Textual Response Forum Ali / Discussion

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MalikB 27 Sep 2011 02:22

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Last edited on 20 Sep 2012 16:16 by MalikB Show more

"Casual" Racism

BenKulli 27 Sep 2012 01:23

Racism in the first chapter of The Autobiography of Malcolm X is shown to have evolved from a conscious act of segregation to a casual part of every day life, being a main contributor to Malcolm X’s drive to counter African American inequality. While in the early days of slavery, racism began as a class distinction between owners and slaves, racism had by the early 1900s evolved to become an accepted part of life. Racism exists at the time of Malcolm X’s biography often as part of most American’s upbringing, and is so ingrained into people’s personalities that it is reflected in their language and behavior without conscious recognition of the degradation that accompanies their actions. Malcolm X describes how in his childhood, other children would address him and his friends as “’nigger’ and ‘darkie’ and ‘Rastus’ so much that they thought those were their natural names,” (Haley 12). Malcolm X shows that children in the early 20th century are raised from a young age to treat African Americans as inferior, so commonly that such offensive and vulgar terms are integrated into part of every day vocabulary.

Malcolm X presents this innocently spoken vulgar language as one of the main motivations for his fight for African American rights. The children that use such distasteful language when referring to other young children do not, as Malcolm Little saw it, intend to offend the addressed. However, their inability to recognize that such language is demeaning and offensive to African Americans, and their acceptance of the language into normal conversation means to Malcolm X that these children are raised in a society that requires change. The children “didn’t think of it as an insult” when using such insulting language towards African Americans, and it instead “was just they way they thought about [them]” (Haley 12). The acceptance of degrading terms into American language heavily persuades Malcolm X to battle racism and fight for African American rights.

Last edited on 28 Sep 2012 02:52 by MalikB Show more

Re: "Casual" Racism

DannyL 28 Sep 2012 16:50

On page 43, Malcolm X zooms out from mere children and attributes the subconscious racism Ben mentioned to the archetypal "American white man." X remembers his conversation with Mr. Ostrowski "treading around in [his] mind," suggesting that Malcolm Little did not immediately associate subtle condescension with whites. But just as X's focus shifts from children of a race to the race itself, Little's race-consciousness expands and his racism-tolerance decreases. This juxtaposition highlights a critical personal transformation as well as a critical societal flaw.

Re: "Casual" Racism

Maymcline 29 Sep 2012 06:52

Malcolm X does show the distinction between between their intention and their racism though. On page 43 while Malcolm Little's racism-tolerance decreases, Malcolm X claims that he "doubt[s] [Mr. Ostrowski] mean't any harm" which shows that he doesn't directly characterize the "whites" as evil and ill intentioned. Malcolm X also highlights this distinction again on page 32 when he says that the Swerlin's "meant no harm" even though they "would even talk about [him], or 'niggers', as though [he] wasn't there" This shows that because racism was so ingrained into the society, people with good intentions can use racism.

Re: "Casual" Racism

zeric 29 Sep 2012 14:59

I found Malcom X's reaction to this racism to be rather interesting. Malcom claims that racism is "in [Mr Ostrowski's] nature" (43) yet when he is put down by his teacher Malcom is made an uneasy, so much that he "[draws] away from white people" (44) While Malcom may understand that whites are brought up to be racist, he does not want to associate with them. I see his turning point as a moment of loss hope and liberation. Malcom sacrifices his relationships with whites, because he knows that changing their minds would be a futile effort.

Re: "Casual" Racism

Gaby Berbey 29 Sep 2012 15:49

Although Malcolm Little's rejection of the African-American labels following Mr. Ostrowski's comment serves as a turning point in his relationship and view of Whites, it also marks the critical transition in his emotional connection with his own race. As he begins to separate himself from the white figures in his life, he also disassociates himself with the "brainwashed black Christian[s]" in his community(48). Mr. Ostrowski's statement not only repels Little from the White race, but also prompts his sudden awareness of the Black man's self-degradation. This awareness results in Little's pull towards Ella and her representation of African-Americans as the strong race.

Re: "Casual" Racism

TheRealEmmanuelReyes 02 Oct 2012 03:48

I agree with Gaby's claim that Malcolm's transition commences after his conversation with Mr.Ostrowski. When Mr.Ostrowski tells Malcolm that being a lawyer is "no realistic goal for a nigger", Malcolm begins to be conscious about how people view African Americans (43). In my personal opinion I believe Malcolm feels sorry for the whites in his life ,who are unaware of the disrespect emerging from their vocabulary, because he feels that they are genuinely nice people but they are products of their environment. An example is found on page 45 when Malcolm is asked by Mrs. Swerlin "do you want to tell me what's wrong?" and he replies with "Nothing", he feels "very bad" signifying that although he is now disconnected with the white community, some part of him feels that whites would be a genuinely pleasant race if it wasn't for their enviro,net raising them to look down on African Americans.

Re: "Casual" Racism

fbooch 29 Sep 2012 23:12

I agree with Eric in that Malcolm's reaction to racism is very interesting. I found that his reaction and observation to his father's view of racism was the most intriguing. As he observes his father, Malcolm recognizes how "anti- white my [his] father was" (7). Although his father disliked white people, "he was subconsciously so afflicted with the white man's brainwashing of Negroes that he inclined to favor white ones" (7). The racism in his father's life had become so casual that he subconsciously adapted to a very racist lifestyle. In adapting subconsciously to racism, Malcolm's father favored white people, which ultimately was shown in his relationship with Malcolm because Malcolm was "his [father] lighted child" (7). The casual racism that became so prevalent in Malcolm's father's life ended up being shown in his home life, even with his own children.

