My Comments to Others

To Mike DeCotiis, 

 JJ said...

Hey mike, I love your connection. It's a funny and modern connection that many kids and in class can understand. I know a lot of people who watched that movie and didn't realize you could connect it to such a influential book. Also, i totally agree with what you are trying to convey. I think that Elijiah shouldn't care whether or not Malcolm is a good speaker, as long as he has NOI he should be at peace. But once again the deadly sin of envy steps in. I agree with your point and love you connection. Good job and nice blog!

To Shayna

 JJ said...

Shayna, this was such an intense post! The connection between your person life and malcolm was extraordinary! I must agree and disagree with your argument. I think for the most part many things are written. For me, religion is a big part of my life and i believe god chooses the life i follow. I think his path for me will be one that i am unable to change but it has a purpose. Yes i'm sure there are going to be tough times in my life but i know there will be a reason for them. Such as a lesson that will give me experience to reach a better life. But in some cases i do think that i can change my life. I believe in certain cases i do have the power to change my future. These instances include getting better grades or preforming well in sports. i can achieve this but only if i have the desire and drive. So it might be that life is written but i believe that its a little bit of both and its all for a reason

To Kimberly 

 JJ said...

I totally agree. I think when most people are reading the beginning chapters of Malcolm X they question his future leadership. How can someone so into illegal behaviors be such a sensational figure in society today.

To Rhina

 JJ said...

Rhina, your two connections in this post was great! I agree with you one hundred percent that the islamic religion had saved his life. His jail time had created a new malcolm. Your article on leading a good life after jail was also perfect. Malcolm, after leaving jail, lead a clean, legal, and beneficial lifestyle in which many people are unable to do. It would be expected that Malcolm would go right back to drugs but he was able to turn his life around. In addition, the connection you make with your family is very intense. Its very personal which i give you a lot of credit for sharing. I believe that the things you love give you responsibility. Good post!

Hero or just influential? (#5)

I knew before reading Malcolm X that Malcolm is a big figure in the African American community especially in Harlem. When I first received his autobiography I expected it to be a book all about his high points in life and all of his successful moments but i was terrible wrong. It exposed Malcolm's true life, depicting the hard life he struggled with.  Malcolm had to consistently overcome obstacles in his life some tougher than others. These included drugs,  stealing, and most importantly he had to overcome his black skin. But are all of these enough to be considered a hero? Well malcolm didn't just overcome these obstacles, he also helped others overcome them as well. Malcolm preached to blacks and also sets a good example to them. He convey that they can achieve anything. But some can argue that Malcolm was not heroic as compared to others of the time. For instance some people believe that he did not withhold up to Martin Luthers accomplishments of that time.  "His legacy did not add up to inspiring one important piece of legislation, leading one important march or actually getting anything done that had objective significance." (Crouch 1). I found an article that expresses ones opinion on Malcolm X. For instance, their opinion on Malcolm X expressed that he was nothing but a "charismatic heckler". They believed that Martin was a greater leader. One of the greatest differences between these two important African Americans is that one accepted violence as a way to convey their point while the other believes in peaceful persuasion. Malcolm X choose the path of violence as a way to convey his message. This might be a reason to consider him less of a hero compared to Martin Luther's peaceful teachings. I believe that Malcolm was an influential person of that time to blacks but i believe he can be a hero to certain people. The definition of hero states "A person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." (New Oxford American Dictionary) Whether Malcolm falls under that definition depends entirely on who you ask. So it still leaves the question, is he a hero or just an influence African American of the time? Its up to you to decide. 

Jealousy (#4)

The progression between Malcolm's and Elijah relationship has started to break apart. Elijah's reasoning for this hatred would be the result of Malcolm's great ability to communicate with the people. These skills were born, not from books or teaching but through life experiences. Elijiah, the original leader of the Nation of Islam, is enraged at the overwhelming popularity of Malcolm. Elijah's hatred is so overwhelming that it is even to the point where he wants Malcolm dead. I disagree with Elijiah's decision to hate Malcolm. I think if Elijah appreciates and truly loves the Nation of Islam he shouldn't care that Malcolm is the most popular leader of the Nation of Islam. I believe that jealousy is the cause of  a lot of hatred in the world, the newest being our president, Barack Obama. Barack Obama is a well qualified president and he has the capability to take control of the United States and lead us into well being but many will disagree. I discovered from an article that there are many people posting racial and threatening comments on the internet about Barack Obama. I see this as an act of envy. So many people,  mostly caucasians, are jealous of Barack's presidential status considering he is black. Elijah was angered and jealous by Malcolm's popularity to the people of NOI, just like the white people are jealous of Baracks ability to be president. People who believe in white supremacy don't want African Americas to have a seat of power, they want blacks to support the whites not rise above them. This I must disagree with. Blacks should have an equal opportunity that whites have. I believe that Barack should be accepted as our president despite his skin color. As long as you love America, and the president is doing good for the United States why should it matter who is our president?