The civil rights movement was a huge moment in history that students today study all over the nation. The leaders are the most interesting figures from this time of struggle due to their heavy influence on such a large mass of people both black and white. Everyone knows who Martin Luther King Jr. is, his speech was heard around the nation, and of course many have heard of Malcolm X's speech riddled with aggression. Listening, reading, and interpreting both speeches give a clear image of what our nation was going through and the ideals America possessed. One can also learn about history that extends further than America, and how it related to the transformation the U.S. was about to undergo. Through Martin Luther King Jr.'s World House speech and through Malcolm X's grass roots, one can learn how racism was not the nation's sole problem at the time; about how close people clung to religion but how few lived by their bible, and how change at all costs in America is inevitable with social equality being a prime example.

Rallies, protests, marches, the civil rights movement was hitting the streets hard in an effort to put an end to this social inequality the oppressed were facing, however it is made apparent all the hard work could to live equally in a tainted society. Of course, Martin Luther King Jr. felt the fight for equality needed to occur 

and it was a colossal progression of passion for many. Racism is not news to anyone, but King develops a grandiose awareness of the other great oppressions all inhabitants of this world face.  He makes the point that even with all the efforts for social equality, none of them will even chip away at any other problems. 

Very few had their minds set on topics other than the change of social equality in America, however Martin Luther King Jr. did not want to shy away from subjects like war and poverty. I had not even related those two to the time Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were at large. "However deeply American Negroes are caught in the struggle to be at last at home in our homeland of the United Sates, we cannot ignore the larger world house in which we are also dwellers. Equality with whites will not solve the problems of either whites or Negroes if it means equality in a world society stricken by poverty and a universe doomed to extinction by war." (King)  Through this quote, King reminds the American people that there are terrible existences around the globe that need dire attention. To have this much worry for not only blacks, but for the white folk who he would soon call his brothers, helped me realize social equality wasn't the solitary goal. Rather overcoming racism was only the first step to change in society; there was no stopping as our society units to contest these other pressing tribulations.

Religion can be such a controversial subject as many claim to follow it heavily but few portray their devoutness, especially during the era of the Civil Rights Movement. Even today we fail to take away what's most important from the bible 

Itself, to love thy neighbor. I didn't think munch about religion when studying this time period, but it is now apparent how intensely many strayed from love itself.  A white man would show no compassion for a black man and vice versa. The bible teaches to love every other human being, not to battle and persecute one another. "A revolution is bloody. Revolution is hostile. Revolution knows no compromise. Revolution overturns and destroys everything that gets in its way. And you, sitting around here like a knot on the wall, saying, "I'm going to love these folks no matter how much they hate me." No, you need a revolution." (Malcolm X) This is a perfect example of how a man of Islam loses not only his religion but his sense of control as well. 

One cannot pick different segments of religion and abide by some and choose not to for others. No bible praises avoidable violence. Yes, he holds a different religion than most of his followers, but why did many abandon the religion they had held so dear? In a way, Malcolm X creates a new faith for people to live by, "That's the one that Ma and Pa used to talk about: an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, and a head for a head, and a life for a life: That's a good religion."(Malcolm X) Because Malcolm X said it was acceptable, others found it acceptable. Religion is arguably the most influential concept that has ever existed, and after further studying this speech specifically, I now realize how many abandoned their faith and succumbed to their anger and frustration.  

America is a country constantly accomplishing magnificent varieties of change. There is never a dull moment as we push our society forward unto the unknown. Transforming as a society is never easy, there are going to be those who want change and those who want society to remain the way it is. Of course, nothing ever remains unchanged, as time itself takes its role. "These developments should not surprise any participant of history. Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself...."(King) This adage proves true throughout history and even specifically to the Civil Rights era. However, it seems much more simple in textual form. The reality of change is chaos. As leaders took their roles people viewed them almost as gods. Many would take an idea thrown at them and internalize immediately and live by it. It was dangerous to follow the leader embracing a wrong mindset. Malcolm X's ways were radical and violent. Many heard his teachings of a revolution with "bloodshed" and many tangible examples are available to see the damage done. However, whether Malcolm X preached violence, it was inevitable. American history has proved that almost all conflicts lead to war or revolution. "Look at the American Revolution in 1776. That revolution was for what? For land. Why did they want land? Independence. How was it carried out? Bloodshed. Number one, it was based on land, the basis of independence." (Malcolm X) Before reading this, I had not realized how prone America is to transformation. The countries ideals are constantly changing every decade or so. All in all, with or without violence, America would have found a way for ultimate equality. 

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are key Civil Rights movement figures that we have talked about in class.  Almost everyone has heard these two names globally, and what they have done as leaders for this colossal push in for social equality. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X's critical speeches have greatly influenced how I view the period of the Civil Rights movement. These two texts have caused me to think further than just a struggle of protests and equality. I had never put mass poverty and war into perspective during this time. The speeches heavy talk of religion forced me to contemplate religion and its influence during the time. Lastly, I had never put constant change in America into perspective. If there's one thing America is adamant on is its collective will to overcome adversity. Both of these speeches not only helped me understand more about a time, but a helped me attain much more in-depth vision of this time. Accordingly, others who will read these two speeches have a great opportunity to further understand a substantial turning point in American history.

