So what made me decide to pick up this book? It was after hearing a segment of BFM's Hari Ini Dalam Sejarah segment on the controversial figure. The programmed played a sound bite of a reporter asking him to reveal his last name. Malcolm X refused to reveal his name because he believed that it was the name given by his ancestor's slavemaster. It was a short sound bite but from the minute I heard him speak, I wanted to know more about this charismatic person. The BFM presenter recommended reading the autobiography by Alex Haley. I am not really a fan of autobiographies or non-fiction but nonetheless I decided to get the book.
The book may be considered a study on the civil rights movement in the USA back in the 1950s to 1960s but it is so much more than that. The book follows Malcolm X from his childhood, to his crime-filled teenage years, his time in prison, conversion to Islam, rising leader of the civil rights movement and fallout with the Nation of Islam before his untimely death.
Malcolm X was an enigmatic leader known for his fiery statements against the white man he called "the devil". He had no qualms about what he believed and unlike leaders today, would plainly say what he means. Because of his unflinching beliefs, the US mainstream media portrayed him as a violent, black supremacist. I didn't get that vibe from reading about him but I am now also more aware of the media's capability to twist facts to suit its own agenda.
In summary, this book is an inspiring, thought-provoking read.
