1960s Dbq Analysis

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During the 1960’s, the Civil Rights movement was in full force. Leaders of the movement, such as Martin Luther King Junior and Malcolm X advocated for equality amongst whites and blacks. However, although there appeared to exist a warmth and mutual respect between the two, as shown in a photograph taken of them when they first met at the U.S. capitol (Doc 1), their philosophies regarding the movement greatly differed. For example, King supported non-violence while Malcolm X believed that African Americans should attempt to earn equality by any means necessary (Doc 9). While both advocated equality, King’s philosophy made more sense for America in the 1960’s because Malcolm X called for separate but equal (Doc 3), which was ruled inherently …show more content…
It’s obvious that two groups cannot achieve a common goal if they refuse to cooperate. To do this and expect the two groups to reach the same resolution is like asking two parallel lines to intersect. They have the same goal in mind, but the end result will not be the same. Similarly, the two parallel lines have the same slope, but they will never cross. King knew that the Civil Rights movement would get nowhere if blacks and whites didn't work …show more content…
King was famous for preaching civil disobedience, that is, protesting in peaceful ways (Doc 8), while Malcolm X thought that blacks must protect themselves “by any means necessary” (Doc 9). As mentioned previously, this methodology did not make sense because it is widely known, and has been proven time and time again, that violence only breeds more violence. If this were true, then how would acting violently against those who were acting violently against you put an end to violence? This wouldn't have been effective in any era, let alone the