In the 5min speech below, Malcolm X makes an argument in favor of violence when violence is called for.
Excerpts:
We are peaceful people, we are loving people. We love everybody who loves us. But we don’t love anybody who doesn’t love us. We’re nonviolent with people who are nonviolent with us. But we are not nonviolent with anyone who is violent with us.
…
Whatever kind of action program can be devised to get us the thing that are ours by right, then I’m for that action no matter what the action is.
I don’t think when a man is being criminally treated, that some criminal has the right to tell that man what tactics to use to get the criminal off his back. When a criminal starts misusing me, I’m going to use whatever necessary to get that criminal off my back.
And the injustice that has been inflicted on Negros in this country by Uncle Sam is criminal…
Watch:
Comments 7
Bill R — December 2, 2014
The vigilante is indeed an effective debater. But if he pushes his issue with violence he is usually caught and jailed without achieving his goals.
The state has legitimate control over the exclusive use of violence within its borders and in defense of itself. This is why we react so strongly to abuse of power by agents of the state like police. Non-violence is the way to go.
In any event, I don't care who you stick in a video to promote violence. Your message is a loser and the biggest losers are those incited to violence by provocative others. This kind of hatred is dominating the middle-east right now if you haven't noticed...
Larry Charles Wilson — December 2, 2014
I'm still opposed to the Revolution. God Save The Queen!
Japaniard — December 2, 2014
So the people in Furguson were so angry with the local Little Cesar's/Drug Store/etc that they had to burn it down because they were treated violently by the local businesses? Is that why the police station wasn't set on fire?
Or was the purpose of uploading this video for you to state your disapproval up the riots in Furguson that mainly victimized unaffected parties?
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[…] Malcolm X: “We’re nonviolent with people who are nonviolent with us.” […]
Liliana R. — November 10, 2022
All of you who are against this are not thinking about this in the eyes of a Black person or POC. In regards to "Bill R.,"...
"But if he pushes his issue with violence he is usually caught and jailed without achieving his goals." A. Why do you think this is? Isn't this a part of our supposed 2nd amendment rights? When a Black or Brown person is being attacked, aren't we allowed to fight back? He explicitly states that we are ONLY violent with those who are violent with us. We love those who love us. But if we are being attacked, then we WILL fight back. It's more of a chance that a non-person of color won't go to jail and find a compromise with the police rather than a Black or Brown person; chances are, a Black or Brown person will be arrested even if they are the victim. That's not justice.
The state has legitimate control over the exclusive use of violence within its borders and in defense of itself. This is why we react so strongly to abuse of power by agents of the state like police. Non-violence is the way to go.
A. But, when is it finally enough? When are we going to stand up for ourselves and in turn dismantle police brutality? Not just among Black and Brown peoples, but amongst all people? So, are you saying that we should just let it happen and be nonviolent? Of course no one wants to resort to violence, but when will it end? When will police brutality and white supremacy end? C'mon.
In any event, I don't care who you stick in a video to promote violence. Your message is a loser and the biggest losers are those incited to violence by provocative others. This kind of hatred is dominating the middle-east right now if you haven't noticed...
A. Honestly... it sounds like you haven't understood his message at all... it's not about promoting violence. It's about self-defense and the right to defend yourself against violent people. I would like to call you a loser but in the great words of Malcolm X, “Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today.” So, I hope that you look at this video from a different point of view.. without a view of anger, condemnation, or hate. I hope that you see and hear his words and know that within the Black community, as well as the Brown community, this is hope. Sometime's it's hard to see the world from the eyes of someone that's not us, but when we do, it can be enlightening. Good luck.
FRed — January 26, 2023
Lillian R. - very well said. I also respect and appreciate Malcolm's willingness to defend himself and his community while loving and being non-violent with those who reciprocate.