Example research essay topic: Martin Luther King Luther King Jr - 1,084 words

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... ying, dont persecute her, get her healed, (pg. 52 Martin Luther King Jr. and the Freedom Movement). King and Malcolm X were heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. The speeches of King and Malcolm X reflected both mens visions on improving America. Both men believed that if blacks were to attain freedom, they first needed to achieve self-respect.

However, Malcolm X speeches were delivered in a revolutionary tone which could incite his listeners to hatred of white America. Malcolm X used direct and to the point language, which could be understood, by all levels of society. He had mastery in language and could project his ideas. (Internet, Remember Malcolm X) This creativity in language helped build the Black Muslim Movement in the United States. In his Definition of a Revolution speech delivered in November 1963, Malcolm X openly justifies violence as a way of gaining equality. And if it is right for America to draft us and us and teach us how to be violent in defense of the country, then isnt it right for you and me to do whatever is necessary to defend our own people right here in this country, (pg. 253, Malcolm X: The man and his times). He encouraged blacks to hate white America and to revolt against them.

Revolution is bloody, revolution is hostile, revolution knows no compromise, revolution overturns and destroys everything that gets in its way, (pg. 255, Malcolm X: The man and his times) In his speech Gods Judgement of White America, delivered on December 1, 1963, Malcolm X again promoted his separatist philosophy America must set aside some separate territory here in the Western Hemisphere where the two races can live apart from each other, since we certainly dont get along peacefully while we are here together. (pg. 287, Malcolm X: The man and his times) After Malcolm Xs pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964, he reappraise white America and modified somewhat his racist and anti-white beliefs. This change is reflected in his speech Communication and Reality spoken to the America Domestic Peace Corps. I am against any form of racism. We are all against racism. I believe in Allah. I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I do not believe in the brotherhood with anybody, who does not want brotherhood with me. (pg. 289, Malcolm X: The man and his times) Martin Luther King was an equally strong speaker.

However, most of his speeches were given to encourage white and black people to work together for racial harmony. He especially wanted to teach impressionable black youth that equality could be gained through non-violent methods. These ideals are reflected in his famous I have a dream speech, where King addressed to over 250, 000 people. In this speech, King urges black people to never forget their dreams. King preaches that in the eyes of God, the blacks are as good as any other race and should be treated as equals. I have a dream that one day every valley will be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places shall be made plain, and the crooked places shall be made straight, and the glory of the lord shall be revealed, and all shall see it together, (Internet, Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream speech).

Unlike Malcolm X, King does not encourage his followers to riot and hate but encourages his followers to remember that all people are Gods children and that hopefully one day all Americans can join together to sing Americas freedom song. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King are both remembered as leaders who fought for a difference in black America. Both tried to bring hope to blacks in the United States. They also tried to instill within blacks power and strength so they could rise above all the hatred that surrounds them, but both of them had very different ways of promoting their message. Malcolm X had a much more extremist approach. King had a much more calm approach.

Near the end of their lives, Martin Luther King and Malcolm Xs beliefs became more similar. Malcolm X corrected himself after his break with the Black Muslim movement. He now emphasized unity and change through black pride and respect for oneself rather than through hate and revenge. King, on the other hand, became somewhat angry at the lack of progress made on equality. He started promoting non-violent sabotage, which included blocking the normal functioning of government. At one time, Malcolm X actually wanted to join forces with King and the progressive elements of the Civil Rights Movement, (pg. 262, Malcolm X: The man and his times).

I argue that Martin Luther Kings approach to achieve racial justice is superior to Malcolm Xs approach. Martin Luther Kings approach, which focuses on non-violent tactics, is the best way to unite blacks and whites as one. Using violence to unite blacks and whites would result in further separating whites and blacks and additionally would initiate more hatred. For example, the goal of the Civil War was to abolish slavery and unite everybody as one. Slavery was abolished but prejudice remained and still continues today. Lives were lost and a lot of bloodshed occurred, but ultimately whites still view blacks as inferior.

This violent war achieved a temporary goal, however, the idealism behind the action failed. I therefore argue that the ends do not always justify the means and thus violence is not the answer. In addition to non-violent protest, Martin Luther King, unlike Malcolm X, saw that working together as one rather than working against each other would produces a better outcome. I agree with Martin Luther King Jr. that working together will accomplish more rather than working against each other or by themselves. For example the movie Remember the Titans demonstrates the power of blacks and whites working together.

The movie takes place in the south at the time when American schools first became integrated. The black football coach of the Titans did not allow his newly integrated football team to project their racist attitudes onto the team. He forced his team to unite as one and work together as a team. By doing this the Titans won a state football championship and additionally combated racism. The team achieved racial justice and harmony. I believe that by using these types of methods Martin Luther King is a better role model and his approach to end racial injustice serves the best interest of the black community.

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Research essay sample on Martin Luther King Luther King Jr