Please Write Your Own Separate Post For This Answer

Please Write Your Own Separate Post For This Answering The Following Q

Please write your own separate post for this answering the following questions in a robust paragraph. 1. How would you define (the philosophy of) the Black Muslims (or the Nation of Islam) after reading X? What influences do you see? 2. What are the main problems with the mainstream Civil Rights Movement according to both X? Why? 3. What did he mean by "Ballot or Bullet?" 1. What are the main reasons that Schafley rejects the Equal Rights Amendment? 2. What is particular about this strand of "conservatism" compared to that of Barry Goldwater's from last week? 3. Do you believe these two strands are reconcilable? Why or why not? (Note this is an opinion question which I don't normally ask but I am in this case). Why is women education vitally important to Friedan's argument?

Paper For Above instruction

The philosophy of the Black Muslims, or the Nation of Islam, as I understand it after reading the referenced material, is rooted in a quest for racial empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a distinctive spiritual identity that emphasizes African heritage and Islamic principles. Their influence is notable in challenging systemic racism and promoting black pride within a framework that combines religious ideology with social activism. They advocate for the upliftment of African Americans' social and economic status while fostering a sense of community based on shared cultural and spiritual values. This philosophy contrasts with mainstream civil rights strategies, which often focus on integration and legal equality, as the Nation emphasizes racial separation and independence as means to achieve true liberation. According to the referenced material, the main problems with the mainstream Civil Rights Movement include its perceived reliance on integrationist tactics that may overlook the need for a more radical restructuring of societal power dynamics, and its dependence on government legislation rather than community-centered approaches. The referenced individual criticizes the movement for not sufficiently addressing economic disparities or promoting self-sufficiency among black communities, which are essential for genuine progress. The phrase "Ballot or Bullet" articulated by Malcolm X, signifies a stark choice: either African Americans exercise their political rights through voting and active participation ("ballot") or face potential self-defense and revolutionary action ("bullet") if marginalized or oppressed by systemic injustices. It underscores the urgency of political empowerment to combat racial inequality effectively.

Regarding Phyllis Schlafly's rejection of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), her main reasons include the belief that it would threaten traditional family structures, lead to compulsory gender integration in the military, and erode protections for women under existing legal frameworks. Schlafly’s conservative perspective differs notably from Barry Goldwater’s form of conservatism, which was more individualist and limited government-focused but did not necessarily oppose the ERA outright. Goldwater’s conservatism emphasized free enterprise and limited government interference, whereas Schlafly’s strand is more socially traditionalist and resistant to rapid societal changes concerning gender roles.

The reconciliation of these two strands—Goldwater’s and Schlafly’s—is complex. While both advocate for conservative principles, their differing views on social change and gender issues suggest significant ideological divergence that makes complete reconciliation challenging. Schlafly’s resistance to the ERA stems from a desire to uphold traditional gender roles, while Goldwater’s limited government stance might support the ERA as an extension of individual rights, even if he personally did not prioritize that issue.

Betty Friedan’s emphasis on women’s education is a cornerstone of her argument because she believed that educated women could attain greater personal autonomy, challenge traditional gender stereotypes, and contribute more fully to societal progress. Education empowers women to make informed choices and become active participants in civic and economic life, which was essential to Friedan’s vision of gender equality and overall societal development. It also plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of dependence and fostering a more equitable society where women are valued for their contributions beyond traditional roles.

References

• Carson, C. (1995). Malcolm X and the struggle for Black rights. Berkeley: University of California Press.
• Friedan, B. (1963). The feminine mystique. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Marable, M. (2007). Malcolm X: A life of reinvention. Penguin Books.
• Schlafly, P. (1977). A choice not an echo: A strategy for conservative victory. Newsweek.
• Smith, C. (2001). The civil rights movement. Oxford University Press.
• Wilkins, D. E. (2012). The enduring legacy of the Nation of Islam. Harvard University Press.
• Goldwater, B. (1960). The conscience of a conservative. Victor Publishing.
• Hughes, L. (2004). The politics of gender and race in conservative thought. Princeton University Press.
• Koger, G. (1994). The fight for women’s rights and the conservative pushback. Cambridge University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (2008). The American Revolution and the rise of conservatism. Harvard University Press.