Re: "Casual" Racism

Sayles 30 Sep 2012 16:39

Malcolm X shows that racism is so ingrained in society that it is subconscious, and manifested in casual ways. The line between expectation of a race and pure racial prejudice is indistinguishable. Malcolm X has a hyperawareness of subtle racism, and realizes how it is directed in both black and white communities. Like Fouad said, the casual racism is not just white people towards African Americans. It is within the African-American community, shown by Malcolm Little’s father who “inclined to favor white ones," even though he was very “anti-white” (7). I think that this example chapter really reveals Malcolm X’s reasoning for why it is necessary for both races to be separated; because casual racism is so ubiquitous and unavoidable that in order for African-Americans to be able to fulfill their potential and not be limited by the power dynamic, there must be a divide between the African-American and white population.

Re: "Casual" Racism

Juliensmith 01 Oct 2012 04:33

Although racism seemed to almost become naturally "accepted" during the 1900s, that is not say it did not come unnoticed by both blacks and whites. As seen in the first chapter many large scale acts of racism occurred on a daily bases. Scenes such as the Klu Klux Klan burning down their family's house, and how the police and fire departments just watched it burn. These large signs of racism put blacks into very difficult situations, having to depend on themselves for security. Racists act like these, almost seem like the make small act such as use of the term "nigger" seem tolerable to both whites and blacks. However, Malcolm Little shows his discomfort with even the small acts such as these. Revealing hate towards teachers, who otherwise he would have liked.

Stereotypes

zeric 29 Sep 2012 22:39

Ending class Thursday the question was posed of whether stereotypes were harmful and racist. Obviously, some stereotypes are clear racial slurs, but “positive” stereotypes have been received differently. In Malcom’s case he is assigned the stereotype of the black seducer, meaning he “instinctively knew” how to act around woman (37). While viewed strictly in its relation to Blacks, this stereotype would be viewed as completely positive, but the problem is that stereotypes fundamentally classify more than the group that is mentioned. In other words, “flattering” racial stereotypes propagate harmful racial stereotypes. The stereotype of the black seducer states that black men are inferior in one respect, but because the stereotype is based solely in race it suggests that the opposite is true for another race. Malcolm’s white peers, as believers in this stereotype, become insecure with their own capabilities. As whites, they acknowledge this black “compliment,” but the ramification is that they see their own capabilities as white men to be inferior. Stereotypes are all encompassing. Additionally, “positive” racial stereotypes also harm the group they are meant to compliment, because they create scenarios of confusion. For example, another common stereotype attributed to blacks is that they are good at sports. If a black person were to believe this stereotype and discover they are not athletic, they might feel “less” black. When people believe such stereotypes and fall short of upholding them they question their racial authenticity. Suddenly people feel “less” of their race, when in reality (racial) stereotypes are creations made by racial outsiders in social settings, and are not biological facts. While some stereotypes are mistakenly seen as positive, they are in fact detrimental when looked at relatively.

Re: Stereotypes

Audrey Hector 30 Sep 2012 20:28

I agree with Eric's point that racial sterotypes are more labels that are afflicted on black people during Malcolm's childhood. These labels can be either "falttering" or negative labels. When Malcolm, has the conversation with Mr. Ostrowsky, he is told that " a lawyer is not realistic goal for a nigger" (38). Mr. O contines in saying that Malcolm needs "to think about something he can be" (38). Malcolm "had never thought of it that way before, but [Malcolm] realized that whatever [Malcolm] wasn't, I was smarter than nearly all of those white kids. But apparantley [Malcolm] was still not intelligent enough, in their eyes, to become whatever [Malcolm] wanted to be" (pg.38). The sterotypes and labels block Malcolm from what he wants to be in life, even though he is bright child, brightier than other white kids in school he does not get treated like a human being. Mr. O and Malcolm's conversation is a perfect example of casual demeaning of black people, "even though we might be with them, we weren't considered of them. Even though they appeared to have opened the door, it was still closed" for Malcolm (pg.28)

Re: Stereotypes

BenKulli 30 Sep 2012 23:08

I agree with Eric, that stereotypes, although sometimes seen as harmless by the offender, always lead to a negative outcome. As Malcolm is popularized by being black in a school full of white people, he is the center of conversation for most people. This leads naturally to the creation of stereotypes and assumptions by his classmates, both good and bad ones. However, these stereotypes separate him from the rest of the school, as he his seen as a "kind of a novelty" by his classmates (34). While the stereotypes may not have been created with the intent to harm Malcolm Little, they inadvertently make him an outcast.

Re: Stereotypes

3AS 01 Oct 2012 01:38

I also agree with Eric's point that stereotypes to African American's can either be "flattering" or be a insult. All his life, Malcolm would get called names like "nigger" and "darkie" and "rastus" so much that thought those were their actual names and all these names, even though seen harmless, the students were actually making Malcolm an outcast(12). I would also agree with Eric's point that some stereotypes that generalize a entire race can bring down an individual person that does not meet that criteria, like Eric's example of blacks being good in sports, another one that I can relate to is soccer, people usually generalize that all Mexicans are good at playing soccer. If one kid who is not good at soccer and is Mexican will feel less of his race than he actually is. While stereotypes to Malcolm were intent to harm him but just as a form to identify him, unknowingly, the whites make Malcolm a outcast.

