The Epilogue is the only chapter of the book that is told directly
from Alex Hailey's perspective. How does this point of view change your
perception of the book? What new things did you learn about Malcolm X by
reading this section? We probably hear more about Sister Betty in this
section than any other in the book. How does it shape your perception of
her?
Some other questions:
- On the first page of the epilogue, Hailey refers to the Nation of
Islam as a cult, not a religion. What tone does this word set?
- Why does Hailey leave napkins out when he interviews Malcolm X?
- What is your sense of Malcolm X's view towards women?
- Hailey, when he first was interviewing Malcolm X, asked about his mother. Why does this make an impact on Malcolm X?
- What is the significance that Malcolm X called Alex Hailey in the
middle of the night, told him he trusted him 70%, and hung up? What is
your sense about their relationship?
Spend some time this
week reflecting on what you learned by reading this book. You'll need to
return to the book for the final exam so now might by be a good time to
reflect on the central messages you found here.
By today's standards (and even the standards of some educated people in the '60s), Malcolm X says some pretty sexist things. That whole bit about not trusting women and how Malcolm X said, "I've seen too many men destroyed by their wives or their women..." (448 in my ed.). Where to start w/ this? It simultaneously puts the blame of the downfall on men on their partners while, at the same time, diminishing women to possessions ("their women"). There were clear gender divisions in the Nation of Islam and the US was a pretty sexist place in the '60s. So, in a sense, Malcolm X was both representing his subculture and the US culture as a whole. Still, I'd like to think that his views on women would have evolved had he lived.
ReplyDeleteOn the first page of the epilogue, Hailey refers to the Nation of Islam as a cult, not a religion. What tone does this word set?
ReplyDeleteAlex Hailey said that the nation of Islam is a cult and not a religion. In my opinion I think it was not a right move for him to say that to the nation of Islam. It provides negativity towards to other because he's suggesting that their is something evil, not right, suspicious on the nation of Islam and this can change how people will look at the nation of Islam. The nation of Islam is a religion. It is very big and many people in the world are part of this religion. No matter what religion people have, every religion should be respected. I think he thinks it was a cult because he doesn't really know much about the religion, he's not part of it so he won't understand. He only hear what others say and what the teachings are about and he probably misinterpret this teachings because he is not part if it.
On the first page of the epilogue, Haley refers to the Nation of Islam as a cult, not a religion. What tone does this word set?
ReplyDeleteI believe That Alex Haley referring to the nation of Islam as a cult brings on a negative connotation. I believe He said this probably because he didn't agree with Malcolm on how he was using his power and followers.
What is your sense of Malcolm X's view towards women?
I believe that Malcolm X while he did have respect for women he didn't see them as equal and felt as if he should be the more dominant and in control.
What is the significance that Malcolm X called Alex Hailey in the middle of the night, told him he trusted him 70%, and hung up? What is your sense about their relationship?
ReplyDeleteTheir relationship seems to be a thin thread and anything can set it off and ruin everything. They are both dependent on each other. Alex is in charge of writing the story and Malcolm has to tell it.
What I have learned so far reading malcom X is that you can try to make a better living for your own people, and they will still try to bring you down. I learned that Malcom X was somebody that cared about his people... a lot. It is a shame to find out your own people, the people you are being oppressed along with, can turn around a murder you. Why? Why do people murder good people? Why do people attack people that try to make a better living for their own race?
ReplyDeleteWhen Hailey referred the Nation of Islam as a cult, the word sets a powerful tone. It did not necessarily focus on religion but more so as a movement. When there is a movement, it is for a reason. It could for the best or for the worse.