Malcom X and his Writing
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In his autobiography, Malcom X discusses his time in prison, both at Concord Prison and Norfolk Prison Colony. He would have two very contrasting experiences, one being full of gossip and hatred while the other encouraged a more "intellectual" atmosphere of debate and discussion. I found these chapters really amazing, as it shows the flow of Malcom X's thoughts in these times that truly shape him as a person and an important political and social figure. His articulation is very interesting as he is aware about certain things regarding himself. For example, there are the themes of writing and history that go hand in hand in this novel. After Reginald explains that the white man is the devil, Malcom X goes through this long process of contemplation. He thinks of all the white people he had encountered in his life, understanding how they, and other white people, have prevented POC from acknowledging and understanding their own greatness. Their version of Christianity encourages self-hatred and calls "black" a curse. Elijah Muhammad, a black messenger of Allah, completely counteracts these beliefs. Not only does he provide Black Muslims representation, his teaching also promotes greatness. Malcom X's interpretations of Elijah Muhammad and his messages comes in the form of research and reading. His original frustration with writing is quite relatable. Speaking is not the same as writing. Writing calls for some type of formality, especially when one considers who the message is directed at. Malcom X's perseverance to learn and expand his knowledge is quite admirable. At first it is simply a means to articulate himself, but it slowly develops into something else. With this new understanding, he was able to learn about the history of white supremacy, colonialism, and the atrocities committed against POC. He learns that there is power in writing as he reflects how the history of Black people is either erased or minimized in history books. This completely contrasts the words of Elijah Muhammad, who's main focus is the black community, and highlights their historical greatness. Furthermore, Malcom X learns of the treatment of the Chinese by the West. He sees how the white man, or the white devil, not only hurts African-Americans, but all those who do not match "Whiteness". The Chinese suffered at the Treaty of Nanking and at the hands of America, France and the British. Even in 1901 during the Boxer Rebellion, they were calling for the deaths of white devils.
Malcom X's relationship with writing reminds me of Michel-Rolph Trouillot, a Haitian anthropologist. His work Silencing the Past emphasizes what Malcom X realized. There is an absence in history about minorities and POC. However, one can still gain knowledge from this gap, as an absence still provides a person with an answer. -
I really liked what you wrote Grace and I just wanted to add a point. Considering Malcom's journey through Concord and Norfolk prisons we can say that this (the journey I mean) not only marked a physical confinement but became a powerful setting for intellectual and spiritual liberation. Norfolk, with its "intellectual atmosphere," opened doors for Malcolm that allowed him to critically engage with race, history, and identity. This shift—from the gossip-filled isolation at Concord to a haven of books and debates at Norfolk—helped Malcolm shape his voice, fueled by the intellectual rigor he found there. I also like to add that your mention of Silencing the Past, made me put this in my reading list!