Using the 3-2-1 system:
3 : three interesting/strange/confusing/surprising points
2 : two quotations that really stood out to you or are relevant to your analysis
1 : one question that this letter evoked or you what you want to learn more about
The letter I signed up for was to Martin Luther King Jr from Malcom X. I did a little background research because I was curious about their viewpoints on civil rights. What I discovered was that Martin Luther King Jr is often portrayed as a less/non-violent insider, meanwhile Malcom X was willing to do anything to achieve his goals. He believed that non-violent actions were too slow in making progress.
- 1 interesting point: Malcom X invited a lot of people to the event. He writes to Martin Luther King Jr, “If you cannot come, please send your representative. Invitations to participate have been sent to: Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Dr. Adam C. Powell, James Farmer, Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, Dr. Ralph Bunche, Dr. Joseph H. Jackson and James Forman.” In addition to inviting many participants, Malcom X also tells Martin Luther King Jr to send his representative if he could not go.
- 1 strange point: I found it strange how Malcom X was working with this outdoor rally sponsored by the Muslims. I’m not sure what the history was behind that.
- 1 confusing point: Malcom X is usually characterized as persistent and willing to be violent for his cause. However, there are moment in this letter that show a less violent side of him. He writes, “There will be no debating, arguing, criticizing, or condemning. I will moderate the meeting and guarantee order and courtesy for all speakers. This rally is designed not only to reflect the spirit of unity, but it will give you a chance to present your views to the largest and most explosive elements in Metropolitan New York.”
Quote 1:
“On Saturday, August 10th, from 1 – 7 p.m., the Muslims are sponsoring another giant outdoor rally at 116th Street and Lenox Avenue. Two previous rallies this summer at the same location, attracted 5000 to 7000 Harlemites respectively. We expect our largest crowd this time, rain or shine. We are inviting several Negro leaders to give their analysis of the present race problem and also their solution.”
I thought this quote was interesting because it shows Malcom X’s logic to discuss the issues at hand in front of a really large group. Additionally, it reveals how motivated he is to arrange this event.
Quote 2:
“The present racial crisis in this country carries within it powerful destructive ingredients that may soon erupt into an uncontrollable explosion. The seriousness of this situation demands that immediate steps must be taken to solve this crucial problem, by those who have genuine concern before the racial powder keg explodes.”
This quote reveals a bit of that “I’ll do whatever it takes” side of Malcom X that I found in my research. He wants to address this issue immediately and thinks it holds “powerful destructive ingredients that may soon erupt into an uncontrollable explosion.”
1 Question: One question I have is how Martin Luther King responded to this letter. I wonder if he agreed with this or believed it was too violent and assertive, since the two usually disagreed on these views.
