In an odd sort of way, Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan are inextricably bound up with each other, even beyond the fact that both are connected to the Nation of Islam within this country. The connection seemed to come full circle when the daughter of Malcolm X was accused of being involved in a plot to assassinate Farrakhan, since Farrakhan had earlier been accused of involvement in the assassination of Malcolm X. The intent in this paper is to compare and contrast the two men, looking at their beliefs, strategies, appeal, and lives.
What stands out as a major contrast in considering the biographies of the two men is the differing ways they have dealt with their exposure to the larger Islamic world in regard to their philosophies and faith development. As was apparent in the movie about Malcolm X, and toward the end of the Autobiography of Malcolm X (Malcolm X and Haley, 1992), Malcolm X came to a new understanding of Islam, brotherhood, and the relationship between the races after his exposure to the wider Islamic world. His beliefs and philosophy clearly changed at that point, moving toward a more profound sense of brotherhood and a more historical and traditional understanding of Islam. He ceased to be as antagonistic toward the white race, and also reduced his anti Semitic preachings.
On the other hand, Farrakhan has not altered his stance after connecting with the wider Islamic world in that particular way. Instead, he has chosen to align himself with those leaders in the Islamic world who are somewhat outcast in the wider Islamic contingent (such as Qaddafi) and with those who continue to favor, or at least preach about, jihad and hatred toward Jews and parts of the white race.
The life of Malcolm X is also a study in contrasts, and a life study of a man experiencing several different phases of psychospiritual growth. While his early adulthood was a study in criminality, after his conversion he experienced considera...