Social Angst Celebrates Black History: Malcom's By Any Means Necessary Remains Relevant

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"We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary." - Malcolm X, 1964

It has been 45+ years since Malcolm X uttered the phrase that would become synonymous with his legacy.  By any means necessary - a four word statement that even til this day brings a powerful sense of reckoning with it.  I think about what the era of civil rights must have been like.  What the overpowering sense of unrest must have felt like.  How anxious for change blacks must have been.  I think of the excitement, focus, determination and action and I am slightly envious.

There is something mesmerizing to me about the era of civil rights.  Whether accurate or not, I imagine the era to be one of cultural synergy, where the collective desire for progress among Black people was so urgent that inaction was not an option.  By comparison, my generation, seems (whether accurate or not) contented with the status quo. 

It isn't that we have no societal ills to fight against and rally behind.  There are any number of causes that directly affect the livelihood and developmental potential of Black society.  Systematic inequalities in education, employment, media and public perception are all causes that could and should be advocated for by the Black populace. 

Alas, perhaps life is currently too good and only through tremendous strife are people willing to push themselves and their race to greatness.  By any means necessary... Perhaps when the means are too simple - educating one self, involving oneself in the political process, communing with ones neighbors to strengthen communities, being benevolent to those who have been less fortunate than you, and sharing information - it's just not that interesting.

By any means necessary.  It wasn't a call to violence more than a call to action.

Happy Black History Month (though the phrase didn't trend yesterday...)! I'll give Malcolm the stage:

     

       MALCOLM X: By Any Means Necessary - Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.