express themselves so freely, for fear of repercussion. He gave voice to the anger and frustrations of an oppressed people, he said the things that many blacks thought and felt, but were unable to say for themselves. (hide spoiler)]

[Jovita]

Chapter 1 Discussion Questions

(view spoiler)[1. What influenced Malcolm as he was growing up? Are you starting to see how his character was building?
I would see that his parents involvement in Garveyism shaped a lot of Malcolm’s thinking growing up. Because he grew up with that type of ideology, it wasn’t much of a stretch for him to accept the teachings of the NOI later in life. He was already familier with the idea of black independence and strong racial pride, as well as the belief that blacks would be better off if they were segregated from whites. I think his experiences with his mom after the death of his father further shaped his view of whites and white-dominated society, as he came to associate whites with the government bureaucracy that covered up the cause of his father’s death, the social workers who intervened in their family life and removed him from his home, and the welfare system that failed to help his mom and, in his opinion, drove her into the deep depression that eventually led to her being committed.


2. How did life change for the Littles after Earl died? How did you think this changed their outlook on the world and Garveyism?

Life changed a lot for the Littles after the death of Earl. The main source of family income was gone, and Louise was left to deal with the stress of raising and providing for several small children on her own. I’m sure this had a huge impact on the family’s self-identity. Garveyism had placed in the family a strong sense of black pride and self-sufficiency So, as they began to experience severe financial strains, to the point of needing government assistance, there were probably deep feelings of shame, especially as they were experiencing this sharp downturn in fortune as they lived in a mostly-white neighborhood. With the problems they had in the past with their white neighbors seeing them as being ‘uppity’ and acting in a way that was ‘above their station’ as black people, I’m sure there neighbors took pleasure in witnessing their trials, as is evidenced by the story of Louise being so upset about the furniture incident. (hide spoiler)]

[Jovita]

Samanta wrote: "Prologue discussion question - page 4

(view spoiler)[A lot of the changes in regular protocol among the different characters present that day strike me as odd. There are lots of theories that other groups were involved in the assassination of Malcolm X, and these details seem to give credence to some of the conspiracy theories that are out there. (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Jovita on Prologue discussions question - page 4

(view spoiler)[I didn't know anything about that day before starting the book, so I was not familiar with the existence of conspiracy theories about Malcolm X's death, but when I read that part I was immediately suspicious. Funny how, all of a sudden, there is no police patrol, the security is not allowed to have guns, the back door are left unlocked, but nobody finds that strange (or if they do, they don't act upon their suspicion). I'm eager to find out more. Even though they can sometimes be pretty silly, conspiracy theories are also exciting (at least to me :D) (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Jovita wrote: "Prologue Discussion Questions."

Response to Jovita - Prologue Questions - Malcolm X Charisma

(view spoiler)[Malcolm X was a very charismatic speaker. You represented him well. There are some great instances of his speeches on YouTube that I need to sit down and accumulate in a post for the Glossary, but here is one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpr6P...

It's a great example of what you were saying. He was a voice and that is exactly what a leader does, even if you do not agree with them. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Jovita wrote: "Chapter 1 Discussion Questions."

Response to Jovita - Chapter 1 - Malcolm's early years

(view spoiler)[Do you think that Malcolm would have still been an activist if he did not have that initial exposure found in Garveyism and UNIA? Do you think he was a natural born activist / leader? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

The Day He Died

(view spoiler)[Great question, Samanta and certainly something to consider. Too many coincidences for it to not scream "conspiracy". Makes you want to dig into archives to see if there were any confidential reports that support that theory. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Chapter Two Discussion Questions - Pages 39 - 55

(view spoiler)[
Malcolm Little, age 15 (left), with sister Ella and friends in this 1941 photo, taken in Franklin Park.

1. On 42, Marable states, "Years later he would describe this time as 'a destructive detour in an otherwise purpose-driven life”'" What do you think of this statement? Do you think that Malcolm could see a purpose at this point in his life?

