Final Thoughts Forum Ali / Discussion

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Final Thoughts: Text vs. Document

Isabellasalmi 30 Oct 2011 22:43

Alex Haley’s Epilogue in The Autobiography of Malcolm X reveals the struggle between text and document that persists throughout the book. Malcolm wants simultaneously to release a factually correct documentation of his life and present an argument about the Civil Rights Movement. The design he employs reveals the prevalence of both of these goals.

The format and writing process of the book itself is a coexistence of text and document. Haley describes how Malcolm comes to his studio in the evening and stays for hours recalling events in his past. Haley takes notes on this “stream-of-consciousness reminiscing,” recording an oral history in Malcolm’s exact words (449). Then Haley “separate[s] [the notes] under the chapter headings they would fit,” organizing the information into a cohesive narrative (452). Rather than offering Malcolm’s exact ramblings, the autobiography is Haley’s interpretation of these memories into a storyline. The book is a literary text that utilizes the primary source of Malcolm X’s words.

How Haley tells the story also concerns Malcolm, as he wants to tell the truth in his memoir but also has a reputation he must uphold. Haley outlines specific moments in the text when Malcolm must prioritize his goals. At one point, Malcolm admits that he bluffed while playing Russian roulette on himself. He claims that he “want[s] to tell the truth,” but in the end decides to leave the text how it is, considering that “too many people would be so quick” to judge his current actions based on that past lie (478). After Elijah Muhammad outs him from the nation of Islam, Malcolm has to choose whether to alter the many instances where he fervently praises Muhammad. Those moments in the text heavily contradict Malcolm’s new opinions and their fanaticism probably embarrasses him in his new knowledge, but he also leaves those pages untouched. To Malcolm, it is important that they “stand the way [he] told [them]” and accurately represent his state of mind at the time (473). Malcolm has the difficult task of balancing the truth that he feels must be told and the perception of him the reader will have.

Although at times it appears to hinder the creation of a cohesive book, the conflict between text and document is ultimately beneficial, allowing The Autobiography of Malcolm X to take many forms, from celebrity memoir to recorded history to political argument.

Works Consulted:
Class Discussion Notes Ali. 27 Sept.-26 Oct. 2011.
Class Notes. 26 Sept.- 27 Oct. 2011.
Textual Response Forum Ali. 28 Sept.-26 Oct. 2011.
X, Malcolm, and Alex Haley. The Autobography of Malcolm X. New York: Random House, 1965.

Re: Final Thoughts: Text vs. Document

Isabellasalmi 30 Oct 2011 22:48

Sorry, the Class Discussion Notes and Textual Response Forum in my Works Consulted should have urls with them, but the wiki won't let me include any links.

Final thoughts: transformations

JakeDouglas13 31 Oct 2011 02:36

Throughout the text Malcolm undergoes several transformations, each of which come to define a certain period in his life. Given his multiple alterations in both appearence and mindset, it is clear that Malcolm has a powerful tendency to embrace new beliefs and lifestyles. Although Malcolm strongly supports certain views and at times appears adamant in his opinions, he does not however deny himself the ability to adapt and to pursue new beliefs and perspectives. This ability is Malcolm's most essential trait because it allows him to self-correct and adjust. Malcolm's final transformation demonstrates this important capability.

Before traveling to Mecca, Maclolm harbors extremely hostile views towards "the collective white man" (307). He accusses white people of being "devil[s]" and blames them for all of the worlds conflicts (211). Although Malcolm is confident and sincere in his views, he is quick to alter them in light of new evidence. While in Mecca Malcolm observes how "people of all colors" show "graciousness" and kindness towards eachother (390). He gains a greater understanding of discrimination throughout the world and concludes that not all white people are evil and "the 'white' attitude is removed from their minds by the religion of Islam" (391). As apposed to ignoring this new observation in an effort to preserve his previous views, Malcolm chooses to embrace new information and to draw sensible conclusions. In Alex Haley's epilogue, Malcolm recalls that "[i]n many parts of the African continent [he] saw white students helping black people" (493). Malcolm also states that he "did many things as a muslim that [he is] sorry for now" (493). Malcolm's open mindedness and willingness to adjust his beliefs allows him to focus on the issues at hand. He is able to adapt and therefore develop new and improved solutions to the problems facing black people. Malcolm's ability to adhere firmly to a belief yet still remain willing to alter that belief in light of new experiences of information is his most valuable characteristic.

