3/11/22 Major Post No. 2, The Autobiography of Malcolm X

 The Autobiography of Malcolm X literary critique and analysis: Chapter Seventeen, Mecca

BEFORE READING: See my previous micro-blog for context on the Hajj.

Though the vast majority of The Autobiography of Malcolm X is universally enjoyable and insightful, there are some sections that may overwhelm the reader with repetitive preachiness, into which Malcolm occasionally spirals. For those unaware, Malcolm became a member of the Islamic faith during his time in prison from 1946-1952. Malcolm’s view on his own faith and how it relates to the world around him is brimming with intricacy. However, certain readers may be annoyed, or perhaps even dreadful at the thought of listening to religious ramblings for a solid twenty or so pages. Unfortunately for those readers, that is exactly what the seventeenth chapter, Mecca, is. I will not argue that this chapter did not bother me at all, because it was a pain to get through. However, I will argue that despite the boredom I endured, this chapter was an essential study of Malcolm’s Islamic philosophy.

As a whole, The Autobiography of Malcolm X is enjoyable because it is a study of a historical figure who is widely regarded as a racist and a fearmonger. Being guided through Malcolm’s life experiences helps the reader understand the origins and motivations of his philosophy. The destruction of his entire life by the hand of the white man pushed Malcolm to the brink, just as it would with any other man. Though his developing philosophy, influenced by the Nation of Islam extremist group, is largely disagreeable, and even appalling at times, its development can always be understood by the reader. Malcolm X consistently preached that white people as a whole were to face an inevitable and deserved retribution for their crimes against black people. Again, the idea that an entire race deserves to suffer for the sins of its worst people is horrible, but the insight into Malcolm’s life that this book provides makes it understandable.

The chapter Mecca may not be the most enjoyable, especially for a nonreligious person such as myself. Despite this, it is almost inarguably the most important chapter in the book. Not only does it mark the beginning of Malcolm’s understanding that not every white person is evil, but it provides deep insight into the Islamic faith. The definitive apex of this chapter is the moment in which Malcolm appreciates the hospitality of a white man. Malcolm spends time with Dr. Abd-Al-Rahman Azzam, a white man, before his pilgrimage to Mecca. During this time, Malcolm states that this was the first man who provided him with hospitality, seemingly without a selfish motive. After witnessing this, and people of all colors undergoing the Hajj, Malcolm begins to rethink his view on white people. This marks the definitive turning point of Malcolm’s philosophy. Though the Malcom’s religious talk can drag on at some points, this chapter is still the book’s absolute peak.

At its core, The Autobiography of Malcolm X is an interesting read because it can be viewed as a study of the mind and mannerisms of Malcolm X. Unfortunately, the insight into Malcolm’s religion becomes very preachy and repetitive. This too, however, can be viewed as an opportunity to examine Malcolm’s philosophy. The sense of brotherhood that Malcolm examines in the Islamic faith turned his life around, and I would argue that we could all benefit from hearing what he has to say. I would encourage anyone who considers skipping this chapter, as I admittedly considered, to give it an honest try. It may be more interesting than expected.

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