2. Why do you think that Malcolm got caught up in criminal activities? Was he escaping? If so, what was he escaping from? Was he looking for fast money? Comraderie? (hide spoiler)]

[elin]

In response to "theory" surrounding death

(view spoiler)[Teri and Samanta,

I felt the same way reading about his death. I'm not a conspiracy person, unless it comes to Game of Thrones, but it just all seemed too convenient. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

elin wrote: "In response to "theory" surrounding death."

Response to Elin

(view spoiler)[Ha! I have not yet watched Game of Thrones. I am holding out until I read the first book. It's almost to the top of my TBR pile. This summer I tackle it. ;-)

I'm hoping he'll revisit the assassination at the end of the book. That will be a good talking point for us then too. (hide spoiler)]


by George R.R. Martin

[Samanta]

elin wrote: "In response to "theory" surrounding death


Hahahaha, elin, you crack me up. :D :D

[Jovita]

Response to Elin and Teri Re: Game of Thrones

(view spoiler)[Elin: Yay! Another Game of Thrones fan! Like you, I am normally not a conspiracy theorist, unless its a 'Grand Northern Conspiracy' or the 'Dornish Master Plan' ;) , but you're right, there were too many coincidences to not suspect that something was amiss with X's assassination.

Teri, I watched the first couple of seasons before reading the books, and am still a huge fan, but once I read the books I was really hooked. They were so engrossing, I binge-read the entire 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series in 2 months, and now I'm one of those crazy super fans that spends an embarrassing amount of time on reddit and westeros.org debating plot points and coming up with crazy tin-foil theories on what will happen next. :) I hope you enjoy them as much as I have once you do get around to them, they are very entertaining, even for those who aren't really into fantasy series. (hide spoiler)]


by George R.R. Martin

[Teri]

Jovita wrote: "Response to Elin and Teri Re: Game of Thrones."

We are being remiss in not adding GOT citations to our posts! Oops. Please fix when you have a moment.

I know I will be hooked once I start reading. I had to get caught up on the Outlander series first. I am afraid it will be the same sort of addiction.

by George R.R. Martin
by Diana Gabaldon

[Teri]

Chapter Two Discussion Questions - Pages 56 - 70

(view spoiler)[1. What are your impressions of Malcolm's "characters"? Sandwich Red vs. Red vs. Detroit Red/Jack Carlton – reinvention or evolution or personas?

2. How did Malcolm’s behavior affect him, his friends, his family? (hide spoiler)]

[Jovita]

Forgive my oversight, citations have been added. Thanks!

[Teri]

You rock, Jovita! ;-)

[Jovita]

Chapter 3: Articles about Robert Harris
(view spoiler)[While searching for more info on the "Voodoo Murder" mentioned on page 87, in which Nation of Islam member Robert Harris was arrested for sacrificially killing a man, I ran across these articles from The Detroit News, and thought I'd share them. I found them quite interesting as they chronicle some of the larger communities attitudes towards the group and towards blacks, and also gives some info on the arrest of Fard in relation to the incident and the Nation of Islam response to his arrest.

http://www.mythicdetroit.org/index.ph...
(hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Jovita wrote: "Chapter 3: Articles about Robert Harris."

What a great link, Jovita. Can you add to our glossary thread:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thank you!

[Samanta]

Chapter One Discussion Questions - pages 16-17

(view spoiler)[The author talks about two opposing ideological camps within black American political culture; the accommodationists and the liberal reformers. Having read the brief description of their agendas, if you found yourself in the middle of it all, which camp would you choose? Which camp, do you think, had more realistic expectations (give the times)? Where did Marcus Garvey stand in all this? (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Chapter One Discussion Questions - Pages 15-25

(view spoiler)[1. What influenced Malcolm as he was growing up? Are you starting to see how his character was building?