Works consulted:
X, Malcolm, as told to Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: The Random House Publishing Group, 1965
Class discussion Notes Ali
Textual Response Forum Ali

Final thoughts: Finding Purpose

Kate Buehler 31 Oct 2011 03:00

The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as a narration of transformation, conveys the purpose that Malcolm finds in his continually refined, yet controversial, identity. While Malcolm credits his shift to a successful life to Islam, as he is able to “escape [the hustler] fate,” it ultimately creates his premature demise (249). The enemies that Malcolm creates by “stirring up Negroes,” harbor resentment towards the godly amount of power that Malcolm possesses (464). In this way, power becomes as influential and dangerous a tool as the “bullets [and] knives” that he possessed while hustling in Harlem (248). From believing that “the only solution” to the race problem in the United States was “complete separation from the white man” to accepting “that some white people truly are sincere,” Malcolm becomes more greatly respected by the white race, yet he creates opponents in the Nation of Islam who have the ability to threaten Malcolm’s safety (282, 416). As Malcolm becomes increasingly secure in his own convictions and life’s direction, he exposes himself and becomes vulnerable to increasing violence that he describes as “ignorance in action” (472). Malcolm’s ability to foreshadow also reveals his awareness of the consequences of his debated ideas, as he knows that he will not be “alive when [the] book comes out” due to his “no longer subscrib[ing] to [the] racism” that Elijah Muhammad preached (471, 474). Malcolm’s final shift towards realizing the importance of family demonstrates his acquisition of compassion, and prioritizing as he “want[s] [his] family with [him]” (494). Had Malcolm not been killed, this final step would have solidified his devotion towards his family above all else and affirmed Malcolm’s need for the support system that he had lived his entire life without. Malcolm’s untimely death, while predicted, does not allow him to come full circle in his transformation and demonstrate his successes to society. The horrific manner in which Malcolm was killed, described as what “looked like a firing squad” dehumanized and devalued all of the successes of Malcolm’s life and career (499).

Works Consulted
Ali, Malik. "Discussion of The Autobiography of Malcolm X." Branson. Address.
X, Malcolm, and Alex Haley. The AUtobiography of Malcolm X. New York : The
Random House, Inc, 1964. Print.

Final Thoughts: Unpredictability

Allybyer 31 Oct 2011 03:37

The Autobiography of Malcolm X chronicles Malcolm X’s constant reinventions that define the black civil rights activists’ transformative life. Having his early years consumed by the world of hustling, Malcolm’s later years prove most productive, as his passion for racial equality helps inspire African Americans to fight against the white, hegemonic norms that dominate society. Over the course of the narrative, no matter the life stage, a pattern of unexpectedness emerges, which helps to stimulate the different transformations undergone by Malcolm throughout the autobiography.

Malcolm’s conversions to the Nation of Islam and then to Orthodox Islam both demonstrate the unexpectedness that defines Malcolm’s lifestyle. After excelling in the world of hustling, Malcolm X, then labeled as Detroit Red, finally is convicted for his illegal actions, and faces a sentence of ten years. At the start of his imprisonment, Malcolm’s faithlessness seems more apparent than ever, as Malcolm “viciously curse[es] aloud to [himself]”, targeting the “Bible and God” and receiving the nickname “Satan” from his fellow inmates due to his “antireligious attitude” (177). Additionally, Malcolm “scrawls [his religious brother] a reply” that, when recounting the moment, he is “ashamed” to have written (176). After two years of imprisonment, however, Malcolm begins to invest himself in the study of the Nation of Islam, completely abandoning his atheist attitudes. For Malcolm, this seemingly rapid conversion is sudden, and unforeseen. A change in identity accompanies Malcolm’s religious conversion; he is no longer viewed as Detroit Red, but as Malcolm X. The betrayal of Elijah Muhammad is another example of the unexpected nature that characterizes Malcolm’s life. After discovering Elijah Muhammad’s acts of adultery, Malcolm “simply refuses[s] to accept anything so grotesque as adultery mentioned in the same breath with Mr. Muhammad’s name” (340). Elijah Muhammad’s silencing of Malcolm causes Malcolm to feel “numb,” emphasizing Malcolm’s pure shock at the situation (348). This unexpected betrayal of Malcolm’s surrogate father stimulates Malcolm’s final reinvention: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. This reinvention is defined by Malcolm’s conversion to Orthodox Islam.

