Peaceful Protest Vs. Retaliation: Which Civil Rights Philosophy Was Best?
Peaceful Protest vs. Retaliation: Which Civil Rights Philosophy Was Best?
William Ewens
HST106 American History
May 12, 2023
The civil rights movement was a culmination of events with the goal of ending racial discrimination in the United States during the 1950’s to 1960’s. Two prominent philosophies were taken up during the movement, with two major leaders (Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.) each backing one of them. Malcolm X focused on a theory of violent retaliation against injustices as a platform to achieve change, while Martin Luther King Jr. practiced peaceful protest and civil disobedience to accomplish civil rights. Both philosophies played important roles in the development of rights, having influence on legislation
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Violence in the pursuit of civil rights in the United States can be seen as a used philosophy as far back as the nation's beginnings with slavery. Slaves often used violence when rebelling against their owners in an attempt to gain their freedom. Revolts, like Nat Turner’s in Virginia, generally resulted in an increase in restrictions, laws, and the killing of slaves in fear of more retaliation. Any reaction done by blacks that were deemed “violent” also saw an unjust representation by law, and received unequal consequences as a result. Small instances, up until and past the civil rights movement, of violence and retaliation never received widespread accreditation for inducing more rights for black Americans. The occurrences mostly served as attention gatherers for the issue, but usually resulted in a negative impact and impression for the people trying to gain freedoms. Those who wished to not cause harm and where discouraged by violence would steer away from Malcolm X’s philosophy, and would find guidance in the practices of another civil rights leader of the time, Martin Luther King …show more content…
Even though Malcolm X’s philosophy of retaliatory violence pushed the issue of inequality into the light for Americans, Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful protest’s ability to produce support and change made it the best option for blacks during the time. Retaliation from injustice regularly decreased the effectiveness of the movement by resulting in punishment and increase of restrictions on black Americans. Peaceful protest ultimately served as the option, with its cultivation of public opinion in support of the movement and more acceptable approach in describing the issue, gave a grounding that was most effective in expanding the rights for black Americans during the civil rights
Malcolm X Ethos Pathos Logos
1450 Words | 6 PagesNotoriously, Martin Luther King Jr. has been the name of the civil rights movement, the one we all look up to in terms of the end of segregation. But, this respectable man was not the only one to take action in the name of equality, as another infamous speaker, Malcolm X, also drove the civil rights movement in a way of ferociousness and rage. This man, the head of the Black Nationalist movement, gave phenomenal speeches that indirectly propelled the civil rights movement, including Prospects For Freedom, By Any Means Necessary, and Message to the Grassroots. Malcolm X was a man who was an illustrious black nationalist, and was the speaker for the Nation of Islam. He often preached controversial things that regularly contrasted him with Dr.
Compare And Contrast Malcolm X And Martin Luther King Jr
422 Words | 2 PagesDuring the Civil Rights Movement there were many influential and important people that lead the movement, but there was no better leaders than Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Even though they both acted differently and had different ideas they both had a common goal, they were both essential in reaching it. One reason they were both needed in the civil right movement is both had extreme views on how to do things. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that peaceful protests were the best way to do things and also the most effective. Malcolm X on the other hand believed we should do whatever we need to do to achieve our goals whether it is violent or nonviolent.
What Is The Rhetorical Methods Of Martin Luther King And Malcolm X
795 Words | 4 PagesMartin Luther King and Malcolm X go down in history as the most prominent figures of the civil rights movement. Although they are often put against each other because of their different approaches, they were similar in several ways, such as their ability to make crowds grasp on to their words and follow their lead. So the question to be asked is not whether Dr King or Malcolm X was better, more moral, or logical, but what about them was so alluring to the masses that trusted them as leaders in the movement. Both Martin Luther King jr. and Malcolm X manipulated the emotions of audiences through powerful rhetorical methods, but applied them in different ways.
Compare And Contrast Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X
910 Words | 4 PagesTwo of the most significant individuals are Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. During the American civil rights movement. Although the two leaders had distinct ways of combating structural racism and injustice, King's theory ultimately prevails over Malcolm X's. The references discussed why King's perspective is superior to Malcolm X's, especially in terms of bringing about long-lasting change. The two leaders' approaches to nonviolence were one of their most significant distinctions.
What Does Fred Shuttlesworth Mean By Civil Disobedience?
688 Words | 3 PagesThis means that means the people, with evidence that the government is abusing its constitutionally limited power, have the right to submit a Petition for a Redress (remedy) of the constitutional wrongdoing. Since Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth had a different skin color, the only way he was allowed to act against segregation in a peaceful manner was using civil disobedience. The theory of trying to fight a battle with the same method as the opposing side became a large factor in many citizens testimony in front of a judge when they were imprisoned for disobeying the law. This theory was specifically acquainted with civil disobedience because many activist believed that Although civil disobedience was one of the more commonly used scheme to end segregation, there was also the violent approach.
