General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: An Odd End [View all]H2O Man
(73,333 posts)I won't even speculate on what exact positions Malcolm X would hold today. There is a tendency for some groups to have claimed him over the years, that in my opinion are on shaky ground at very best. But we do have the lessons from his amazing life.
In the general time period that Malcolm made that speech -- ranked 7th among the top 100 American speeches of the 20th century by 137 leading scholars (Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th Century; University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1999) -- he made numerous points that are important today. He did not think that voting alone would solve America's racial problems, but he was in favor of putting minor differences behind and creating a voting block capable of deciding any election. Malcolm was becoming open to working with any group or individual that was sincere about delivering social justice.
He did, of course, recognize that there were groups and individuals in American society that would always be opposed to him. He knew that some of these would engage in efforts to deny voting rights to black people, and seek to keep racist whites in positions of power. I can't remember ever hearing Malcolm speak positively about the Constitution until 1964, when he displayed an uncanny understanding of how that document provided the necessary position for his people to take the racists into federal court to achieve victories.
Malcolm also knew that there were groups and individuals who would use violence to oppose such efforts. He believed in the human right to protect one's self from violent attackers.
In my opinion, Malcolm understood that democracy involves constant struggle.It's not a status a nation reaches, and then everything is good. It's a mindset and a way of life.
Malcolm would be my first choice if somehow I could pick a person to debate Trump on stage. (My second would be my 90 year old Aunt, who would make Trump mess his trousers and cry.)