Re: Stereotypes

Alec R 02 Oct 2012 02:32

I think Eric's argument is very valid, and the "positive" stereotypes he describes can eventually lead to an annoyance for Malcom Little. The assumption that he knew more about "romance" or "sex" causes the white boys to put him in uncomfortable positions. They don't treat him so much like a person, but more of a bargaining chip. He is forced into conversations with the white girls so in case they do slip off with the white boys will gain a certain leverage. His status as a bargaining chip all stems from "positive" stereotypes.

Malcolm Little—Living Large

DannyL 02 Oct 2012 06:49

Today we mostly discussed Malcolm Little's conk–the later recognized "self-defacing" "emblem of his shame" worn "to look 'pretty' by white standards" (X 65/64). This punch in culture's face burns like the lye it decries. However, as I read about conking I found myself more intrigued by its context, wondering why X frames the episode within Little's evolving hustle, and how the hustle frames Little's ultimate transformation into X.

By hustle, I am referring to Little's exposure and attraction to devious money making means and the culture and characters involved. He seeks the ghetto section's "natural lure," the "excitement" and "Negroes…not putting on airs," and he marvels at the "sharp-dressed young 'cats'" with conks (51). X spends the next twelve pages describing the maneuvers of the Roxbury ghetto night-life.

Then comes X's epiphany: by conking, Little partakes in the delusion that 'whiteness' is superior to 'blackness', and that assimilation is worth "violat[ing] and mutilat[ing] [his] God-created bod[y]" (64). X realizes that while the 'Four Hundred' openly "[pride] themselves on being incomparably more 'cultured,' 'cultivated,' 'dignified,' and better off than their black brethren down in the ghetto," the 'cats' have been "putting on airs" subconsciously the whole time (48). The "self-delusion" he once only attributed to the Hill folk has evidently permeated Black Consciousness as a whole. Here, without explicitly stating it, X declares war on a mental front.

Freddie's final advice to Little is that "everything in the world is a hustle" (58). This advice initially seems like an encouragement of savvy self-determination, but when juxtaposed with Freddie's earlier plan to buy a Cadillac "just to bug [whites]" and X's final condemnation of the conk, the ghetto-dwelling 'cat's' endeavors seem just as assimilation-hungry as the endeavors of the 'snooty-blacks' (55).

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

Sayles 03 Oct 2012 03:16

In the earlier chapters, Malcolm describes the resentment and inhibition he feels when countering racial stereotypes and expectations; ‘casual racism.’ A turning point for Malcolm is a meeting with Mr. Ostrowski; “all [Mr. Ostrowski] could see for [Malcolm] was the kind of future “in your place” that almost all white people see for black people” (43). It’s a moment that influences Malcolm’s view of his own identity, a ‘double-consciousness’ realization. However, when he moves to Harlem, Malcolm strives to fulfill these stereotypes. He solidifies racial expectations, “[acquiring] all the other fashionable ghetto adornments—the zoot suits and conk…” (66). Malcolm’s secret humiliation, that he can’t dance, demonstrates the pressure of being part of a monolithic identity which Malcolm feels excluded from. It’s so affecting that he works to achieve what is so uniquely associated with African-Americans. Also, Malcolm is aware from a young age of the significance of complexion; how his mother treats him worse and his father treats him better because of his light skin. But by moving to Boston and New York, and soon sporting the popular conk, Malcolm subconsciously (and looking back, realizes) his submission to the white power dynamic. Malcolm's attitude and identity undergo a transformation; being surrounded by a 'monolithic identity' encourage him to fulfill the stereotypes of the African-American race, rather than trying to resist them.

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

fbooch 03 Oct 2012 18:15

Malcolm's portrayal of "causal racism"is on that is particularly interesting in that he addresses the serious issue of racism, in a very casual way. I agree with Sayles in that meeting Mr. Ostrowski changes how Malcolm sees racism and stereotypes. Mr. Ostrowski separates black and white communities and the stereotypes that are common with both. Malcolm's response to the racism and stereotypes he sees are interesting because allows the stereotypes that are associated with black people to take over his own body. As said, he acquires "all the other fashionable ghetto adornments—the zoot suits and conk…” (66). Although these two aspects of the stereotypes of black people are minuscule, Malcolm conforms to them, further fueling black stereotypes. Malcolm's conforming ways are unusual because instead of trying to dispel the typical assumptions that are associated with black people, he fuels them, only demeaning his place in society. Although many black people are fulfilling the stereotypes that are associated with themselves, they should be actively dispelling them.

Last edited on 03 Oct 2012 18:17 by fbooch Show more

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

TheRealEmmanuelReyes 05 Oct 2012 05:21

Malcolm's desire to fufill the stereotypes placed on blacks by society, evidently leads him to a life of crime, which in it of itself is a sterotype placed on African Americans. When Malcolm discribes the "middle-class" African Americans with Howard University degrees "working as laborers, janitors, porters, guards, taxi drivers, and the like" and he says that "mail-carrying was a prestige job", it is basically implying that no matter how hard they work to match their white counter parts they will only achieve minimal positions in the economic world (84). This theory that effort toward improving ones self is a waste of time, allows for African Americans to turn to crime in order to make money without the embarassment caused by white society. Malcolm seems to fall into believing this philosophy and embracing a life of crime, further adding to the stereotypes placed on blacks. Later on in "Detroit Red", Malcolm doesn't even consider a regular job after he gets fired from Small's, instead he feels that "peddling reefers, Sammy and [him] pretty soon agreed, was the best thing", which implies that Malcolm has fully succumbed to the stereotypes of African Americans starting with his appereance and ending with his behavior in society (114).

