Malcolm X Eulogy

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Malcolm X was one of the main leaders of the Black Power movement in the United States during the mid-twentieth century. He is and was considered to be either one of the following: a radical hero who changed the lives of African-Americans for the better; or an unnecessarily violence-oriented “villainous” black leader who trampled all over the peaceful, non-violent reputation of the Civil Rights Movement that had come so far in the struggle against racial inequality in America at the time. A “hero” is defined as being a person (typically a man) who is respected on a mass public scale for being courageous, for making outstanding achievements, and for his noble qualities. The eulogy delivered by Ossie Davis at Malcolm X’s funeral on the 27th February…show more content…
A eulogy is an article or speech that is written as a tribute to someone who has recently died. It would thus highlight only the good parts of the person it is about. Malcolm X is referred to as a “bright hope” and a “brave, gallant young champion…unconquered still [even in death]”. This implies that, even though he is not alive anymore, Malcolm X’s life has made such a huge impact on the fight for racial equality that he will not be easily forgotten, as a hero’s life would similarly be. Malcolm X’s life is compared to a “seed”, as though what he did as a man will continue growing, or developing, even in his absence. The eulogy does, however, also refer to what was considered “evil” about Malcolm X. It states that many people who did not support Malcolm X’s mission or methods will call him a “demon” and “an enemy of the black man”. The speaker goes on to argue against this by (rhetorically) asking if the people who label Malcolm X to be such had ever actually…show more content…
The photo was taken in order to represent Malcolm X as strong and in control. He is surrounded by fellow members of the Nation of Islam (NOI), of which he was a major leader. Because of all the people around him, the impression of power and support is given. He is also reading an obviously very controversial article of news about the ongoing civil disruption in the country – there is a caption on one of the pages that says, “The white devil’s day is almost over.” A caption on a newspaper behind Malcolm X reads, “seven unarmed negroes shot in cold blood by Los Angeles police", which is significant because it reinforces the image of Malcolm X as a good guy, or “hero”, in his struggle; his fight against racial inequality, even though it may involve violent or radical methods, is justified. He appears to be comfortable and at ease while he waits for the verdict to be given, again emphasising control and therefore power. In these ways, the photograph achieves representation of Malcolm X as a “hero” of the situation.
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