"The black man in the ghettoes, for instance, has to start self-correcting his own material, moral, and spiritual defects and evils. The black man needs to start his own program to get rid of drunkenness, drug addiction, prostitution. The black man in America has to lift up his own sense of values" (Haley 281).
I think it's good that Malcolm is admitting that his people have to be stronger. My dad tells me the same thing. He says that my people have to start coming out stronger and whatnot. I agree with him. My people have to come out stronger and start gaining the same respect as whites do. I think Barack Obama has definitely broken down some of those barriers. He is considered as one of my greatest heroes. I respect him for taking the risk in becoming the president, and he definitely sets a model for generations to come.
Hopefully I can follow in Obama's footsteps and break down some barriers as well. But compared to Malcolm's times, today there are so many barriers broken down already. Women are slowly rising to the top and races are coming together. To see these changes right before my eyes gives me hope and a sense of confidence that I can make changes as well.
An article from the New York Times states that Obama has broken down barriers in becoming the first black President of the United States.
2 comments:
I think you prove a strong point in the change that one strong leader can make. The change that Barack Obama is creating in our nation, and the difference that he's making to you and your culture, is the same change that Malcolm was making for his people. They are/were both breaking down barriers for groups that weren't always as respected and strong throughout the country. I too consider Obama one of my greatest heros.
After reading this, it became so clear to me how Barack Obama is a perfect example of how Malcolm said black people have to help themselves. I mean, today, a black man holds the highest position of power in the US! And just like you said, he not only inspired black people, but every minority in America. The fact that someone like Obama is president today, when about 50 years ago, he wouldn't be able to use the same bathroom as white people still amazes me. I remember in history class, it was mentioned that Obama walked down the republican hallway exit, or something like that, which Dinardo-White explained was an extremely bold move towards political unity. So he not only broke down the barriers of racism, but he also working towards uniting America as a whole. That's one of the countless reasons I respect him so much.
Post a Comment