Recently, a man whom I like and respect, posted on Facebook his belief that Malcom X is one of the greatest black people in the world. My friend elevated Malcom X to a level held by Martin Luther King, Jr. While I agree that everyone has the right to like and honor whomever they choose, I couldn’t help but comment on his post. (Those of you who know me won’t be surprised by this fact). I felt compelled to express my own opinion about Mr. X.
You see, I honor and respect many great heroes such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a man of vision who worked for freedom and equality for ALL people, not just people of his race. Yes, he spoke out against the way black people were being treated at the time, but he did not propose violent acts to resolve the issues. He, like Gandhi, another great hero, spoke of peace and faith. He wanted everyone to be aware of the problems and to live their lives and to treat others based on Biblical teachings. His color was transparent when he spoke. His words, even today, have relevant and valuable meaning for people of all races. Malcom X, however, proposed that equality for HIS PEOPLE be achieved through “whatever means necessary”. He was not a Christian, and therefore did not subscribe to the same ideas and practices and Dr. King. Malcom X was a separatist. I believe he represents the belief by some that everyone outside of his race owes him and others like him some sort of reparations. He spends more time bringing up the past as a reason for future action than he does in seeking positive ways to improve the station of those held in poverty and discrimination.
As I pointed out to my friend, I can use myself as an example of someone who’s heritage is rife with slavery and discrimination. My Asian side is represented by less than 10% of the population of the United States (and that’s stretching things…if you include all so-called Orientals in one big group you can get to 10%). My “people” are oftentimes stereo-typed, kept from higher paying jobs, and subjected to racist abuses. Also, my people have a history of over 400 years of slavery imposed on us by one nation as well as a recent history of slavery imposed by another nation in the early 1900′s. So, by the standards used by Malcom X and other radicals, I should be angry and violent when necessary in order to overcome what has happened in the past and what I perceive to be happening to me now. If I don’t get a job applied for, I should assume that it is because of by race and nothing else. If I don’t like the way things are going or if I meet some actual modern-day racists, I should gather my brothers and sisters and fight the oppressors. Really? This makes no sense to me. Based on my Christian teachings and beliefs, each individual is responsible for his or her own behavior and decisions. If I am wronged, I have many options that are non-violent with which to respond.
There is no room in today’s world for separatist and racist leaders. Our current president used the idea of separation to win an election. He turned our country into one of them and us. He is a very persuasive orator. He has convinced millions that he is one of them. That he is an underdog who has a lot in common with the poor and mid-to-lower income people. In reality, he has hardly anything in common with any of them. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He, like Malcom X, focuses on the past and introduces race at every opportunity. He has taken on the role of a black man when in reality, he is just as white as he is black. I won’t go on (though I have much more to say) about him and his horrible acts. I only brought him up as an example of a leader who uses tired and worn-out reasoning to get his way. Read the rest of this entry
