The Autobiography of Malcolm X Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)

Quote #7

"You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to re-arrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have been always a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth." (17.120)

This is an excerpt from Malcolm X's "Letter from Mecca." What do you think was the purpose of writing this letter? Who was the letter sent to? Why might they be shocked by Malcolm X's new philosophy?

Quote #8

Largely, the American white man's press refused to convey that I was now attempting to teach Negroes a new direction. (19.11)

We guess the American press is not as comfortable with change and transformation as Malcolm X is. Maybe he should've tried Twitter.

Quote #9

I have always understood that's why I have been so frequently called "a revolutionist." It sounds as if I have done some crime! Well, it may be the American black man does need to become involved in a real revolution. The word for "revolution" in German is Umwalzung. What it means is a complete overturn—a complete change. (19.20)

Why do you think some people called Malcolm X a revolutionist in a negative manner? What do you think they meant by the term "revolutionist?" How is it different from what Malcolm X explains a revolution to be?