Evaluation of the Approaches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mr. Malcolm X to the Civil Rights Struggle - Essay Example

2. Evaluate the approaches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mr. Malcolm X to the Civil Rights Struggle Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are two iconic figures in the Civil Rights Movement. These two men fought for the real equality in the US society. However, they used quite different methods and their views on the nature of struggle differed significantly. It is possible to note that they were two extremes within the movement. King advocated nonviolent struggle and integration while Malcolm X promoted ideas of the complete separation of the two races and the use of violent means of struggle.

Thus, Malcolm X was quite a controversial figure as his ideas and speeches brought more tension to the US society. The activist was introduced to the ideas of black supremacy and the need to fight for equality when he was in prison and when he became a member of the Nation of Islam (Hamlet 199). Malcolm X believed that African Americans were prior as they were original people who inhabited the world and, hence, they were superior to whites. Importantly, he also stressed that black people could not live in the USA and there could be no integration.

The activist emphasized that African Americans had to establish their state in Africa and, meanwhile, they could live in the USA but they had to be completely separated from whites. Importantly, Malcolm X often supported violent acts and he believed that black people could win the fight using force only. On the contrary, Martin Luther King never supported the idea of using violence. He was a Baptist minister and Christian values had a great impact on his worldview. Notably, Kind admitted that it was possible to use force when defending oneself.

However, he never believed that violence could be used to achieve equality in the USA (Goudsouzian 167). King stressed that only nonviolent struggle could help African Americans obtain equal rights. The Baptist minister often referred to Jesus’ sermons in his speeches. He also advocated full integration of the US society and he believed that blacks and whites could and had to live and work together to develop the American society. Martin Luther King encouraged people of different races and backgrounds to join the struggle for real equality in the USA.

He believed that all people were equal and they had to enjoy equal rights. His speeches inspired many Americans and the society started becoming more integrated. It is clear that the two approaches were very different and it can be difficult to identify the most effective one. King’s views and his fight can be regarded as more influential as it led to significant changes in the society. At the same time, it is doubtful that nonviolent struggle could be so effective without people who showed what a violent struggle could be and what outcomes it could have.

In conclusion, it is possible to note that Martin Luther King and Malcolm X are two activists that contributed greatly to the development of the Civil Rights Movement. The two activists employed different tools and had very different approaches. However, their efforts led to significant empowerment of people of color. Works CitedGoudsouzian, Aram. "King, Martin Luther, Jr." The Civil Rights Movement in America: From Black Nationalism to the Women’s Political Council. Ed. Peter B. Levy. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2015. 164-171. Print.

Hamlet, Janice D. "Malcolm X." The Civil Rights Movement in America: From Black Nationalism to the Women’s Political Council. Ed. Peter B. Levy. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2015. 197-203. Print.