Malcolm’s assassination, although predicted by Malcolm himself, reflects the nature of unexpectedness that appears throughout the autobiography, bringing the narrative full-circle. Haley explains that “with [Malcolm’s] own attention distracted, it is possible that he never saw the gunmen,” communicating again an idea of unexpectedness, even in Malcolm’s death (499).

Works consulted:
Class Discussions 9/28/11-10/27/11
Class Discussion Notes
Textual Response Forum
X, Malcom, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcom X. New York: The Random House Publishing
Group, 1964. Print.

Malcolm X and El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz

Shuff 31 Oct 2011 03:46

Through design, the press and the autobiography of Malcolm X manipulate the audience’s impressions of Malcolm, creating two distinct figures and memories of Malcolm X. During his lifetime, Malcolm frequently noted how when he expressed his views publicly “it practically never got printed the way [he] said it” (279). The press always twisted and took what he said to fulfill it’s own purposes and construed an image of Malcolm as “the angriest Negro in America” (307, 421). The press used design to create an image of Malcolm that was controversial and that people would be interested in. After he left the Nation of Islam and became less radical, and “no one wanted to accept anything relating to him except “his old ‘hate and violence’ image.” (487). The Autobiography of Malcolm X was started when Malcolm was leading the N.O.I., because the public was interested in him. The title emphasizes Malcolm’s, Malcolm X phase, which received the most publicity and interest. In addition to trying to create interest, the press also used Malcolm “as a convenient symbol of ‘hatred’” to invalidate his message and avoid really addressing the racial issue (439). When beginning the autobiography, our class listed previous conceptions of Malcolm X, which included notions of “violence” images of a “cult leader” and the direct “contrast to Martin Luther King jr.” It is apparent how the press has influenced ideas about Malcolm X in society today, and how his image is still one of violence with negative connotations. However, the autobiography of Malcolm X also uses design to manipulate the reader’s impression. At a time when “’the so-called moderate’ civil rights organizations avoided him as ‘too militant’ and the ‘so-called militants’ avoided him as ‘too moderate’” Malcolm X is the most relatable to the reader (487). After multiple transformations, Malcolm ultimately lands on a philosophy of humanitarianism and “oneness”, where “every human being [is] a human being – neither white, black brown, or red” (487). In contrast to his previous view of whites as inferior and devilish, Malcolm widens his perspective and accepts a view of equality towards all. While Malcolm X’s final outlooks were largely ignored in the last phase of his life, the autobiography is designed so that his last arguments stay with the reader, designing a different Malcolm X than that in the press, who is not anti-white but anti-racism.

Works Consulted:
Class Discussion Notes Ali. 27 Sept.-26 Oct. 2011.
Class Notes. 26 Sept.- 27 Oct. 2011.
Textual Response Forum Ali. 28 Sept.-26 Oct. 2011.
X, Malcolm, and Alex Haley. The Autobography of Malcolm X. New York: Random House, 1965.

