It's quite a testimonial to Dr. King that it's taking so long, and so much work, to reduce his life and career to a safe kiddy-book historical version. One of the aspects of the life and times which permanently intrigues me is the interrelation between Dr. King and Malcolm X. Who is even more indigestible. While they barely met, they were aware that in effect they were tag-teaming, Good Cop Bad Cop. Dealing with Dr. King got less unattractive every time Malcolm made the news.
R. Tarphon . . . also said: "It is not incumbent on thee to complete the whole task, but thou art not at liberty therefore to neglect it entirely." -- "Sayings of the Fathers
Yes, I think King was a lot more complex than people wanted to admit. I think it was more palatable to think of him as someone who was simply charismatic and emotionally/spiritually driven than to acknowledge his sophisticated political strategy.
I had never thought about Malcolm X in quite that light, but you make an excellent point. I will have to think about that a little more.
Comments 2
One of the aspects of the life and times which permanently intrigues me is the interrelation between Dr. King and Malcolm X. Who is even more indigestible. While they barely met, they were aware that in effect they were tag-teaming, Good Cop Bad Cop. Dealing with Dr. King got less unattractive every time Malcolm made the news.
R. Tarphon . . . also said: "It is not incumbent on thee to complete the whole task, but thou art not at liberty therefore to neglect it entirely."
-- "Sayings of the Fathers
Reply
I had never thought about Malcolm X in quite that light, but you make an excellent point. I will have to think about that a little more.
Reply
Leave a comment