October 26, 2024 08:45am PDT
(PenniesToSave.com) – Malcolm X, an enduring figure in the American civil rights movement, is remembered for his bold stance on racial justice and his sharp critiques of American politics. Known for his skepticism toward both major political parties, he believed that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans served Black Americans effectively. He warned against trusting either party, famously stating that both often used Black Americans for their own political gain without delivering meaningful change. Malcolm X’s political philosophy might align or clash with the policies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, regarding issues like criminal justice, economic justice, racial equity, and political accountability.
Malcolm X’s Political Philosophy
Malcolm X was famously wary of both the Democratic and Republican parties. In his view, both often exploited Black voters without delivering meaningful change. His speeches, particularly “The Ballot or the Bullet,” urged Black Americans to approach politics pragmatically, choosing candidates who offered tangible benefits to their communities rather than supporting parties out of loyalty. Malcolm’s call for self-determination and skepticism of political structures suggests he would evaluate this year’s candidates not by party affiliation but by their track records and promises to the Black community.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Reform
A staunch critic of police brutality and a proponent of self-defense, Malcolm X might have mixed views on the candidates’ approaches to criminal justice.
- Donald Trump has positioned himself as a “law and order” candidate, emphasizing support for police and strict enforcement against crime. However, his administration passed the First Step Act, which reduced sentences for nonviolent offenders, gaining bipartisan praise as a step toward reform. Yet his rhetoric on protests against police violence has drawn criticism for potentially stoking division rather than encouraging systemic change.
- Kamala Harris, as a former prosecutor, has a complex record on law enforcement. Critics argue that her past support for “tough on crime” policies contributed to mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting Black communities. Since joining the Biden administration, she has supported police reform and racial justice legislation, including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Malcolm X might view her evolving stance cautiously, weighing her record against her current support for reform.
Economic Policies and Black Empowerment
Malcolm X strongly believed in economic independence and self-sufficiency for Black Americans, often advocating for Black-owned businesses and economic empowerment as a path to liberation.
- Donald Trump’s economic policies focused on deregulation, tax cuts, and job growth, which helped reduce Black unemployment before the pandemic. However, critics argue that his tax cuts primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, raising questions about long-term benefits for working-class Americans. Malcolm X might appreciate the job growth but criticize the policy’s benefits to wealthy individuals over struggling families.
- Kamala Harris and the Biden administration support progressive tax policies that aim to reduce income inequality, including increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans to fund social programs like expanded child tax credits and student debt relief. While not necessarily aligned with Malcolm X’s call for Black economic independence, these policies could benefit working-class and marginalized communities directly. Malcolm might support Harris’s economic policies if they prove beneficial for Black families.
Racial Justice and Systemic Inequality
Malcolm X was an outspoken advocate for Black liberation and systemic change, often addressing structural racism directly and calling for Black unity in response to oppression.
- Donald Trump has often criticized the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice protests, emphasizing a “law and order” response. His statements on race have been polarizing, with some seeing them as insensitive to the realities of systemic racism. Malcolm X, who faced state violence in his activism, might find this stance problematic, potentially seeing it as dismissive of the very real struggles Black Americans face daily.
- Kamala Harris has openly supported racial justice initiatives, including police reform and policies aimed at reducing racial disparities. Although her record as a prosecutor includes stances criticized as detrimental to Black communities, her recent advocacy for racial equity aligns more closely with policies Malcolm X might have supported, particularly if they go beyond symbolic gestures and address underlying inequalities.
Malcolm X’s Take on Election Rhetoric and Voter Strategy
Malcolm X famously warned Black Americans against blindly aligning with any political party. He believed in a strategic approach to voting, leveraging political power to achieve concrete benefits for Black communities.
- This year, Malcolm might advocate for voters to prioritize candidates based on their commitments to racial and economic justice, avoiding blind party loyalty. Trump’s rhetoric, often divisive, could be a point of contention for Malcolm, who might see it as polarizing rather than unifying. Harris’s progressive social stances may align more with Malcolm X’s long-term goals, though he would likely still advise caution, urging Black voters to demand accountability from any candidate they support.
Final Thoughts
Malcolm X’s philosophy, centered on Black empowerment, economic self-sufficiency, and systemic change, would likely drive him to critique both Harris and Trump. He would probably approach each candidate pragmatically, challenging Black Americans to leverage their vote to secure concrete benefits rather than relying on party promises. Ultimately, Malcolm’s enduring legacy would push for a political strategy focused on achieving real change and holding candidates accountable to the needs of Black communities.