Two Paths to Freedom - Essay Example

Topic: TWO PATHS TO FREEDOM: MARTIN AND MALCOLM AS COMPLEMENTARY FIGURES Despite Martin Luther King and Malcolm X having different ideologies in the quest for black freedom, equality and non-discrimination, they were similar in some way or the other. This paper tries to identify the two civil rights activists are complementary in some way. It was clearly observed that both Malcolm and Martin were fighting for a common cause although through the use of different methods. Both leaders were fighting for better treatment of the Black man.

Although Martin fought for African American liberation without the use of violence, Martin believed in self-defense and revenge (Cone and Witherspoon, p. 246). Both Martin and Malcolm criticized each other as a means of justifying his method of operation. Malcolm criticizes Martin by feeling that Christian ideologies were corrupt by promoting the white man. On the other hand, Martin reacted by terming Malcolm’s Nation of Islam ideas as a desperate reaction to segregation (Cone and Witherspoon, p. 245). Both Martin and Malcolm viewed human respect as the primary objective of their struggle.

Martin felt that the connection was derived from religion and cultural identification while Martin felt that respect was acquired through socio-political power. We also further on realize that both leaders culturally identified with Africa as their place of descent (Cone and Witherspoon, p. 247). It can be observed that, Malcolm’s idea of black religion and social identity complements Martin’s idea of political power for equality. Malcolm’s idea of religion for equality was used by martin in the Montgomery bus boycott to advocate religious identity as Christians.

Christianity on its part supported the idea of equality for all Christians (Cone and Witherspoon p.247).Work CitedCone, J. H., & Witherspoon, L. H. (1993). Martin & Malcolm & America: a dream or a nightmare. [Charlotte], University of North Carolina at Charlotte.