Khalid Abdul Muhammad: In His Own Words read article here
Khalid Muhammad died on February 17, 2001 from the effects of a brain aneurysm. Prior to his death, his words and deeds had been the focus of increasing public attention. A former national spokesman for the Nation of Islam (NOI), Muhammad’s outspoken rhetoric was exceedingly confrontational. His supporters viewed his hateful diatribes as expressions of rage that traditional Black leaders were unable or unwilling to deliver. However, his numerous appearances at universities and rallies proved to be little more than a platform for his virulent anti-Semitism and racism.
My Take
Everyone who has been through oppression would like to see a change. There is no doubt that a reversal in roles of black and white would help. I am speaking of a Western society so forgive the obvious omission of other races. The struggle and controversy of this individual is outlined as white black not minority white etc. As such there is a call for reversal. But is that ideal or helpful for the generation we are in? The answer is no to a rhetorical question. I say this knowing the generational injustices haven’t come to an end and of course there is the ignorance perpetuated through history.
“It is true that Khallid’s words hurt many people’s feelings. But when his words become emblematic of racism and the acts and deeds of powerful government officials, when they become mere business-as-usual, something is wrong somewhere. Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad never stopped a car driven by whites. He never forced the occupants out of their vehicles to lie face down in the mud at the point of a gun…read more
I read this excerpt and see the argument but to fight ignorance with ignorance isn’t a solution to the situation we find ourselves in. There is ample justification for a war but unless said war has a conclusion of peace and harmony it would serve no purpose. The problem with using excuses is that we do not become mentally free or independent or capable. We simply become that which we do not appreciate. The ideals of Dr. Muhammad as with many others is exemplary until it reaches a point of external conflict being the premier way to emancipation. To be liberal and free is one of internal struggles that we must first overcome. Militancy should be a recourse if that step to freedom is opposed. A form of defense and surety that the road traveled has no obstacles. To use certain tactics is to stray from that road and lose the true goal and purpose to our future. Do I disagree with the good Dr.? The ideal no, but the imbalance and personal emotion added to what is supposed to be an impartial position, makes it hard to be a supporter. My disagreements lie mostly in the direction he chose as that leaves those in the current “struggle” seemingly without outlets to articulate their plight and be fairly heard.