Malcolm X’s autobiography is the story of religious conversion. He believes that the key to ending racial oppression for black people in America is the religion of Islam. Critique this main argument and the sub-arguments Malcolm includes in his book. In your critique discuss how Malcolm X makes his case and whether or not his material and methods are convincing. In your critique consider the following themes:
Paper Instructions
6-8 pages, typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12pt font
● Late essays will receive a significant grade penalty
Malcolm X’s autobiography is the story of religious conversion. He believes that the key to ending racial oppression for black people in America is the religion of Islam. Critique this main argument and the sub-arguments Malcolm includes in his book. In your critique discuss how Malcolm X makes his case and whether or not his material and methods are convincing. In your critique consider the following themes:
● Childhood and family background
● Crime and hustling
● Prison
● Malcolm’s thoughts on race relations in America
● The black middle class
● Nation of Islam-practices, rituals, beliefs
● Gender roles and sexuality
● Malcolm’s break with the NOI
● Hajj to Mecca
Your essay must be organized chronologically and thematically. Throughout the writing process keep in mind that you are not writing a summary of his autobiography, but a critique . Your essay must explain to the reader Malcolm’s arguments/evidence and judge the validity of these.
● Do you see any faults, oversights or weaknesses in his arguments?
● Does he contradict himself or omit important information?
● Are there some points that are more convincing than others? Why?
● Does he evoke a strong emotional reaction from his reader in order to convince
him/her?
● Are his assertions, arguments, conclusions, reasons, and intellectual processes
well founded?