Martin Luther King vs. Malcolm X Essay

Malcolm X Vs. MLK JRExtremist, or peace maker? That is the true difference between the beliefs, and ideals of Martin Luther nance jr. and Malcolm X. Both men were African-American civil rights activists during the 1950s and 1960s, and two wanted to be accepted for their race, but they wanted that espousal in very opposite ways. The two men had very diverse beliefs, Malcolm being a devout Muslim and King being a Baptist clergyman, their religions played a big break dance in each of their views and how they went about achieving their goals. This is where their ideas differed, and why they wouldnt technically be considered same, or fighting for the same cause.Malcolm X was considered an extremist for a few main reasons, one being that he wanted complete segregation from the white race. He believed that African Americans were so mistreated that they should be completely omit off from the white Americans. In his Declaration of Independence (1964), he states that the best solution i s complete separation, with our people going back home, to our own African motherland. He wanted himself, and all other blacks to be sent to their ancestors land of Africa where they could live among other blacks, where they wouldnt be thought of as a lower class, but as equals. Although Mr. X wanted equality for blacks and whites, he still believed that there should be segregation he wanted both races to be separate but equal. In the sense of violence, X didnt promote the use of violence, yet he did believe that man should be able to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks. In the end, Malcolm wanted a place of acceptance, and a place where he could be just about at peace with what he considered his own kind.Peace is what brought Martin Luther King power in his speeches to the people of America. Like extremist Malcolm X he wanted acceptance for himself, and all of as hed put it brothers, and sisters. The Kings speeches were very motivational during their ti me, and so uplifting that its generally believed if not assassinate complete freedoms for African Americans wouldve been accomplished much sooner. King believed he could achieve his dreams and goals of having whites and black living together in harmony and peacefulness through passive protesting and also by educating the public.Martin Luther King wanted acceptance just as Malcolm X did, but they wanted it in two very different ways. King wanted it through peace and unification with his fellow Americans, while Malcolm wanted it through rioting, and force of opposition.It might seem like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X fought for different things for the African American people, but in all reality it comes down to the simplest form of an idea. They wanted acceptance. Without acceptance both causes were completely lost, no payoff the arguments made, and the battles fought. Till acceptance was granted, all was lost. Thats why the differences of Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King J r.s differences are what united them, giving them their ultimate similarity.