Self-Interview
"I have always understood that's why I have been so frequently called 'a revolutionist.' It sounds as I have done some crime! Well, it may be the American black man does need to become involved in a real revolution. The word for " revolution" in German is Umwalzung. What it means is a complete overturn - a complete change"
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Interviewer: What brought your attention from the specific Malcolm X quote?
Response: First, the definition in German of revolution definitely caught my interest but the fact that Malcolm kept using the term "revolution" and how others would use "a revolutionist" towards him in a negative tone specifically brought my attention.
Interviewer: Well, since that opened your eyes, let me hear your opinion. Why do you think people would call Malcolm X " a revolutionist" in this negative way?
Response: Honestly, I really don't know, it could be really because other people don't agree with Malcolm's beliefs of all race coming together in peace and they all have something in common which is their religion - Islam.
Interviewer: But what makes him a revolutionist?
Response: Malcolm fights for his rights as a African American and he wants to change society since he thinks there is just too much racism. This actually reminds me of another thing Malcolm said on page 348 I believe and he was comparing racism with an incurable cancer. But other people just don't agree with him.
Interviewer: When is a time that Malcolm tried to be a revolutionist or when did he try to help change society?
Response: One time could be when he was part of the Nation of Islam and he preached to people which made them convert them away from Christianity.
Interviewer: Is there another time maybe even after Malcolm had left the Nation of Islam?
Response: I wouldn’t say so.
Interviewer: You mentioned before, and let me quote you “ Malcolm fights for his rights as a African American and he wants to change society..” Well, what comple change did he want?
Response: Malcolm was seeking a way to end white prejudism and racism against blacks. But this is actually a good question for me to transition to my next thought about him.
Interviewer: Go on.
Response: Even though he tried to be a revolutionist he shouldn’t be known as one.
Interviewer: How come?
Response: When I was reading his autobiography, I noticed he changed his beliefs so many times. From the beliefs of Christianity to the beliefs of the Nation of Islam and lastly to Islam.
Interviewer: And exactly what do this mean to you?
Response: Well let’s use the time he was part of the Nation of Islam. Malcolm felt like he belonged there and was super into it. When he preached I guess you would say he “poured his heart” while talking. And he thought everything from the Nation of Islam was the correct belief and I felt as if at that time, he thought it was definitely better than any other beliefs.
This is a self interview but can someone read it and give me some feedback and also will someone ask me questions so I can reply about it if anyone has any questions. Thank you so much
4 answers
He did, indeed, change his religion from Christianity to Islam. The Nation of Islam did, indeed, preach violence. Later, he was not so much advocating violence, but remained faithful to his Islamic faith. So, I don't think it was three different religions, as you imply; it was one change: Christianity to Islam. He wanted to eliminate racism throughout, though.
And, there is no such word as prejudism. It's prejudice.
1 answer