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

3AS 07 Oct 2012 19:39

I also agree with Sayles, that his conversation with Mr. Ostrowski changed his life, forever. Malcolm was placed in the position were he feels that he should be able to accomplish every black stereotype. Malcolm was humiliated because he could not dance which shows how important it is for him to be able to fit into what is said about blacks. All through out history, blacks had been looked down upon and this made blacks think that the more white you acted, the better. A great example would be the "Four Hundred" which were rich black men(48). However, the more "successful" blacks were really just "boot blacks and janitors" and they were "breaking their backs trying to imitate white people" which demonstrated how blacks would imitate white people and consider themselves more superior and making them look successful(104). Malcolm also tries to imitate them by the conk and the zoot suit. Following his first conk, Malcolm was ashamed since he was changing who he was to just have society see him as more superior when really he was seen the same. The stereotypes affected everyone especially Malcolm, who noticed after he visited his family back in lansing that he had changed so much. All these stereotypes eventually lead black men to the life of crime and hardship.

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

Gaby Berbey 07 Oct 2012 22:24

Expanding on Emmanuel's point, the racial stereotypes not only prevent African American's from attaining prestigious societal roles, but also motivates them to enter the crime world for money-making purposes. Although some African Americans possess the abilities and skills potentially allowing them to hold reputable careers, they are restricted by the Black reputation to attain those prestigious careers. As a result of this restriction, Malcolm presents how African Americans invest their skills entirely in the crime world rather than the career world. In the Numbers Game, the controllers have the mathematical and organization abilities potentially allowing them access to distinguished career paths. However, the Black man's restrictions in attaining highly regarded societal roles renders him "victim of the white man's American societal system" (104). Malcolm's portrayal of the Controller's ability in the Number Game demonstrates how society's limitations confine African Americans' strategic skills solely to underground venues and enterprises.

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

Maymcline 08 Oct 2012 00:23

These stereotypes attributed to african americans attracted whites, therefore giving Harlem, with the stereotypes, status. Malcolm X states that "both white men and women, it seemed, would get almost mesmerized by Negroes" and they were "mad for Negro 'atmosphere'"(109). This statement claims that the stereotype which as mentioned above creates the life of crime and the culture of Harlem also gains the white's appreciation and fascination. Malcolm presents two examples in which whites embrace Harlem culture and are intrigued by the stereotypes found there. The first is a white girl who "never missed a single night in the Savoy Ballroom" but "danc[ed] only with Negroes" and would "refuse" if a white man asked her to dance (109). She was attracted only to the black culture in Harlem and not to the white people there proving the fascination of the culture that whites created with stereotypes. Then there were "hippies" who were white men around harlem that "acted more Negro than Negroes" by wearing a "wild zoot suit" and using "heavy grease in [their] hair to make it look like a conk" (109). By mimicking the stereotypical black man these white men were proving their jealousy and admiration of the black culture or stereotype. The stereotypes of the backs actually attracted the whites more to the blacks and their culture.

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

MalikB 08 Oct 2012 03:20

Allow me to chime in here, touching on Mayme's point and connecting it to part of our conversation in class:

Note the degree of fascination Malcolm attributes to the white gaze in Harlem. Some folks in class have wondered at the contradictions that seem inherent in Malcolm Little/Detroit Red's thoughts and behavior (pride competing with self-hate). At that time in class, I reminded folks of Du Boisian double consciousness, those "unreconciled strivings," as W.E.B. himself puts it. Du Bois also talks about "a [white] world that looks on in amused contempt and pity." I would suggest to you that, in that moment, Du Bois speaks to a contradiction in white consciousness (contempt/pity). Malcolm X raises Du Bois' stakes by replacing the concept of pity with fascination. The substitution sharpens the focus and amplifies a contradiction in whiteness that eventually begets a partner contradiction in blackness.

You guys have already noticed Malcolm X's interest in diagnosing the ills of whiteness and blackness. In this case, he seems to draw a line from one contradictory collective mindset to another.

Re: Malcolm Little—Living Large

Audrey Hector 22 Oct 2012 02:29

I agree that the turning point for Malcolm was during his conversation with Mr. Otrowski. During that conversation it is clear for Malcolm that the supposedly integration between black people and white people does not exists. From an early age Malcolm began to "[draw] away from white people," separating himself from the white heaven of society, which would later be the foundation of Malcolm's religious beliefs, that black people and white people should be separated not segregated (38). Malcolm's recognition of his time being a mascot, stereotypes of black people, and his realization of America's failure to solve the "racial dilemma" of America, has made Malcolm realize that the answer to the "racial dilemma" problem, is separation (250). Though Malcolm falls victim to the stereotypes of a zoot suit and conk, he later realizes that he himself "had joined the multitude of Negro men and women in America who [were] brainwashed into believing that the black people are 'inferior' and white people superior" and that black people and white people are integrated in society (56-57). For Malcolm, this is not the case, black people and white people were never integrated, but they need to be separated in order to resolve the "racial dilemma" that has been a problem in American history (250).

