The Autobiography of Malcolm X
...eing in his own ways. Malcolm has experienced more issues in life where he distrusts his black identity. For example, his white man conk hairstyle, popular in middle-class and poor neighborhoods alike, represents black self-defacement and loss of identity. The act of conking is that which physically forces black hair to resemble white hair, is representative of the way that black people attempt to imitate white society. He even starts to drink and gamble to be like the others in the society. He wants to clear away his problems by doing these things. Another way Malcolm distrusts his identity was when he was with his black girlfriend Sophia. It was going on really well between them. Nevertheless, Malcolm leaves her for Laura, a popular, pretty white girl. Malcolm later admits that he never loved Laura like Sophia, but he felt accepted and popular like one of the white guys. He just wanted to look good in front of everyone. He was ashamed of his color and race. Even though Malcolm tries to be a “white person,” he still blames white people for destroying his family. Malcolm believes that wealthy white people not only exploit poor blacks on a daily basis, but also contribute to the profound lack of opportunity in Harlem. In talking about the skill of his intelligent black friends, Malcolm implies that white society is to blame for driving them into crime, drugs, deceit, and poverty, giving them no other option than the life of a hustler. For instance, Malcolm’s friend Sammy’s job was to be a pimp, which in Harlem his skills are best suited for pimping, which eventually leads him to ruin. Even Malcolm’s younger brother Reginald, needs to deceive his friends with a hustle in order to make ends meet. Malcolm’s comparison of Harlem to a jungle in which only the fittest survive takes the weight of moral responsibility off of Harlem residents by showing that they are forced to engage in illegal and immoral acts by their harsh environment. Malcolm, later admits that he was to blame for ruining Sophia’s life. He believes that he could have saved her from prostitution. Malcolm X led a great life of crime, since that would have been his main source of income. He had to be on the move all the time since the cops were constantly following his leads. Nevertheless, he surrenders himself, getting tired of running constantly and gets sent to jail. Here, it is shown that Malcolm went through a whole change in his life. This was the time, where Malcolm had converted to the religion of Islam. The anti–white prejudice that Malcolm adopts upon converting to the Nation of Islam differed from much twentieth-century American prejudice. Unlike prejudices against various ethnic, racial, or political minorities, anti–white prejudice was not the social norm. Since the end of slavery, whites had accused blacks of taking their jobs, corrupting their schools, and degrading their neighborhoods. Whites’ fear of blacks was a major factor in the creation of racist laws and segregation. Malcolm joins the Nation of Islam. The Nation of Islam was the movement of a separatist minority with a very small following. In contrast, racism against blacks were mainstream movements attracting millions of Americans and encompassing many institutions, both private and public. Malcolm was released from prison soon under the custody of his brother who was a strict Muslim. The minute he comes out of prison, he buys a wristwatch, suitcase and eyeglasses. He is prepared for the world in front of him in his future. The watch represented him managing his time well. The suitcase showed that he was hardworking towards promoting Islam. And the eyeglasses represent new vision on the people of America. Malcolm became a true Muslim and even had troubles with the leader of Nations of Islam on the beliefs. Malcolm gave up all temptations and followed the path of God. They also convert many people and even fight for black rights in America. Malcolm’s new vision for black Americans, urging them to see themselves ...