Malcolm was, I think, greatly influenced by his parents' work. All the moving around and preaching to depraved black communities. In my opinion that was a positive influence. Now the negative influence. His father's obvious favoring him over other children and not punishing him. Now, I'm not saying that I'm pro physical punishment, quite the contrary, since I didn't really like when it was done on me. But, if you treat one child in a certain way, then you treat all of them the same way. Malcolm learned pretty soon that he could get away with anything when it comes to his father and thus learned that he could charm himself out of punishment and, most importantly, work (which was not a good thing in a large poor family). Also, his later opinion on women (at least the one author suggests) didn't sit well with me. I think his mother was a great and strong woman, and judging her harshly after all that she has done for her family, in the circumstances she was given, showed to me a lack of true character in Malcolm.

2. How did life change for the Littles after Earl died? How did you think this changed their outlook on the world and Garveyism?

Life became increasingly harder. The conditions of life for black people were as bleak as ever, and being a single African American mother to 7 children was not easy, especially when two of your children procrastinate all day long. I think most of them lost the idealism that kept them afloat after experiencing poverty and hunger. I am not at all surprised that Louise lost it. After so many disappointments, who wouldn't. Unfortunately, today her condition could have been treated much better and she probably would be able to continue living her life normally at some point, but in those times it was completely different. I've gone through depression, and to just imagine being locked up for 24 years makes me shudder. Poor woman! (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Chapter One Discussion Questions - Pages 26 - 39

(view spoiler)[1. Compare Malcolm's life with his parents to his life when he was with his sister Ella in Boston.

Completely different. The abundance of city lights, crowded places, noise, mixed-race couples, modern music, clubs, night life. No wonder he was thrilled, it was completely opposite from everything he was used to.

2. Do you think Malcolm would have become the man he was had his parents not been in the UNIA?

That is a good question and one I asked myself many times while reading this chapter. I am not sure of the answer, because if he wasn't exposed to that kind of life, he probably wouldn't develop the ideas he had (of he would, but he might not have acted upon them), but then again, he could have easily heard about other fighters and reformers and develop into who he was anyway. I do think that his parents' work helped shape him into the person he was. We are, ultimately, always influenced by our surroundings, one way or another. (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Teri wrote: "The Day He Died

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I kind of think those wouldn't go under FOIA jurisdiction :D (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Chapter One Discussion Questions - page 22

(view spoiler)[The author quotes Marcus Garvey where he says that "The Ku Klux Klan is the invisible government of the Unites States". Do you think that this was/is true (take into consideration what is now happening in the States)? What do you think of the outbreak of KKK branches and of the mobilization of children? Do you think that the groups of all the oppressed by KKK had any real chance of confronting and stopping the Klan? (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Teri wrote: "Jovita wrote: "Prologue Discussion Questions."

Response to Jovita - Prologue Questions - Malcolm X Charisma

Malcolm X was a very charismatic speaker. You represented him well. There are some grea..."

(view spoiler)[What a video! No wonder he captured the attention of so many people. They can't even let him finish the sentence. :D (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Response to Chapter Two Discussion Questions - Pages 39 - 55

(view spoiler)[1. On 42, Marable states, "Years later he would describe this time as 'a destructive detour in an otherwise purpose-driven life”'" What do you think of this statement? Do you think that Malcolm could see a purpose at this point in his life?

Since I don't have a particularly high opinion of Malcolm after reading Chapter 2, I believe his only purpose at that time was to have it as easy in life as possible (which doesn't really differ from his childhood). I do hope things change in the future, because as he is right now, I would never follow him or believe in him. I am disappointed.

2. Why do you think that Malcolm got caught up in criminal activities? Was he escaping? If so, what was he escaping from? Was he looking for fast money? Comraderie?