"Harlemite"-10/02/12

Maymcline 03 Oct 2012 04:17

We touched in class about how Chapter 5 was a chapter of transitions and Malcolm uses that opportunity as a way to present the progression ironic history of Harlem and how it relates to race and discrimination. Throughout history the Harlem area has been a place of many changes and ethnic and racial segregation and fear. Harlem began with a "Dutch settlement" then the "Germans came" but the "Dutch edged away from them and Harlem became all German" demonstrating that the two different cultures couldn't mix and Harlem became the section for the seemly lesser group (95). This created a cycle that immediately put the incoming group or culture in a inferior or lesser position. It happened when the "Irish" came after the potato famine the Germans "ran, looking down their noses at the Irish" and then "the Italians; same thing- the irish ran"(95). Using "ran" and "looking down their noses" gives a sense that the inhabitants had negative feelings toward the new immigrants or their previous position as inferior. Malcolm uses this as evidence of the ironic nature of discrimination as the previously discriminated immigrants are "running as hard as they can to escape the descendants of the Negroes who helped to unload the immigrant ships" when the "Negroes had been in New York City… before any of them(the immigrants) came"(95).After the "jews flew from that house" and "Negroes came in to fill their apartments", Harlem transformed into an icon of music and entertainment (95). Because the shift of Harlem's image and culture, "whites.. poured uptown every night"and "swarmed nightly with white people from all over the world" (96). Harlem, once a place of uniform segregation and of avoidance, became the place where whites , the "superior", mixed with the black culture and even embraced it in the form of clubs that were exclusively "catered to whites"(96). This ironic outcome shows that discrimination and racism can be more complex and plaguing than simple.

Re: "Harlemite"-10/02/12

DannyL 04 Oct 2012 04:46

X suggests that White fascination with black culture is disguised condescension. As Mayme said, Whites embrace clubs, occasionally dancing and often "just watching the Negroes dance" (86). When Little wears his zoot suit through Grand Central Station, "many whites simply [stop] in their tracks to watch [him] pass" (91). However, looking back he realizes he "was really clown," implying that Whites viewed him as such (91). He then references the Cotton Club, whose name reveals a twisted power dynamic reminiscent of slavery and condones black servitude in the form entertainment if not straight labor.

Re: "Harlemite"-10/02/12

BenKulli 07 Oct 2012 22:07

Because X sees white fascination of black culture as condescension, he comes to regard them as a group of people no better than the generally accepted lowest classes of Harlem. Malcolm says that "Blacktown crawled with white people, with pimps, prostitutes, bootleggers, with hustlers of all kinds…" (96). White people are Juxtaposed with these criminal and and low class people because Malcolm sees them as fuel to the fire of crime in Harlem, people who believe that they are above the law due to their skin color, but nevertheless spend their money on illegal contraband and services so freely.

Re: "Harlemite"-10/02/12

Alec R 09 Oct 2012 02:13

Malcolm's journey to Harlem is symbolic of his change as a human. He is dealing drugs and breaking the law in other ways. As he journeys towards Harlem, the black capital of America, he approaches so called black stereotypes of the time. He was mostly a good citizen in predominately white Lansing, but as he matures and goes to Harlem he becomes more of a rebellious law breaker. The new Malcolm is probably due to age, but it is interesting to note his different behavior in different communities.

Re: "Harlemite"-10/02/12

Sayles 10 Oct 2012 04:13

As Mayme said, the chapter “Harlemite” reveals the exclusive and complex relationship between the white and black race. Harlem has always been a place for immigrants, and the Irish, Germans, Italians, and Jews are examples of cultural groups who have cycled through the settlement. However, when African Americans populate Harlem, it becomes a famous community and center of black culture, appealing to and attracting certain white groups. Like Ben quoted, “Blacktown crawled with white people, with pimps, prostitutes, bootleggers, with hustlers of all kinds…" (96) I don’t think this kind of interaction; this fascination from whites was present with the previous immigrant communities. This reminds me of DuBois’ analysis of the role of African Americans shaping American society. African Americans are not immigrants like the previous residents of Harlem; they have been a very, very significant part of America's population since before the United States was even country. The relationship with the white race (who brutally stole them as property and enslaved them) is very complex especially in Malcolm’s time period after slavery when discrimination is prominent and models of progress for African-Americans are in development. So I agree with Mayme that the black and white race relations are very complex, and the unique attitudes and interactions are demonstrated by the inhabitants of Harlem and the nearby white populations.

Timelessness

zeric 07 Oct 2012 19:42

Malcom's mentioning of "timelessness" in his autobiography (weekend reading) serves as a great example of metaphor. When delivering reefers to his clients Malcom mentions the "sensations [he] [could not] describe" in any other words but "timelessness" (152). He says of his disordered time perception that "a day might have seemed to [him] five minutes or a half-hour might have seemed a week," and while these sensations are very well attributed to his cocaine usage, Malcom's warped sense of time symbolizes his dissolute lifestyle (152). He spends his time dealing drugs, robbing houses, toting guns, and avoiding law enforcement, actions which do not provide security and stability for his life, but worsen Malcom's already disordered ("timeless") life. Interestingly enough, however, Malcom's criminal stints are ended with a "stolen watch" (171). Malcom's times as a timeless goon ironically end because of a time-telling device which lands him in prison to serve time. Now, Malcom will need to be constantly aware of time to figure out when his prison sentence is over. Malcom's awareness of time symbolizes his life transformation from one of chaos to order.

Re: Timelessness (by colin)

Juliensmith 11 Oct 2012 02:59

I agree with the statement that Malcolm's sense of timelessness is a direct reflection of the way he is living at the time. Amidst his life of crime and vice, their is clearly no internal consideration on Malcolm's part of the past, present, or future. Therefore, there is no awareness of possible ramifications for his actions while he does them, no regret or nervousness after, and no consideration of his actions' effect on his future. Therefore, his prison sentence is a representation of this sense of timelessness because he is now forced to reflect on his past, learn to conduct himself differently in the present, and constantly look towards the future as he awaits his release from jail.

