Booker T. Washington and Malcom X are both considered important and influential figures in black history. Washington was born into slavery and had to navigate slavery while also trying to pursue an education. Malcom X was born in the 1920s, post-slavery, but he was incarcerated at age 20 for 6 years for burglary. Both men were very passionate about educating themselves, even though they went about it in different ways. Since Washington was a slave, he had to get creative when it came to attending school and finding opportunities to learn before he eventually attended what is now Hampton University. Similarly, Malcom X would read dictionaries while in prison and would teach himself. These two figures had very different ideologies concerning racism and black rights, and these differences are especially apparent in their autobiographies.
From the beginning of Washington's biography, his assimilationist view is present. He claims that "not only did the members of [his] race entertain no feelings of bitterness against the whites before and during the war, but there are many instances of Negroes tenderly caring for their former masters and mistresses" (Washington 9). This view is very different than the common rhetoric that surrounds slavery, considering its inhumane nature. As Washington grew older and continued to pursue higher education, he believed that black people should work with the system, and proper treatment would come after. This shows that he was optimistic about the future, but also willing to struggle and conform to a system built against him.
On the other hand, Malcom X had almost the opposite viewpoint. While he was in prison, he made an effort to educate himself by teaching himself how to read using dictionaries. He also made an effort to learn about the horrors of slavery and read books like Uncle Tom's Cabin. He believed that "history has been so 'whitened' by the white man that even the black professors have known little more than the most ignorant black man about the talents, rich civilizations and cultures of the black man." (Malcom X 1869) This passage shows that he was determined to learn his history and fight back against the erasure of black history. Unlike Washington, he felt that assimilating to white society would allow oppression to continue. As a result, he joined the Nation of Islam and believed strongly in self-defense, and he wasn't opposed to violence.
Overall, Booker T. Washington and Malcom X were two very successful self-made men who worked hard to educate themself. Their education led them down different paths, with Washington using his knowledge to promote patience and cooperation with white society. In contrast, Malcom X used his education to challenge the system and push back against racism. Washington believed equality would come over time, while Malcom X felt that black people should demand respect and take pride in their identity. These differences show how their life experiences shaped their views and made them the key figures they are today.
Chizara, I thought your analysis on the differences between Malcolm X's opinions on the future education of black people vs BTW's views on assimilation were really well done. I also thought it was interesting how they both had reading and education as such an important factor in their life, yet BTW wasn't advocating for the further education of black kids or the black community like Malcolm X was. I wonder how much of BTW's encouragement for black people to assimilate were his actual views, or if he felt the need to censor himself and his opinions in order to reach a broader white audience. By the time Malcolm X was able to publish his autobiography, there was less pressure for black artists to censor themselves for white audiences, while also his aim was not to reach a white audience in the first place. Well done!
ReplyDeleteHi Chizara! I think your post did an amazing job pointing out the differences between Booker T. Washington in both viewpoint and education. I believe their education and background played a direct role in shaping how they viewed the Black community and its role in overall society, and I like how your post discussed that as well. Overall, great post!
ReplyDeleteHey Chizara, I really enjoyed reading your How did their education shape them? Washington vs. Malcom X post and how you compared the two men. It was very interesting to see how their different life stories changed the way they viewed education and Black rights. I really liked how you showed that both leaders had different paths but made a huge impact.
ReplyDeleteHi Chizara! Great blog! I liked how you showed that, despite their opposing ideologies, they both valued education as a way to improve themselves and influence others.
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