Lessons from Malcolm X: Freedom by any Means Necessary

Ali Khan, Washburn University

Abstract

It is no secret that Malcolm's doctrine of freedom by any means necessary generates fear. It advocates the use of force in an attempt to gain social justice which poses a threat to law and order of the society. This concept is particularly disturbing to those who control the means of change. This idea, however, is also disturbing to those who prefer non-violence even when they are subjected to injustice, those who have resigned themselves to failure, and to those who have been filled with fear ever since they were babies. Malcolm understood the impact of his militancy, and he used the effects of his messages to render a sense of liberation.