Re: Timelessness

KiplingWW 31 Oct 2012 06:59

I agree with Eric’s assertion that Malcolm’s awareness of time symbolizes a significant life transformation from one of chaos to order. Before he is caught for steeling, Malcolm is caught up in the exhilarating and addicting life as a drug dealer and burglar, and completely loses a sense for what his values are and what he is doing because he has no time to think in this fast paced lifestyle. However, once he is sentenced to prison, he has time to think deeply and recollect a set of morals and values to get himself back on his feet. Malcolm admits, “I’d put prison second to college as the best place for a man to go if he needs to do some thinking.” (Epilogue, 3) Malcolm looks at Prison with optimism because it gave him time to transform. Prison changed his life, and Malcolm demonstrates his learned lesson by wearing a wristwatch wherever he goes. The wristwatch symbolizes a correction to his previous aimless lifestyle, and represents the outcome as an organized man after his transformation.

Works Consulted:
Class Discussion
Class Notes
Haley, Alex. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: The Random House Publishing Group, 1964. Print.

Last edited on 31 Oct 2012 07:01 by KiplingWW Show more

Pimps

Juliensmith 08 Oct 2012 03:02

In the Chapter Detroit Red, Malcolm X at that time reveals his admiration towards pimps and his tremendous respect for prostitutes. The admiration of pimps comes not from exactly what their job is, but more of how they do their job. In Malcolm's mind there are special skills required to perform those acts of manipulation and "hustle" that pimps are capable of committing. Malcolm admires these qualities because they demonstrate the ability of African-Americans to perform the duties of the whites, with their similar but still legal jobs. Without the proper circumstances, however, blacks wind up with a job that are illegal, but still requires tremendous difficulty as well as benefits. The respected occupation of being a pimp, in the black community, provides all the individuals involved with enough money they need in order to support themselves. Also, in Malcolm's mind, a pimp represents, the level an individual could reach, even if starting on such low ground. Black posses the wits and the intelligence to take themselves to a place that exceeds the expectations of the white people around them.

Re: Pimps

Audrey Hector 08 Oct 2012 04:48

I agree with Julien that Malcolm's admiration for pimps and prostitutes is a respectful admiration. Malcolm respects that pimps and prostitutes of the black community are able to demostrate similar jobs that white people can do in their community, even though, in the black community it is illegal to demonstrate those jobs, whereas in the white community it is legal. Not only does Malcolm appreciate that the pimps and prostitutes demostrates jobs from the white community, but they also display a sense of independence and power in the community. The pimps and prostitutes jobs are illegal but they still do it because it gives them a sense of power and independence against the white community.

Re: Pimps (by Colin)

Juliensmith 10 Oct 2012 04:34

In the case of Malcolm's respect for prostitutes, I disagree with the idea that this respect is based off a sense of independence against the white community. His respect for prostitutes does not relate to racial issues, but is more of a reflection of his lack of respect for women, and his feelings on their role in society. Malcolm fundamentally believes that women are naturally weak and dependent on men, and he feels that prostitutes are the only women who live their lives in acceptance of this natural state. Therefore, although he truly believes that women as a whole are truly not respectable, he likes prostitutes because their lifestyles reflect an acknowledgement of their natural weakness and dependence on men.

Re: Pimps

KiplingWW 18 Oct 2012 06:24

I agree with Julien that African American’s posses the intellect to exceed the whites expectations of them. As Malcolm designs the underground game of gambling within the African American community, he offers an in depth explanation of all of the players in the game. For Malcolm to spend this much time setting up the organization of the biz, then there must be significance with in all of the, what appear to be, petty details. For instance, the last three digits of the daily stock dictate the winning number of the game. Malcolm is making a connection between the legal system that whites engage in and the illegal system of gambling that blacks play. Also, the people of the biz, which consist of messengers, controllers, bankers, and customers, are highly similar to the positions that people hold in the stock market. As Malik puts it, “Malcolm presents an illegal world, fundamentally constructed by a legal world with the same practices.” Next, it is inferred that Malcolm poses the question; why should blacks be given a lesser opportunity than whites, when they each hold the same skills? The gambling system demonstrates that African Americans have the same ‘street’ skills to assess risk and reward, predict outcomes, and read situations and people. All of which are skills of vital importance to people trading stocks. One of the differences between the whites in this legal system and the African American gamblers is that whites were provided with the opportunity to get a high education with specific training in economic areas. Since African American’s have the same intellectual capabilities, demonstrated by their street skills, Malcolm suggests that prohibiting African American’s to attain a high education is unjust.

Rudy

Alec R 09 Oct 2012 02:08

Malcolm's inclusion of Rudy in his story is very interesting. After much research it seems likely that Rudy never existed, which begs the question why did Malcolm involve that segment in his story? Malcolm doesn't have to include this story but he tells it in order to bring light to the beyond average difficulties facing the African American male of the early 1900s. He invents the character "Rudy" in order to preserve his self respect and reputation as a real tough guy. He describes in great detail what Rudy had to do to make ends meet, earning money from a rich Boston aristocrat, "He paid Rudy to undress them both… And sprinkle him all over with talcum powder" (162). The presence of a job like this in ones past does not lend much intimidation to Malcolm's story. He chooses to create Rudy in order to protect his identity, being a so called gangster can earn respect from people but a job like this one can only do harm to one's reputation. He includes the story to include a full scope of hardships, some unknown, that trouble African American males. The job Rudy accepted makes one think how would Booker T. Washington view it? He suggested African Americans take menial jobs in order to rise from the bottom, but is this job perhaps even below the "bottom"?

