Malcolm X: A Lesson for White People

As a beneficiary of white privilege, I have no standing (or street cred, if you prefer) to write an article about Malcolm X from any other perspective than that of an enlightened admirer of the man. I do, however, feel justified in writing an article about him for the purpose of encouraging people of my race to reconsider their prejudices and preconceived notions about him.

Many white people today consider Black History Month as racially charged and unnecessary. That is unfortunate because history as we learned it in school was from the white man’s perspective. I have been guilty myself of minimizing in the past things like slavery, segregation, and black militancy. I like to think of myself as somewhat enlightened on these topics today, and hope that others who have not sought the light themselves will consider doing so. Many white people claim our race is discriminated against these days. If they relate what many of them claim to feel on a societal level, and magnify it a thousand times, it still wouldn't equal the mistreatment people of color have endured throughout this country's history.