Malcolm X And Langston Hughes Essay - 898 Words

For the whole of America’s existence, its citizens have exhibited miscellaneous personalities and life choices. Quality examples of this diversity is easily seen in the nation’s literature. America’s foundation was made of rebels and revolutionists who weren’t happy about the relationship they had with England. Through perseverance and unlikely partnerships, America was able to rise and become a country. The citizens that emerged from this long and hard process had all kinds of mixed perspectives about what America should become. While some ideas damaged American society, some came to benefit and change life for every citizen. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Langston Hughes are three writers who, through their reputable writings,†¦show more content†¦On the other hand, the views and opinions of Malcolm X when dealing with civil rights, were essentially the exact opposite of Martin Luther King Jr.’s. However, this does not mean he i s any less of an ideal American citizen. (2)While he did use a more aggressive approach to solving the racial discrimination problems of the time, he exemplified courageousness in many ways. Malcolm X was a driving force in the northern neighborhoods, preaching self-improvement and self-reliance. He once said, (3)â€Å"A race of people is like an individual man; until it uses its own talent, takes pride in its own history, expresses its own culture, affirms its own selfhood, it can never fulfill itself.† (-‘Founding Rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity Speech’) He also greatly supported the â€Å"you get what you give† philosophy, (4)â€Å"I am a Muslim, because it s a religion that teaches you an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. It teaches you to respect everybody, and treat everybody right. But it also teaches you if someone steps on your toe, chop off their foot. And I carry my religious axe with me all the time.† (-Malcolm X, Homecoming speech, Nov. 29, 1964) Malcolm X was a firm believer in this idea, and he used it many times to justify his brave actions. Those actions proved useful, and put the civil rights movements in a new perspective for many people, and showed just how courageous a man could beShow MoreRelatedFrom the Dark Tower by Countee Cullen and As I Grew Older by Langston Hughes952 Words   |  4 PagesTwo poems titled â€Å"From the Dark Tower† by Countee Cullen and â€Å"As I Grew Older† by Langston Hughes. Both of these poems came from the Harlem Renaissance Era and they deal with the hard times African Americans faced in society beginning during the 1920’s. Hughes and Cullen put together these ideas in two different methods; however, the underlying messages were very alike. ​When I first read the poems, I noticed how both of the speakers found the tremendous challenges all African Americans had goneRead MoreAnalysis Of The Word Black By Langston Hughes827 Words   |  4 Pagescome these challenges, that makes us who we are. The question is what is wrong with black? I read an essay by Langston Hughes in which he breaks down the use of the word black. This essay provides the idea of how the word black creates a negative impression of African Americans. I found this essay rather interesting and biased in some cases, but it is an essay I feel everyone should read. In this essay he uses explains what the word black really means and the negative connotation that is sometimes attachedRead MoreThe Negro Movement1364 Words   |  6 Pagesthe 1920s. 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However, during this visit, no affectionate bond would develop between Langston and Jim. Jim Hughes was a cold, difficult man, who was driven by ambition to make money and achieve respect. He had moved to Mexico to avoid segregation and racial injustice in the United StatesRead MoreHow Storytelling Is A Link And Establishes Order Essay1945 Words   |  8 Pagesabout his personal and racial background. Racism was Baldwin’s central theme; he used it as a searchlight to uncover the world’s sorrow, self-definition, the failure, and the persistence of love. In 1963, Baldwin published an apocalyptic book-length essay called The Fire Next Time. 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