Part 1 Of The Most Tired Tropes Of Civil History

Part 1one Of The Most Tired Tropes Of The History Of The Civil Rights

Part 1one Of The Most Tired Tropes Of The History Of The Civil Rights

Part 1 One of the most tired tropes of the history of the civil rights movement is the comparison of the approaches of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X to the scourges of racism and segregation in the 1950s and 1960s. However, the use of the two men's writings is extremely useful in examining social movement strategy in general. Protests inspired by the murder of George Floyd swept the country in 2020. After reading King's Letter from Birmingham Jail and Malcolm X's Ballot or the Bullet, what elements of each of their approaches do you see in the Floyd protests? Do you see one or the other approach dominating and become ascendant? Readings: Part 2 Of all of the issues which comprise part of the environmental movement, which one do you feel is the most important? Do you feel the importance of that particular issue should come first in the consideration of any other issue raised by the environmental movement? Why or why not? Readings: Attached Below

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The comparison between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X epitomizes two foundational strategies within social movements: nonviolent protest and militant activism. Reflecting on the protests ignited by George Floyd’s murder in 2020, it becomes evident that both approaches influenced these actions, yet one appears more dominant in shaping the movement's trajectory. Analyzing King’s "Letter from Birmingham Jail," which advocates for sustained, lawful nonviolent resistance to unjust laws, and comparing it to Malcolm X’s "Ballot or the Bullet," emphasizing self-defense and militant assertion of rights, helps us understand the strategies present in contemporary protests.

The Floyd protests predominantly showcase elements of King’s nonviolent approach—mass demonstrations, peaceful marches, and civil disobedience, which aimed to evoke moral and ethical awakening in the broader society. The widespread use of peaceful protests aligned with King's philosophy to challenge systemic racism through moral persuasion and legal reform. However, elements of Malcolm X’s rhetoric—self-defense, empowerment, and resistance—also appeared, particularly in confrontations with law enforcement and in the rhetoric of some protest groups advocating for more militant actions. This blending highlights that modern social movements are not monolithic but fluid, integrating various strategies based on context and perceived efficacy.

Over time, nonviolent resistance has tended to dominate the landscape of civil rights activism, primarily because of its moral high ground and media portrayal that framed violent clashes as unjustified. The civil rights movement’s success in securing legislative reforms like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 largely depended on King’s approach. Nevertheless, Malcolm X's emphasis on self-reliance and the right to defend oneself remains influential, especially among groups advocating for radical change. Currently, the dominant narrative is still heavily centered on nonviolence, but there is an increasing acknowledgment of the need for assertive activism to address entrenched systemic injustices.

Turning to environmental issues, the most pressing concern varies among individuals and communities. However, many argue that climate change is paramount because it underpins many other environmental challenges, affecting global ecosystems, economies, and vulnerable populations. Prioritizing climate change is crucial because it requires immediate and sustained global action to mitigate catastrophic impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and mass migrations. Focusing on climate action can also drive progress in conservation, pollution control, and sustainable development efforts, creating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Thus, recognizing climate change as the foremost issue aligns with the urgency and interconnectedness of environmental challenges.

References

• Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
• King, M. L. Jr. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. The Atlantic Monthly.
• Malcolm X. (1964). Ballot or the Bullet. Organization of Afro-American Unity.
• McKibben, B. (2010). Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet. Times Books.
• McGowan, M. (2019). The Civil Rights Movement and Its Legacy. Oxford University Press.
• Morris, A. (1984). The Origins of the Civil Rights Movement. Free Press.
• National Climate Assessment. (2018). Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States.
• Sachs, J. (2015). The Age of Sustainable Development. Columbia University Press.
• Stern, P. C. (2006). Managing Climate Change Risks: A Perspective. Science, 311(5768), 1703-1704.
• Wilson, E. O. (2016). Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life. W. W. Norton & Company.