Making Malcolm: The Myth and Meaning of Malcolm X

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Dyson sees Malcolm X as a symbol of the self-discipline, self-esteem and moral leadership necessary to combat the spiritual and economic corruption of poor African American communities. This thoughtful, scholarly essay on the charismatic political leader, assassinated in 1965, scrutinizes his reemergence as a cultural hero. Dyson, a Baptist minister and professor of communications at the University of North Carolina, calls for a new progressive black politics anchored in radical democracy, redistribution of wealth through taxation and restructuring of opportunities for the neediest. The legacy of both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. to progressive blacks, he maintains, is the imagination and energy to build bridges with Latinos, gays, feminists, environmental activists and others seeking equality and economic democracy. Calling the Malcolm portrayed in Spike Lee's recent film ``a potent and valuable figure,'' Dyson nevertheless faults Lee for leaving largely untouched Malcolm's broadening of his ideological perspective in his final years. (Nov.)

School Library Journal

YA-In the first section of this scholarly discourse, Dyson analyzes a selective group of writings by and about Malcolm X, discussing various interpretations of events, Malcolm's evolving philosophy, and its perceived place in today's world. The larger, second section is an attempt to place Malcolm into historical context by comparing him to Martin Luther King, Jr., and to figures such as Louis Farrakhan, and to interpret his strong influence on young African American males through films and music. The author shows in thorough and definitive detail just how important Malcolm is to disenfranchised youth. Unfortunately, his writing style is pompous and repetitive, and the vocabulary is difficult. In addition, there are times when his personal viewpoints and experiences intrude upon and interrupt the flow of his narrative. However, if students are willing to put forth the effort, they will find some interesting perspectives and creative analyses of a powerful cultural icon of the 20th century.-Pat Royal, Crossland High School, Camp Springs, MD

From Barnes & Noble

One of our most complex black leaders, Malcolm X still influences pop culture, searing the edges of an academy that once froze him out. Dyson examines the many different "Malcolms"--saint, hero, public moralist, & revolutionary.