For a child who always found a way not to be responsible and do your own part for the better of everybody, the fact that he went into crime doesn't surprise me. He saw his older sister do it and jumped at the opportunity. I get a feeling that he always looked down on people. It's just a hunch, but I can't shake it. It is especially evident from the last paragraph or two of Chapter 2, where the author describes Malcolm as misogynist and abuser. It is evident he had little respect for people around him and, of course, others were always at fault and he never questioned his behaviour. I would, SOMEWHAT, understand if he showed disrespect for only white people (since it was the general feeling of the time), but he didn't care even for his own people. I would exclaim "What a child!", but I find that term disrespectful towards children. (hide spoiler)]

These answers can also be used for Chapter Two Discussion Questions - Pages 56 - 70.

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Chapter One Discussion Questions - Pages 15-25.."

Response to Samanta - Chapter One - Malcolm's character

(view spoiler)[Excellent post. You have to wonder how Malcolm would have turned out if his mother had stayed in his life. I don't think his sister was as worthy of a stand-in for his mom, but she was definitely a stable guardian for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Chapter Three Discussion Questions - Pages 70 - 99

(view spoiler)[1. How did Malcolm reinvent himself in prison? What and who do you think most influenced him during this time?

2. What did you learn about the Islam faith during this chapter that you might not have known? What do you think might have drawn Malcolm to its tenets? Was it just because his family encouraged him to join? (hide spoiler)]

[Samanta]

Teri wrote: "Samanta wrote: "Response to Chapter One Discussion Questions - Pages 15-25.."

Response to Samanta - Chapter One - Malcolm's character

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Neither do I. After all, who do you think he got the "crime is ok" attitude from? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Chapter One Discussion Questions - Pages 26 - 39.."

Response to Samanta - Chapter One - Malcolm's Character - Pages 26-39

(view spoiler)[It really is nature vs. nurture. I think it was in his character to be charismatic. He just had a way with talking publicly and inspiring others (whether in a good or bad way). What shaped his ideology were his surroundings. He may have turned out the same way even without his parent's earlier convictions, but I think it did have an influence on him later in life. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Chapter Two Discussion Questions - Pages 39 - 55."

Response to Samanta - Malcolm and his Charisma

(view spoiler)[Great post, Samanta. It's easy for us to read about Malcolm and say that we would not follow him, and I would agree with you. Many would not, but they were still drawn to him. He had a "preacher" type of way of speaking that made people listen. Some soaked it in and followed, others did not, but everyone seemed to be captivated by him. He is what we call "well spoken". He may not have been a very learned man, i.e. may not have had an ivy league degree, but he can handle himself well, even in interviews. I still ponder, though, and have not yet come to a conclusion myself, if he knew his purpose then. I don't think he did, but I think he felt drawn and led to be an activist and unfortunately, he felt that violence was the right way. But that is a topic for next week. ;-)

For now, check out this video, even if you just watch a part of it, you see how he is when he speaks, especially in interviews:

Malcolm X: Speeches and Interviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Amu...

I'll add it to the glossary later tonight.

Also, a word about his treatment of white and black people. I don't want to get too far into this question as it will come up in next week's discussion, but you are on to something and that is why we should note his respect or lack thereof of everyone. It is not just the white he had problems with and that may affect his status with NOI a bit later. Very good observation, Samanta. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Folks, Samanta has some excellent questions for us in message 71 and 75. Be sure and read and respond. They are great discussion points.

[Samanta]

Response to Teri on message 82

(view spoiler)[I've watched the other video you posted with his speech and wanted to comment on it, but somehow forgot. :D

He was, indeed, very charismatic and he could make people listen. He was also funny. I heard him crack jokes. But, there were some girls, in the first row, who had a straight face the whole time. I found that very interesting. What I also found interesting was when he said something in the line of "If you're a Negro" (or a black person, can't exactly remember),"you have a criminal record". Funny he should say that. His criminal record is his own doing. He honestly can't say that he was arrested and convicted because he was black. If he did (and I really hope he didn't), then he was a bit of a hypocrite. An interesting thing were also his words on women. Given what he thought of them and how he treated them....major hypocrite. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Chapter Four Discussion Questions - Pages 100 - 130

(view spoiler)[1. What are your impressions of Elijah Muhammad?

