Legends can portray an excellent image or a wrong example to the community. In the movie “ Malcolm X,” the central character, Malcolm, is a role model for individuals. Despite his contributions to the entertainment industry, his character in the film portrayed useful messages that can be applied today in different settings in the world. However, some people perceive that he represents the wrong character to society. Malcolm X is still an American figure after five decades since his assassination. Most Americans and people across the globe view him as an example for fighting for equal rights of human beings. Alternatively, some individuals perceive Malcolm is an evil mentor to society due to his engagement with NOI (Nation of Islam) and Kennedy’s demise. Also, people do not emulate Malcolm’s character due to his statements about the ‘white devils’ ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm’s beliefs influence his choices, but circumstances affect his behaviors. Malcolm X dies while advocating for the elimination of racism of racism between whites and blacks which is a unique aspect of a leader.
Malcolm lived a different life from other children that shaped his destiny and choices. The introduction of the film demonstrates distinction in Malcolm’s life which was common among black men. His dressing code and dating methods are similar to the whites. For example, Malcolm was dating a white and wore a zoot suit ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Also, the whites had influenced his emotional and physical wellbeing. His father was a staunch preacher but was killed by revolutionists. However, Malcolm’s mother worked at a mental organization where she spent most of her time. Besides, his siblings concentrated on building their homes ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . He did not get maternal or paternal care which affected his decisions. Malcolm was a brilliant student at the school, but his colleagues called him names which lowered his self-esteem. Also, he relied on the teacher’s advice on seeking informal employment despite his high grades in schools ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm is a victim of circumstances due to a lack of family support in pursuing his goals. He had an excellent academic performance that could have assisted him in joining higher learning. His different experiences in life influenced his choices.
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The challenges that Malcolm encounters influence his career and behavioral decision. He chooses to work as a train porter because his teacher advised him that blacks should perform manual activities. Malcolm lives in Harlem where he joins a gang and abuses substances including cocaine ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Consequently, Malcolm X is arrested due to engaging in crime and drug abuse. During his jail term, Malcolm transforms from an immoral to a moral person. He withdraws from drugs, endures beatings, and confinement while serving his jail term ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm becomes an NOI follower through the influence of Baines. After joining the religion, he interacts with whites differently. Malcolm perceives the whites are wicked and they should not interact with them. Subsequently, he becomes the NOI leader after completing his six and a half year jail term ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . He leads the group due to his strong beliefs about whites and supports the revolutionist. Malcolm encountered problems during his childhood which affected his occupation and behaviors.
The NOI compelled the blacks to join the religion to fight against Christianity. Most of the whites were Christians and blacks perceived their beliefs included racism and hatred. Thus, Malcolm was encouraged to join NOI to empower the blacks by addressing their needs. NOI discouraged followers from consuming pork, alcohol, and substances ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Also, religion restricted believers from marrying white women. He married Shabazz, and they had six children ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . The interests of Malcolm had changed where he preached and opened mosques to spread NOI teachings. He was reserved and categorical when gaining fame. Malcolm influenced many individuals due to his charismatic and intelligent characters. His characteristic assisted him in changing the decisions of the blacks including having a separate government, self-defense, and advocating for civil rights ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Blacks joined NOI with the aim of overpowering the Christians.
The NOI addressed the needs of blacks including social, political, and economic needs which were different from Christianity. NOI teachings indicate that blacks are gods, but whites are demons. Blacks gained courage after learning the beliefs of religion. Malcolm was motivated to call the whites devils due to the teachings ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . The religion assisted African-American can establish local movements to address their political needs. Also, the blacks advocated for different authorities besides the white leaders. Malcolm’s message to the black increases their desire for economic development to counter the whites ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . NOI facilitated the improvement of political, financial, and social activities which were not addressed in Christianity.
Malcolm is special and gains respects after reforming. He was previously a criminal and drug abuser but became a leader after completing the jail. The NOI followers respected Malcolm until he claimed that he astonished after the president’s demise. Also, he gains respect after converting from NOI to Islam ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm decides after discovering that the NOI god was unfaithful. He concludes that the leader was not trustworthy which taints the whole religion. Secondly, he earns respects because he dies while addressing the public on the reconciliation between blacks and whites ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm is assassinated during a conference on fighting against racism.
Malcolm was a puzzle to the American community and NOI followers after celebrating Kennedy’s death. Malcolm X admits that he is happy after the demise of the president. However, whites and NOI followers are puzzled by his opinion. The NOI believers suspend Malcolm in advocating for their rights ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . In the same period, Malcolm discovers that Muhammad had affairs with the secretaries which prompt him to decline the teachings of the religion. He realizes that NOI was a false cult because the leader sinned. Malcolm flees to Mecca and joins Islam where he prays with white Muslims. Besides, Baines convinces him that the NOI god is prone to sin because of the human nature ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm was a puzzle to blacks because he interacts with the whites despite facing discrimination.
Malcolm is a mystery to the whites and blacks. After growing up with the whites, Malcolm accuses them of being devils due to his religious beliefs. He disregards the previous perceptions about the whites during his childhood but gains courage as an adult. Malcolm could overcome discrimination when he was a child. His eyes opened when serving his jail term ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Also, Malcolm is a mystery to the NOI believers because he quits the religion after realizing the unfaithfulness of the leader. He generalizes that the leader’s deeds reflect his weaknesses. Consequently, Malcolm converts to Islam which is a rival to NOI followers. The leaders eventually kill him after subsequent attempts ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . He is a puzzle to his counterparts and Americans.
Besides his actions, Malcolm’s life is a puzzle. During childhood, he did not interact with his parents and siblings. However, he could overcome challenges including discrimination from other students and teachers. After being an excelling performer in school, Malcolm became a train porter. He became a criminal and could abuse drugs which were contrary to his dreams ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm changed his behaviors when in prison in spite of being surrounded by evil characters in the cells. His father was a staunch Christian, but he joined NOI and converted to Islam. Also, he advocated for equality among blacks and whites despite being an opposition leader for many years ( Malcolm X: Documentary , 2016) . Malcolm’s life is full of mysteries because his choices do not match his background or people expectations.
Malcolm X can fit in the modern world in several ways. First, racism is still practiced in different parts of the globe. Whites and blacks do not interact due to their perceptions of each other. Individuals encounter religious conflicts due to racial differences. Also, people access economic and enjoy political rights concerning their race. Individuals interact with members of their race. Hiring and recruiting in the current labor sector depends on the race rather than qualifications. Therefore, Malcolm as an advocator for equal human rights can fit in the present world. His messages on economic justice and racial pride are relevant in the modern era. Governments can use Malcolm’s teachings to reduce discrimination across the globe.
In conclusion, heroes can portray a positive or negative image in the community. Movie characters influence the film industry and the community. Malcolm X has gained recognition due to his contribution to entertainment and changing society by addressing equal rights for everyone. Although his background had affected his decisions, he made choices that were significant to everyone across the world. He ends his speech by stating that each person should enjoy their rights by any means. Leaders should discourage discrimination from ensuring citizens enjoy their political, financial, and religious privileges.
References
TheBlackestPanther. (2016). Malcolm X: Documentary [Film].
