Exploring the Autobiography of Malcom X

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"We declare our right on this earth...to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary." These words were spoken by Malcolm X, a civil rights leader and political activist. He is also the main character, narrator, and author of the Autobiography of Malcolm X. The autobiography takes place in various cities in the United States, such as Omaha, New York, and Detroit, as well as the Middle East, and Africa.

Considering the type of literature this is, it is obvious to state that Malcolm X is the main character. Malcolm X, as a child, was intelligent and popular amongst his friends. He had graduated middle school as the top of his class. His interest and devotion to school was crushed when he told a favorite teacher of his dreams of becoming a lawyer, in which the teacher responded that being a lawyer was "no realistic goal for a nigger." After dropping out of school, he became a street hustler, and was soon arrested and convicted. While in prison, he educated himself, and learned of the Nation of Islam, the religion to which he soon converted. The next character, Elijah Muhammad was the spiritual "leader" of the NOI, and was greatly respected by Malcolm, even before they had met. Malcolm had married Betty Shabazz, and had five children.

The major conflict in the Autobiography of Malcolm X would be the racism of America at the time, as well as the allegations against his leader and mentor, Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm became a minister in the Nation of Islam, and preached against the white man, thus, in some critic's opinions, inciting the conflict by increasing tension between blacks a...

... middle of paper ...

...in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom, Malcolm was to give a speech. However, was shot 15 times Talmadge Hayer, Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson. Malcolm was rushed to the hospital, and announced dead on arrival.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X had Malcolm X documenting every point in his life, up until his death, which is when Alex Haley took over to write the epilogue. Simply stated: it is one of the most amazing works I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I can imagine how Spike Lee felt after reading the book and saying "The most important book I'll ever read. It changed the way I felt, it changed the way I acted. It has given me courage that I didn't know I had inside me. I'm one of hundreds of thousands whose life has changed for the better." It truly has given me a new outlook on life, and on the struggle for civil rights for people of all race, and color.

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