2. Malcolm Little is now known as Malcolm X. What do you think are his big influences in reinventing himself again?

3. What do you think contributes to his disillusionment toward the end of this chapter?


Temple No. 7 in Harlem (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Teri on message 82"

Response to Samanta - Malcolm X Hypocrisy

(view spoiler)[I have noticed his hypocrisy too. I think you will see it start to bother him a little later on (at least from an activist point of view) and I think part of it will be what makes him break with NOI - that's a guess at this point, as I'm not through with the book yet.

Do you think this is part of his "reinvention"? or should I say, his many personas? (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Hello everyone! We are about to move on to chapters 5-8 for next week. We will continue to talk about the first four chapters, so don't worry if you're behind, but we will move on to discussions on the next four chapters as well. It is a lot to soak in and I'm interested in what everyone has to say about Malcolm as he takes a strong activist stand.

Happy Reading!

[Samanta]

Response to Teri - Malcolm X and Reinvention

(view spoiler)[I haven't yet figured out the whole reinvention issues, since it's to early in the book for me. I think I'm going to leave my opinion on the matter for after I finish the book and get a grasp on all of his supposed reinventions. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Teri - Malcolm X and Reinvention"

Samanta - Malcolm X and Reinvention

(view spoiler)[Sounds good. We'll definitely be revisiting that theme throughout our discussion, then perhaps the last week of our discussion we'll tally up how many times he "reinvented himself. (hide spoiler)]

[Pamela]

Hello, Everyone. Sorry to be so late but I didn't actually intend to join this one. Real Life has been a total pain lately :).! But Malcolm X interests me, esp. the period after his enlightenment on his trip to the Mid-East.

Prologue Discussions (view spoiler)[

[1. How much do you know about Malcolm X? Have you read his Autobiography? Have you seen the Spike Lee movie with Denzel Washington?

Since I was in high school during the pertinent events we're talking about, I actually remember some of them. Malcolm X was really a figure of controversy back them, esp. during the years from say, 1960 until his assasination. His rhetoric was very provocative for that time and his idea of a complete separation of black people within the US was too. It was so different from the mainstream view, even among black people, and his anger was so obvious. Whenever I saw him on TV at the time, I was intrigued by him and, for those of you who have watched the videos of him speaking, you will notice how difficult it is to take your eyes off him. He really was that compelling. In the hands of the wrong person with the wrong message that kind of charisma can be very dangerous. His assuredness was, I think, one of his main attractions to blacks. That and his anger was, I suppose, appealing to young black men.

2. How much do you know about the Islamic faith and the Nation of Islam's teachings? I did a paper for a RL bookclub a couple of years ago on the Islamic faith so I know the fundamentals, at least, pretty well. I'm sure that many of the nuances still escape me. Also, I was taught briefly about Islam in my Catholic high school. That's one of the reasons that, at the time, I mainly thought of the Nation of Islam as some weird wannabe cult. Someone here( and I'm sorry but I can't find the post again) wrote that we are influenced by the attitudes of the area we grow up in. I have to say I find that to be very true. This all took place while I was growing up in GA and the general attitude was that Elijah Mohammed was an illiterate con man out for the money. He was always presented as the founder, so I was surprised to read about Fard in the book. I still think there was a large element of the con in the NOI but it certainly evoloved into more than just that (maybe the influence of Malcolm X?)

3. The author talks about Malcolm’s “reinvention” of his self. Describe what reinvention means to you. What do you expect to learn about Malcolm? Why not say his “evolution”? Are these terms synonymous?

I always think of "reinvention" as a method for either hiding the past or trying to fit in with the people you are surrounded by. A sort of camouflage. Whereas, when you finally begin to change the person you are in a deep sense, then you are "evolving". From childhood on, until he joined the NOI, Malcolm X seemed to be mainly trying to fit in. It was only after prison, once he had been influenced by Elijah Muhammed that he found some real meaning in his life. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Pamela wrote: "Hello, Everyone. Sorry to be so late but I didn't actually intend to join this one."

