Question

Compare and contrast Karl Marx and Malcolm X on the priority of race, nation, and class.

Answer 1

Karl Marx’s viewpoint and dialectical materialism makes us to understand the changes in the society. Karl Marx has developed us to understand about the world and how-to bring change in it through his views. According to Marxian theory there is a link between racism and capitalism. Racism and capitalism both are contemporary and Capitalism is dependent on racism as a source of profit-making. But both Capitalism and Racism was used as means to divide and rule. Marx was in belief that to fight against racism working class unity will never be achieved without strong determination by the revolutionary organizations and institutions. Marx argued Perpetration and reproduction of slave trade is dependent on racism that is generated through anti-black racism compelling Capitalism to be emerged first as part of world system. Karl Marx was cognizant of the strange role that played by race in slavery and he was aware of race-based capitalism’s origins as a part of the mundane system. No modern capitalism, no modern world trade and no modern industry cannot work without race-based slavery dittoing the logic of capital is inseparable in many respects which means the accumulation of capital.

Racism is never been a phenomenal part of capitalism, though it very integral part of development. Since its inception by racial factors Capitalism was shaped one cannot oppose Capitalism without making racism a priority. In class domination society race and racism prevails to the deep root. But to the Nation and nationalism Marxist doctrine is no distinct that provide valuable insights such as political modern developments. Nation is a political body functional to the rise of an industrial society where social mobility and bureaucracy can work together smoothly. The political nature of nationalism or nation may be view as (a). An ideology or set principles of politics. (b). State is the key political structure. (c). a matter of identity and sentiments to the role of cultural processes. Nationalism is a modern subject constructed by the citizen, nation is a state of mind with political thrust as nation can be die, born and created in contingencies. Marxist theory being highly optimistic about the socialism thought that nationalism would be succeeded by an internationalism.

Anti-racist struggle and Class struggle have a common doctrine to overcome the alienation and dehumanization by creating new human relations. Racism is not natural but is rooted in the capitalism. Marx held that racism cannot be won on economic alone but by the psychic impact and inner conscious of an individual. Racism is harmful as it denies recognition, blurs the dignity and humanity.

Malcolm X was much complex in comparison to Karl Marx after examining what he wrote about integration, black nationalism, racism, non-violence, politics and many more. Malcolm X’s political philosophy was to make the black men to make their destiny into their hands. Malcolm X was the member of the Nation of Islam but he had a serious difference with the other member of the groups and he left the Nation of Islam. His socialism as a philosophy was undeveloped. Malcolm X saw everything in hustle that doctrine as hustler philosophy as the “Law of Jungle”, where he opined to look for the material gain and the payoffs that are mostly based on through activities that are illegal. Malcolm X’s philosophy was individualistic with the focus on self-benefit. Malcolm X’s philosophy had nothing to do with the opposition to racism and injustice. His philosophy of self-centeredness was no longer prevailed, so, he was compelled to switch over to the philosophy of Unity and fraternity but this was completely ignored as this doctrine was based on seeing whites as an enemy.