Malcom X is a name that most Americans know off the top of their head as a leader during the civil rights movement; however, his views were more radical than most other activists at the time. He preached for black supremacy and the separation of black and whites. He wanted the black community to take action, but instead of peaceful protests he called for all-out war. In his speech "A Message to the Grassroots" he said that any black that was not ready to fight for their freedom was just as bad as a "house-negro", who during the time of slavery were believed to be just as evil as the white man. This speech is a reflection of Malcom X's views, and compared to activists such as MLK or James L. Farmer, his views seem radical. MLK preached for a non-violent campaign for equality, and James L. Farmer led the fight for fair education. Both of these men contradict Malcom X's views, and according to history, their ideals were embraced more easily than those of Malcom X. Malcom X, although a well-educated and competent leader, was not able to rally enough support for his cause from the black community during the civil rights movement due to powerful leaders such as MLK and James L. Farmer.

The teachings of Malcom X were violent and radical in nature. He called all members of the black community to take action against the whites of America. He preached a calling to arms in order to achieve equality for African-Americans in America, and he believed that if someone was not ready to fight for freedom, they did not deserve it. His speech, "A Message to the Grassroots", was a powerful speech that offered a different course of action that could be taken to obtain freedom. Unfortunately this required countless lives to be lost in what would have been an all-out race war. All of Malcom X's views on taking action are summed up in this speech, and all of his views contradict all the goals MLK and other peaceful activists were working towards. For example, in this speech Malcom X states, "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. And the only way they could get it was bloodshed" (Malcom X). He compares the black revolution to that of the American Revolution, so he believes that nothing will change until a war is started. Moreover, these views completely contradict MLK's beliefs, and posed a threat to the non-violent movement MLK and others were trying to establish.

Unity amongst all people was MLK's forefront argument in the battle for racial equality, and many other black activist over history have based their beliefs on this concept. For example, James L. Farmer, the leader of the famous Freedom Ride, organized events that demanded equality in a peaceful and respectful way. Farmer also preached the idea of educational equality. He believed that education was the best way to breach the gap of inequality. One of his famous quotes being, "Inner city education must change. Our responsibility is not merely to provide access to knowledge; we must produce educated people" (James L. Farmer). Educated people within the black community allows for a bright and positive future for African-Americans as well as for America. Education breaks down the fears and hatred of the unknown that is usually caused by ignorance, and when well educated people look to resolve an issue, typically violence would only be used as a last resort. 

These peaceful solutions and events created and organized by other civil rights activists coincided with MLK's vision for America. In "I Have a Dream" MLK said, 

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!" (Martin Luther King Jr.)

MLK was known for this type of imagery, and by giving concrete examples of the racist past of America in some areas and combining them with his hopes for the future on what those places could accomplish. 

Race still plays a huge role in today's society. It brings out the worst in us. Humans fear what they don't understand and that fear turns to hate. In today's society, people can use the teachings of Malcom X and call for a race war, but realistically what would that solve? Why would people want to hurt others solely based on their race, isn't that the definition of racism? Malcom X's teachings would only perpetuate the reoccurring problems of race and cause more division between people, yet peaceful movements, such as those of MLK and James L. Farmer, bring injustices into the eyes of the public with a positive attitude for change, which over the course of history, with issues involving race, have been the more supported of the two movements.