Glad you are joining up Pamela! You always have a great perspective and glad you were sucked into this discussion. ;-)

Response to Pamela - Initial impressions

(view spoiler)[I was not alive when Malcolm X was, but I have watched a few of his interviews. I think you explain his charisma very well. One thing I have noticed...and I want to be careful how I word this, but I feel like when it comes to his speaking tone that he sounds very much like Obama. I'm not comparing them in any way, other than their voice and how they carry themselves when they speak. I see it more when Obama was a senator and his earlier years in the Presidency. I think he's become more relaxed now. But if you listen to them both I think they have similar cadences and inflections. I think they are both mesmerizing. You are right, it is hard to take your eyes off of Malcolm X when he is speaking. I really think that is what drew a lot of people to Malcolm, whether or not they agreed. They certainly listened.

Elijah definitely comes off as smarmy to me. Why do you think people followed him. Do you think he was like a David Karesh or Jim Jones? What is it about these type of men that people are drawn to? Do you think they have a way at convincing people of what they are "selling?" Is it the type of people they speak to? Perhaps it's the people that they are targeting that are needing something that they are "selling"?

I am intrigued to see how the author wraps up the reinvention theme at the end. I'm not sure Malcolm "reinvents" himself as much as he takes on a persona to fit in, as you mentioned. However, as I read on, my theory on that may change, certainly after he joins the NOI.

Thanks for your insight and relating what you remember about him at the time. (hide spoiler)]

[Helga]

Samanta wrote: "Response to Teri on message 82

I've watched the other video you posted with his speech and wanted to comment on it, but somehow forgot. :D

He was, indeed, very charismatic and he could make peopl..."

Samanta, all of your posts have been right on and I agree with you on all of them. Very good posts.

[Pamela]

Teri wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Hello, Everyone. Sorry to be so late but I didn't actually intend to join this one."

Glad you are joining up Pamela! You always have a great perspective and glad you were sucked int..."

Response to Teri (view spoiler)[

I don't think I can go with you on the Obama comparison, Teri :). I do think they are both very impressive, but the President is a far more intellectual man. So much so that I believe it hurts him somewhat when he speaks. Plus he talks too much; he comes to the American people so often that I'm afraid people stop listening. His press conferences are great though since with them he has an easy, humorous style. It all makes me wonder that if we had heard Malcolm X speak more often, would people have still been as fascinated?

I agree about Elijah Muhammed. I think your question about whether it was the type of person he was recruiting is spot on. He targeted former drug addicts and prisoners and the one is seeking discipline and the other is used to a high amount of discipline and control. Plus it seems as if most of the people he went for were relitively uneducated and naive.
(hide spoiler)]

[Jovita]

Response to Teri and Pamela RE: Elijah Muhammed's Target Audience

(view spoiler)[I agree wholeheartedly that the lack of education and the seemingly hopeless outlook of the people targeted by Elijah Muhammed and the NOI made them especially susceptible to that type of message. The group's founder, W. D. Fard, sounds to me like no more than a common street hustler. I would say that Elijah Muhammed himself was an easy mark for the man, a small, uneducated black man from Georgia without a lot of prospects, I'm sure the message that someone like himself, with seemingly no real future to look forward to, could be a god among men, was very alluring to him. (hide spoiler)]

[Jovita]

Teri wrote: "What a great link, Jovita. Can you add to our glossary thread:..."

Done.

[Pamela]

Jovita wrote: "Response to Teri and Pamela RE: Elijah Muhammed's Target Audience

[spoilers removed]"

Response to Jovita

(view spoiler)[ I think you made a really good point about Elijah Muhammed, Jovita. Descending from gods, kings or royalty in general always seems to pull people in. Nobody ever wants to believe that their background may have been from folks who spent their life plowing a field somewhere. It's that wish that makes us all susceptible to a good con man.