Final Thoughts- Design of Confession

Whitney1317 31 Oct 2011 04:05

Malcolm’s narrative is full of confessional moments, where Malcolm offers his current understanding of a situation to rival the ideas he believed in at a previous time. These moments are necessary in order for the reader to better understand Malcolm and his journey. When Malcolm recounts an event, that was particularly striking or offered him new insight, the absence or presence of Malcolm’s confessional input help the reader determine whether Malcolm still agrees with whatever new insight he had formulated, or offer hints to potential foreshadowing. After describing his first conk, Malcolm goes on to explain how it was his “first really big step toward self-degradation” (64). This confession then explains an ideology that blacks in America “are brainwashed into believing that black people are ‘inferior’- and white people ‘superior,’” showing that Malcolm must transform in his future, in order to support his current philosophy (64). When Malcolm first lives in Harlem, in a prostitute house, his revelation on how “there seemed to be a higher code of ethics and sisterliness among those prostitutes than among numerous ladies” that included “both black and white” women, is not followed by any confessional note (107). Instead he ends his experience with these prostitutes with an assertion that “all women, by their nature, are fragile and weak” (108). The lack of a confession tells us that Malcolm continues to harbor a similar frame of mind towards women. Another example is Elijah Muhammed’s prediction of Malcolm X, which said that Malcolm will “grow to be hated,” because “people get jealous of public figures” (305). Malcolm explains that “northing that Mr. Muhammed ever said to [him] was more prophetic,” which implies foreshadowing of hatred and jealousy, and Malcolm’s future fame. The design of using confessional notes as foreshadowing and as insight into Malcolm’s mind is effective in narrating Malcolm’s story with more depth and understanding.

Works Consulted:
X, Malcolm, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: The Random House Publishing Group, 1965
Textual Response Forum
Class Discussion Notes

Final Thoughts-Differences in Design

AkkaSeidel 31 Oct 2011 04:17

Although there is an extensive use of design and truth throughout the text proper of the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the epilogue presents a different truth of Malcolm, designed by Alex Haley.
In the text proper, Malcolm X designs his story in such a way that he comes across as a determined, unaffected leader with a strong will, but also as a strict, arrogant, and disagreeable man. He continuously talks about “the collective white man” and “white devils” and how white people as a race are inherently evil, which can make him come off just as racist as the white men whom he condemns. The moment where Malcolm confronts the college girl was a memorable instance where he displayed his closed-minded nature. She inquires as to what she can do to be a good white person and Malcolm tells her, “Nothing” (330). The way that Malcolm designs himself does project his authority and professionalism but makes people less able to relate to his cause.
However, in the epilogue, Alex Haley illustrates a softer side of Malcolm, which makes one see him in a different light. Haley shares that Malcolm “was clearly irked when a New York Times poll among New York City Negros reflected that three-fourths had named Dr. Martin Luther King as “doing the best for Negros,” while only six percent had voted for Malcolm X” (497). This irritation in Malcolm that was never portrayed in the text proper is one way that Haley designs Malcolm as a relatable human. Haley also shows the love that Malcolm has for his family, which was never displayed in the text proper. When Haley describes Malcolm telling Betty, “I’ll never make another long trip without you…I’ll never leave you so long again,” it reveals Malcolm’s affection for his family along with a sensitive side that the reader never experienced before (494).
The collaboration between Malcolm X and Alex Haley created a much more intriguing autobiography. Thanks to their joint design of the text, the readers receive a wider understanding of Malcolm and are better able to accept and grasp his ideals, decisions, and goals for the African American race.

Works Consulted:
Class Discussion Notes
Textual Response Forum
X, Malcom, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcom X. New York: The Random House Publishing
Group, 1964. Print.

Last edited on 31 Oct 2011 04:19 by AkkaSeidel Show more

Final Thoughts By Alida Duncan!

AkkaSeidel 31 Oct 2011 04:24

Throughout the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the reader sees multiple dramatic shifts in both the life style and the worldview of Malcolm X. Malcolm starts his narration of events with the essentialist view that the collective white man is fundamentally different from the black man in every possible aspect. By saying that he “noticed…how white people smelled different… and how their food tasted different [than] Negro food (31),” Malcolm X establishes the Negro food and smell as the norm, as well as passes a judgement on white culture. In saying that someone’s food smells differently than your own, you are judging that person’s food and thus indirectly their culture in a seemingly negative way. By saying that whites smell differently than blacks, Malcolm X is denoting a fundamental difference or gap between whites and blacks that in his view, should never be crossed. For a significant amount of time in his life, Malcolm X will continue to expand his essentialist views to not only believing that the white man and the black man are fundamentally different, but that the collective white man are “devils” whose inherit nature is to oppress and take advantage of all non-white peoples. Malcolm uses both seemingly empirical data from history and a religious condemnation provided by the Nation of Islam to support this viewpoint. By the end of the text, and incidentally the end of Malcolm’s life, he has almost completely abandoned his originally racist, essentialist, and what many modern progressives would consider outdated worldview for a position that would be considered progressive in our generation. Malcolm states that “I can’t put my finger on what my philosophy is now, but I’m flexible (492)” when speaking of his new position on black and white relations. By the time of his death, Malcolm has changed so profoundly, that he can no longer state what exactly he believes in. This is the complete opposite of the strong, fiery, and opinionated leader we came to know throughout the text. Malcolm’s flexible positions and philosophy speaks of the all encompassing worldview of equality and openness that we strive to achieve today in the modern era. The most tragic circumstance of the assassination of Malcolm X is that he died before his new philosophy that hinted at becoming today’s ideal of race relations could blossom and fully take root in his followers.