Re: Rudy

BenKulli 10 Oct 2012 04:07

Malcolm's creation of Rudy to protect his "reputation as a real tough guy" directly mirrors and is derived from his experience with West Indian Archie. As with Archie, Malcolm allegedly does something that would lose him is reputation, and therefore any power he has, creating the necessity for him to somehow cover up his mistake. In West Indian Archie's case, "no hustler could have it known that he'd been 'hyped'," because he would lose his powerful image (147). Similarly, Malcolm sees the problem in crediting himself with his own experience, as he would lose his reputation as "a so called gangster".

Saved

Gaby Berbey 11 Oct 2012 05:08

Psychological rebellion and awareness of the protagonist's oppressed state through literary exposure serves as a recurring theme throughout African-American texts. Malcolm X undergoes a similar stream of awareness and mental rebellion resulting from his introduction to the literary world that Douglass recounts in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Malcolm's persistence in improving and mastering his analytical and literary skills expands his scope of knowledge on African-American history. Understanding the Black man's loss of identity results in Malcolm's awareness that the "white man had completely erased the slaves' past", becoming the basis for his psychological rebellion against white oppression (210). Through understanding literary texts, Malcolm is able to find patterns of the Black man's loss of identity, similar to Douglass's awareness of his oppressed situation as a slave resulting from his scope of knowledge increased through literacy.
Following the theme of awareness leading to mental rebellion in African-American literature, Malcolm demonstrates his psychological rebellion and its literary roots during his prison time. As a result of his newfound awareness and understanding, Malcolm's interpretation of the "white man [as] the devil" represents his intellectual and emotional uprising against White subjugation of Blacks (212). Mirroring similar concepts in Douglass's narrative, Malcolm uses the information obtained from his literary exposure and generates assumptions towards the White race, and develop solutions for the African American's loss of individual and collective identity.

Names, Influences, and Identities

DannyL 12 Oct 2012 02:23

Today I attributed my intelligence to myself rather than my heritage, and after thinking about how cocky I must have sounded, I realized that if some random person had been born into my shoes, their life probably would have at least followed a similar path to mine. If I, with whatever inherent inclinations I possess, had been born in another world, I can't imagine I'd be anything like who I am right now. In fact, every time I have a soulful conversation with someone, I find myself talking like them for about half an hour (or until I have a soulful conversation with someone else). I wouldn't bike if I hadn't met Eliel, and I wouldn't drum if I hadn't met Matt. But although my name reminds me of my great^15 grandfather Yi Toegye (Lee and Yi are Romanizations of the same name), it has been, at most, an inspiration. My peers, mentors and surroundings are the ones have shaped the flesh and soul of my existence.

Malcolm Little lives among white schoolchildren and is Mr. Ostrowski's class mascot. Detroit Red lives among hustlers and gets high to get by. Satan lives behind bars and rejects everything. Malcolm X lives among the Nation of Islam with a suitcase and a wristwatch. Each set of peers, mentors and surroundings brings a different character to light, each manifested as a name. Each name is not manifested as a character.

Last edited on 12 Oct 2012 02:24 by DannyL Show more

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

fbooch 13 Oct 2012 21:33

I completely agree with Danny. I feel that in our lives today, many people try to create reasons of why we are such individuals. We spend time focusing on how we are individuals, but less on why we are individuals. I can say for myself that I would not be who I am today if it hadn't been for the people around me. The ones who have asked me the stupid questions about where I'm from and the good questions about where I’m from have had some kind of impact on my life. The people and the cultures in which I immerse myself define my identity. My strong connection with my Lebanese half was not only created because of our yearly visits to see our family, but also because we bring back aspects of traditional life in Lebanon – from food to values – and apply them to our daily lives at home. But my connection to Lebanon has exposed me to a different kind of lifestyle. My ethnicity makes me physically diverse, but my experiences make me mentally diverse. These experiences give me a sense of perspective.

Last edited on 13 Oct 2012 21:33 by fbooch Show more

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

zeric 14 Oct 2012 20:04

I agree with Danny in that names are mere inspiration. After class I thought a lot about my name and realized that I actually do respect it more than I thought. Sure, my name may not define my heritage, but should this matter? I could argue both ways. On the one hand, I create my own unique identity which gets assigned to my name. On the other hand, my name could define who I am even before I meet someone (whether I like it or not). While the latter arguement may sound discouraging, when a name carries a legacy or heritage you embrace it is understandable why one would like a name which pre-defines them. The bottom-line is, in my opinion, to simply embrace your name for what it is.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

TheRealEmmanuelReyes 14 Oct 2012 22:13

I agree with Danny's comment about each name not being a a representation of a individual, because every person's individuality comes from their surrounding environment. Just as the significance of Malcolm's names change because of his environment, the meaning behind our names becomes irrelevant when we act according to our surroundings. The meaning behind my name comes from a religious backround, but I myself to not identify as being very religious, therefore my actions are not reflected on the significance of my name. Another example of a background and or environment impacting one's identity are their mannerisms. If one person was born in a fairly wealthy household they are probably accustomed to a certain lifestyle and vise versa for someone born in a poorer community, their mannerisms however do not come from whatever their names might be but rather by their socio economic upbringings. That example can be substituted with cultural, racial, or even sexual scenarios, proving that our names hold very little significance when talking about the individual and further proving that we are products of our environment.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

