… Thomas was deeply inspired by Malcolm X. He had a poster of Malcolm X that hung in his dorm room. He memorized many of his speeches by heart, and he continues to evoke him frequently to this day.
It was Malcolm X, of course, who famously declared that, “In this deceitful American game of power politics, the Negros (i.e. the race problem, the integration and civil rights issues) are nothing but tools, used by one group of whites called Liberals against another group of whites called Conservatives, either to get into power or to remain in power.”
He argued that white liberals and white conservatives differ “only in one way: the liberal is more deceitful than the conservative. The liberal is more hypocritical than the conservative. Both want power, but the white liberal is the one who has perfected the art of posing as the Negro’s friend and benefactor.” He continued, “By winning the friendship, allegiance and support of the Negro, the white liberal is able to use the Negro as a pawn or a tool.”
Hi Frank,
ReplyDeleteI'm not agreeing or disagreeing with Malcolm X's statement itself, but it definitely requires edifying in this context. It surely applies to some light-complected "liberals" in the 60s. But reality is far more complex, and so became X in his beliefs during this time.
That's my point, that the quote you have does not well-represent the beliefs of any person who would have X's poster up, like Clarence Thomas, in the mid to late 60s. Indeed it could be that he aligned with Malcolm X in opposition to Elijah Muhammed, or likely he contonued to grow with the much older X as X grew himself.
X changed his mind about white people. He broke with such teachings of Elijah Muhammad and embraced a far more inclusive Islam after going to Mecca, where he was worshipping alongside people of every complexion. This changed X's approach and resolve.
Before X's break with Muhammed, he would begin statements with something to the effect of, "As the beloved Elijah point out . . ." I cannot find the date of the quote you post, but it sounds pre-Mecca. It seems before Thomas' college time, even if it speaks to his turning to conservatism. It would be interesting to know his reaction to the quote today.
Sorry, I meant to sign in. Even though I support pseudonym and anonymous usage online, to protect especially those who are in danger when they express beliefs, I have no reason to, and wish to have my name attached.
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