Compare And Contrast Malcolm X And Martin Luther King Jr
595 Words | 3 PagesMalcolm X believed violence was necessary for protecting yourself. He also wanted African-Americans to have the same rights as whites, but they wanted to maintain separation. King and Malcolm's viewpoints were both coherent. First, Martin Luther had a philosophy that America should be integrated.
Rhetorical Analysis Of Non Violence By Chavez
701 Words | 3 PagesAiden Schroeder Mrs. DesLauriers AP Language & Composition 11 January 2023 Resisting Violence: Non-violent Protest Perseveres Throughout Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, he advocated for nonviolent resistance to oppression and racism in America. The solution to the long lasting problem was found in his words and his strength of mind, rather than violence and physical strength. Today, the strategy of nonviolence keeps proving its effect.
What Is Malcolm X's Philosophy In No Crystal Staiir
805 Words | 4 PagesIn the book “No Crystal Stair”, many people were motivated by Malcolm X’s philosophy “by any means necessary” more than Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy. The way I see the Civil Rights Movement, society moves forward farther using violence. A nonviolent approach was not a good as a violent approach because violence was the key to the Civil Rights Movement. Also, Lewis Michaux, the main character, supports Malcolm X’s philosophy a little more than Martin Luther King Jr’s. Reasons being that it made the black community more brave, made them grow and fight for what they believe in, and nonviolence lead to death.
Civil Rights Movement: Similarities Between MLK And Malcolm X
445 Words | 2 PagesMalcolm X felt that black Americans needed to secure their rights “by any means necessary”. A lot of terrible things happened to him which is why he was that way, like his house getting burned down, being under threat by the KKK, his fathers death, and his mother having a nervous breakdown, which led him into a foster home. Ultimately, both of them changed how many individuals viewed the world and the Civil Rights Movement. MLK Jr. was a peaceful activist who decided to resolve things with more tranquility. Many things influenced him to be this way.
African American Civil Rights: Dr. King Vs. Malcolm X
809 Words | 4 PagesKing and Malcolm X civil rights movement leaders with both pros and cons to their techniques. In documents six Dr. King states how the marches and boycotts are the many weapons in their Arsenal. In document “M” Malcolm X states how the government sends one African American student to school. Although, if violence takes place all African American students would be able to go to school. Document one shows how they praised and respected each other's methods of solution for African American civil rights.
1960s Dbq Analysis
514 Words | 3 PagesThe 1960s was a period of many uproars. Black people were fighting for their right as human beings to have the same trust and laws that any white person had. During this era, two influential figures emerged as leading voices for the African American community, those two being: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X fought for racial equality, and their differing philosophies reflected distinct approaches to achieving their goals. During the 1960s when American ideals centered around principles of democracy and progress, Martin Luther King Jr's nonviolent resistance philosophy became widely accepted as a sensible solution for promoting social equity through integration. Martin Luther King believed in achieving racial equality through integration rather than separation.
Compare And Contrast Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X
926 Words | 4 PagesThere are two distinct methods that were practiced during the Civil Rights Movement which included violent protesting and peaceful protesting. Some of the most known African-Americans during this time period who clashed in their beliefs of which method was more effective are Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Martin Luther King Jr approached the Civil Rights Movement with the idea of sparking non-violent protests across the nation. On the contrary, Malcolm X believed that violence was needed in order to prove their point. Overall, after seeing the effects of both of these people’s methods, Martin Luther King Jr.’s approach to ending segregation was more effective than Malcolm X’s approach.
Similarities Between Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X
424 Words | 2 PagesMalcolm X was a civil rights leader who advocated for black empowerment and the use of force in achieving equal rights. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. Both men were influential in the civil rights movement, but Malcolm X was more effective in achieving black empowerment. Malcolm X believed that blacks should be self-reliant and independent from whites. He advocated for black businesses and black economic empowerment.
Compare And Contrast Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X
945 Words | 4 PagesAdditionally, Malcolm X appealed to his listeners to the value of freedom and how they need to resort to violence if the government tries stopping them. Malcolm X didn’t want violence but if they had to use it to make a change, then they would have to. According to the text, “Malcolm X Summary”,” Malcolm expressed the anger and frustration of African Americans toward white American society, and he criticized the civil rights movement and racial integration, calling instead for Black separatism, Black pride, and the use of violence for self-protection.” However, I believe MLKs methods are better because of his nonviolent ways of resisting. MLK always wanted people to protest peacefully and not use violence because it only made things harder.
The Difference Between Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X
1974 Words | 8 PagesHowever, the action should be taken without nonviolence and with peaceful protest. Dr. King’s nonviolent tactic was a success as it bridged the gap between the colored and white people. Malcolm X was renown for his act of self defense throughout the Civil Rights Movement. His main goal was to prove how whites did not treat black people as human beings. However, through Malcolm X’s several tactics, Martin Luther King’s movement was made more impactful and successful.
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