Malcolm X was the Greatest American because he showed that people can change and so can their opinions. Malcolm X was not the best person in the world. According to “Little, Malcolm (1925- 1965)” Student Resource Center Gold, Malcolm had a very “shady past”. Malcolm was involved with many bad things. He was into illegal drugs, and was also a drug dealer. Even his hair showed his shady past. In the article, Malcolm described getting his first conk, "This was my first really big step toward self-degradation: when I endured all of that pain [of the hair straightening chemicals], literally burning my flesh to have it look like a white man's hair.” Malcolm was friends with “gamblers and thieves.” Then in 1946, Malcolm was arrested for burglary and was sent to jail for ten years. This was the turning point in Malcolm’s life. While in jail, Malcolm discovered education all over again. Malcolm learned about Muhammad and his teachings. Once out of jail, Malcolm began studying Muhammad’s teachings and became an advocate for the Nation of Islam. Malcolm was very popular and gained higher positions very quickly. Malcolm turned his life around completely. He once was a drug dealer and had been arrested and put into jail for ten years, but with a little determination and hard work, Malcolm proved that no matter how bad you are and no matter what you have done, there is still hope and you can change.
Source:
"Little, Malcolm (1925-1965)." Student Resource Center Gold. Gale, 2003. Web. 24 Feb. 2010.
Picture Source:
"Malcolm X." Student Resouce Center Gold. Web. 3 Mar. 2010.
Your influence is well-written and shows a good understanding of what you learned. This was a very complex time in history. Good job!
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