The Pragmatic Nationalist: The Racial Politics and Rhetoric of Malcolm X 1964-65

Masterarbeit aus dem Jahr 2010 im Fachbereich Amerikanistik - Literatur, University of Manchester, Sprache: Deutsch, Abstract: In this thesis, I look at the constraints, most notably the white power structure, present in the United States during the mid-1960s which, on one hand gave form to Malcolm’s political ideology, and on the other, made it necessary for him to add an international dimension to his thinking. Central to such a discussion is Malcolm’s racial theorising in 1964-65 when he identified the two stages which were necessary for the attainment of a colour-blind society. While Africa, as both idea and place, served as a cultural base, it also acted as a springboard to an international coalition of oppressed people. By linking the domestic and the international politics of Malcolm X, this thesis highlights the sense of purpose with which Malcolm X articulated his arguments concerning the future of the African-American community and their involvement in the American society.