Audrey Hector 15 Oct 2012 00:25

I agree with Emmanuel's comment, individuality comes from surroundings and situations that a human being faces in life. Though the meaning of your name could be thoughtful or meaningful, the meaning of your name does not shape your individuality because one cannot put their personality and individuality on the meaning of their name. For example my middle name, Lee, is the name of my great aunt. My middle name has a lot of meaning and sentimental value to it, but the meaning of the name does not shape me as an individual because I did not know my great aunt as a person. Therefore, the name does not have relevance on me. For Malcolm, Malcolm's name changes from Malcolm Little to Detroit Red to Satan to Malcolm X. For each name change Malcolm is in a different surrounding and with each new surrounding, Malcolm changes as an individual in order to survive in his new surrounding's.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

3AS 15 Oct 2012 02:41

I would agree with Audrey's point that individuality derives from a persons surroundings and the situations they are placed in. For example, my last name, Ahuatzi, was placed on me by my dad, however, the name has been in the family for centuries(it dates back to the Aztec's) and I not like Audrey, can relate to it since the name is pure Mexican(I think) and even thought I was not born in Mexico, it gives me a way in which I can connect to my heritage. But thinking about my last name made me think about my nicknames. My nicknames, like Malcolm, have substantially changed depending on were I am and who I am with. As I grew up in a neighborhood not considered safe, the meaning behind my nicknames differentiated greatly from the nicknames I received at Branson. The nicknames my friends gave me in my neighborhood were attributed with my talents and personality; however, the nicknames I received at Branson had to do with my race. It seems that whenever I become the odd one out, the names given to me have to do more with what I am and how I look than who I actually am; nevertheless, when I'm surrounded by people I can relates to, I am given names that have to do with my personality and names I can more gladly relate to.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

Maymcline 15 Oct 2012 04:32

He become a different character and personality with each new surrounding he engages and this difference can be seen when Malcolm visits his old surroundings and doesn't fit, displaying the importance of environments as said before. When Malcolm who was becoming "Detroit Red" returns to his former backdrop of when he was named "Mascot" in Lansing and the situation become uncomfortable showing that the different environments have distinct personalities and the personalities need to emulate the environment. When Malcolm returns to Mason after being in Harlem and visits Mrs. Swerlin "it was about too much for [her]"(92). This happened because "between the way [he] looked and [his] style of talk", which was his new personality developed from Harlem, "[he] made her so nervous and uncomfortable that [they] were both glad when [he] left" when before " [the Swerlins] liked him right away"(93, 30). The difference in these responses is the different environments that Malcolm had experience meaning that his personality was dictated by his surroundings. Also in that same trip he was deemed as "a man from mars" and "[his] appearance staggered the older boys [he] had once envied" showing the variation in how he was before and after (92). The environment that Malcolm becomes absorbed into transitions him into a different personality and label.
Although his label becomes "Satan" before he becomes part of the prison culture and so labels aren't entirely dependent on the current environment. Malcolm was deemed "Satan" because of his "anti religious attitude" that had stemmed from Lansing, a previous environment, when his preacher father's funeral "wasn't in a church" (176, 13). Chapter 12 raises many questions about how names and environments relate to identity.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

Juliensmith 15 Oct 2012 04:20

I have similar views to Eric's comment about how, when you create your own identity it automatically gets assigned to your name. Opening up more freedom for one to interpret his/her name however way they choose. In a sense the way one acts, looks, or appears to others correlate to their name. I believe that the way I act and the way that I am viewed by family and friends has created that individualism in me that my name in the most accurate possible way describes. Tradition and or "true" meaning of a name may only be significant to the individual and his/her select group of family members. Personality is what gives a name significance and meaning to everyone who has a relationship with that person.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

BenKulli 19 Oct 2012 05:07

I agree with Danny's point that with each new chapter in our lives, we evolve as individuals, maturing in different aspects of our personalities. While some changes are rather minor, others are drastic, and affect our identity as a whole. For these changes, Malcolm identified himself with a different name to fit who he felt he had become. I find that in my life, I go by names that I feel best represent my personality at that particular moment in time. In my younger years, I embraced my given name, Benjamin. However, as I grew older, I felt that with a more mature self should be paired a more mature name, which I decided would be Ben. Still, when I play sports, I embrace nicknames such as Kulli, Kooji, and The Burgerking, all names that I see as signs of inclusion and loose playfulness. I play sports to have fun, and these nicknames are just another aspect of that fun, so I add them to my identity in those settings.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

KiplingWW 21 Oct 2012 18:58

I agree with Danny that changes of environment have an immense impact on ones identity. As Danny points out, Malcolm’s nickname, which reveals his current identity, changes in retrospect to his surroundings. Moreover, all nicknames, whether good or bad, shape a character in the end. When Malcolm is known as Detroit red, his primary objectives are hustling, making money, and getting high. Although Malcolm later realizes that this is not a successful way to live, through these experiences Malcolm picks up perception skills and studies the art of reading peoples actions and responses. Previously, Malcolm little may not have liked the label “mascot,” but it gave him exposure to casual racism, which is something that he tried to change as a civil rights activist in his later years. Thus, nicknames can be hated or loved, but they are all significant in building a character’s skills, morals, and values in the long run.

Re: Names, Influences, and Identities

fbooch 21 Oct 2012 22:20

I've responded to this thread, but i think kipling is spot on. well said.

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