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1. How does Malcolm X’s understanding of racial identity change over the course of his life? Consider the different phases of Malcolm’s life.
Answer for Study Question 1 >>
During his life, Malcolm has as many attitudes toward his identity as he has names, and he experiences a significant transformation over the course of the autobiography. Early on, Malcolm learns that there is no way to escape his black identity. As a child he is called “nigger” so often that he believes it is his given name. At school in Lansing, he finds a social barrier between himself and white girls. Even as Malcolm earns top grades and is elected class president, a teacher discourages him from becoming a lawyer, because Malcolm is black, and teaches him racist propaganda. Malcolm leaves Michigan because he knows that he cannot escape the limiting racial identity that society imposes on him. In the Harlem underworld, Malcolm remakes himself in the lawless and isolated image of the black hustler. His few interactions with whites are shallow and exploitative: he uses his white girlfriend Sophia for status, just as she uses him; he bootlegs liquor for a Jewish nightclub owner; and he guides white men to black prostitutes.
After years of study in prison, Malcolm reconsiders his racial identity in the light of history and philosophy, and discovers answers to his questions about race in the pro-black rhetoric of the Nation of Islam. His acceptance of the Nation’s belief that black people are an original and good people, and whites an aberration meant to spread evil in the world, reverses Malcolm’s understanding of blacks and whites. Later, in Mecca, Malcolm learns to see beyond America’s race problems even as he digs more firmly into his black identity. Feeling brotherhood with white-skinned Muslims, he returns to the United States with a message of racial tolerance and an impartial commitment to truth and justice. Still, he believes the most promising allies of American blacks are the
Answer for Study Question 1 >>
During his life, Malcolm has as many attitudes toward his identity as he has names, and he experiences a significant transformation over the course of the autobiography. Early on, Malcolm learns that there is no way to escape his black identity. As a child he is called “nigger” so often that he believes it is his given name. At school in Lansing, he finds a social barrier between himself and white girls. Even as Malcolm earns top grades and is elected class president, a teacher discourages him from becoming a lawyer, because Malcolm is black, and teaches him racist propaganda. Malcolm leaves Michigan because he knows that he cannot escape the limiting racial identity that society imposes on him. In the Harlem underworld, Malcolm remakes himself in the lawless and isolated image of the black hustler. His few interactions with whites are shallow and exploitative: he uses his white girlfriend Sophia for status, just as she uses him; he bootlegs liquor for a Jewish nightclub owner; and he guides white men to black prostitutes.
After years of study in prison, Malcolm reconsiders his racial identity in the light of history and philosophy, and discovers answers to his questions about race in the pro-black rhetoric of the Nation of Islam. His acceptance of the Nation’s belief that black people are an original and good people, and whites an aberration meant to spread evil in the world, reverses Malcolm’s understanding of blacks and whites. Later, in Mecca, Malcolm learns to see beyond America’s race problems even as he digs more firmly into his black identity. Feeling brotherhood with white-skinned Muslims, he returns to the United States with a message of racial tolerance and an impartial commitment to truth and justice. Still, he believes the most promising allies of American blacks are the