Also thanks for posting that newspaper article about the murder. Very interesting. The derogatory remarks about black people, so casually delivered in public really give you a picture of the prejudiced attitudes of the people of the time. (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Pamela wrote: "Teri wrote: "Pamela wrote: "Hello, Everyone. Sorry to be so late but I didn't actually intend to join this one."

Response to Pamela - Malcolm X Speaking

(view spoiler)[Fair enough on the comparison to Obama. It really was the cadence of the voice, they way they both seem to pause, etc. that seemed to me to be the same. Tone, etc. ;-) (hide spoiler)]

[Teri]

Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Week 2

(view spoiler)[Chapter 5 - “Brother, a Minister Has to Be Married” – May 1957 – March 1959

At the Feast of Followers of Messenger Muhammad event at Harlem’s Park Palace dance club, Wallace Muhammad is scheduled to speak, and strikes a friendship with Malcolm X. There is a push to convert Garveyites. NYPD starts tracking Malcolm. Differences are starting to become apparent between Elijah and Malcolm. Malcolm's rhetoric becomes less about NOI more about black politics. After an extensive speaking tour, Malcolm X checks himself into Harlem’s Sydenham Hospital with heart palpitations from exhaustion. It is noted that NOI revenue from speaking engagements went to commercial ventures. Malcolm meets James Warden and Betty Sanders. Malcolm marries Betty and their early years of marriage is discussed. Betty is arrested.


Malcolm X and his wife Betty

Chapter 6 – “The Hate That Hate Produced” – March 1959 – January 1961

Rise of Black activism begins with the start of the civil rights movement. Louis Lomax, working for Mike Wallace interviews Malcolm X. Malcolm begins a couple of newspapers. He sends his wife Betty and child to Detroit to be with her parents. Elijah Muhammad sends Malcolm overseas to Europe and Egypt on a Pilgrimage. Malcolm notes that color lines blur among Islamic Muslims. Malcolm does not come across as a true Muslim in Egypt, as he is not familiar with rituals such as prayer routines and does not speak Arabic. Elijah and his entourage go on a hajj once Malcolm returns. This trip profoundly changes everyone. NOI starts a move toward fundamental Islam. Malcolm goes on a speaking circuit again. Calls for Harlem’s blacks to overcome divisions in their community. We start to see Malcolm turn into a respected political leader. Fidel Castro visits Harlem. Malcolm meets with the KKK to buy land and segregate the blacks into an isolated community.


Louis Lomax

Chapter 7 – “As Sure As God Made Green Apples” – January 1961 – May 1962

Marable chronicles Elijah Muhammad and his affairs. Elijah's illegitamate kids are abandoned. Malcolm starts talking / debating at universities including Howard University. Malcolm meets Maya Anjelou. He joins the Ad Hoc Working Committee of Unity for Action, also known as the Emergency Committee, on labor leader A. Philip Randolph's request. Tensions begin to rise within the NOI. Malcolm works with white supremacists, advocating segregated communities. An incident in LA between police and NOI members cause Malcolm to advocate retaliation.


A. Philip Randolph

Chapter 8 – From Prayer to Protest – May 1962 – March 1963

We see more of a split of Malcolm and NOI. NOI begins to have financial problems. Malcolm seemingly hurts NOI image with is activism. Malcolm meets St. Louis journalist Peter Goldman, Alex Haley, and Muhammad Ali.


Peter Goldman
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[Teri]

Week Two Questions- Influences on Malcolm X

(view spoiler)[1. During these chapters, we see Malcolm's personal views change from that of the Nation of Islam. What do you think was his cathartic moment?

2. Malcolm meets many people during this period. Was there any person in particular that most captivated you?


Malcolm X and Maya Angelou in Ghana 1964


Malcolm X with boxer Muhammad Ali in 1963
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[Teri]

A Word About Elijah Muhammed's Target Audience

(view spoiler)[Most people who end up listening and being suckered by people like Elijah Muhammed are often looking to fill a void in their lives. Today, we see this type of thing in online catfish scams. (hide spoiler)]