Works Consulted:
Class Discussion Notes
Textual Response Forum
X, Malcom, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcom X. New York: The Random House Publishing
Group, 1964. Print.

KatharineL23 31 Oct 2011 04:36

Throughout the text Malcolm is a very charismatic man, but is assassinated which portrays America as intolerant to the possibility of black power. Malcolm's classmates vote him class president, Mrs. Swerlin does not want him to leave, in fact his date to go to reform school "came up-two or three times" but because of "Mrs. Swerlin's doing" it was always ignored, and immediately in Boston and Harlem someone, in Boston it is Shorty and in Harlem it is Sammy, take him under their wing, due to his obvious potential (34). The rapid growth of the Nation of Islam can be blamed on Malcolm's charismatic attitude, and his passionate disposition. When Malcolm is a minister for the Nation of Islam, everything he said "practically never got printed the way [he] said it" which demonstrates the need to bring down a powerful man. Malcolm continues giving  public speeches, despite being kicked out of the Nation of Islam, and his ability to pursued people provides him with power and the potential to make a real change. The assassination of Malcolm X shows American society at the time would not allow for a black man to have such power as Malcolm had. This intolerance was made apparent earlier in the text as well, when Malcolm's teacher tells him that being a lawyer is "no realistic goal" for him (43). It is very interesting that a man who had been liked by most people he met throughout his life, is assassinated, which further demonstrates the inability of America to accept a powerful black man. The possibility that the cops play a role in his death show that it is not only the Nation of Islam who want him dead, but also the society. Martin Luther King Jr. also was assassinated, which further proves America refuting black power. When a police man says "no man should have that kind of power" about Malcolm, it is reasonable to believe he internally thinks no black man should have that power.

Works consulted
X, Malcom, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcom X. New York: The Random House Publishing
Group, 1964. Print.

Final Thoughts by Kassi House

Kassi House 31 Oct 2011 04:39

The epilogue written by Alex Haley was interesting to read after reading the narration by Malcolm X because the influence of Alex Haley is significantly present. When looking back on the text, certain moments are obviously designed in a way not only to help get Malcolm X's point across but also Alex Haley's. Haley uses the epilogue to discuss personal experiences that Malcolm and Haley had during the process of writing the autobiography. These personal experiences help the reader understand more about the kind of person Malcolm really is because it is another persons opinion or perspective. In The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Malcolm is the one who narrates the story but Alex Haley organized the chapters. This is significant because the only perspective given in the text is Malcolm’s perspective and description of himself. When Haley talks about his experiences with Malcolm in the epilogue, the reader is able to see another side of Malcolm not described in the text.

As illustrated in the epilogue, The Autobiography of Malcolm X was a combination of multiple discussions and conversations that Malcolm X had with Alex Haley. Haley was the one who organized these notes and placed them in the chapters in order to illustrate Malcolm’s transformations. Malcolm X’s transformations were reoccurring themes throughout the text. Alex Haley used notes from his conversations with Malcolm and strategically organized these notes in order to show the ways in which Malcolm changes. A theme that is present in the text is Malcolm's many name transformations. Malcolm went through four different names throughout the text. For example, Malcolm’s name changed from Malcolm Little to Detroit Red, to Malcolm X and then finally to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. The influence of Alex Haley becomes very apparent during these parts because the name transformations were organized in such a way that represented different stages of Malcolm’s life. The name transformations are one way in which Alex Haley's presence is clearly shown throughout the text.

Works Consulted:
Class Discussion Notes
Textual Response Forum
X, Malcom, and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcom X. New York: The Random House Publishing
Group, 1964. Print.

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