Monday, June 13, 2011

My Review of Manning Marable's Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention

Check out my review of Manning Marable's book, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention.



4 comments:

  1. Mr Asaka:

    I have a question for you.
    You challenge the late Manning Marable as to the purpose of his expose' of Malcolm X's sexual exploits in relation to his works. Then you make the case that they are unsubstantiated rumors their inclusion is even more spurious.

    In the past year a book was released about Brother Justice Clarence Thomas that provided an account of his sexual exploits with the author of the book.

    DID YOU believe that the book about Justice Thomas' sexual exploits was similarly intemperate?

    Should be appraise a man's "professional" record based on his works or should these personal issues be brought in for consideration? OR does the favorability of said person make the difference?

    I am sure that you will say that Thomas' confirmation hearings were laced with claims of sexual impropriety and thus the claims from this second woman about Thomas' sexual prowess prove him to be guilty as charged. Yet there is a long list of individuals in which such circumstantial evidence and/or inductive claims of guilt which the same people in Black America repudiate when prosecutors attempt to use these same tactics to ensnare Black people.

    I am not seeking to make Malcolm X and Clarence Thomas into men of equal stature. It appears to me that one's like for a man should not have you to demand that certain personal matters be kept out of public discourse while such information about an enemy of yours deserves to be published because it further proves his unworthiness as the pile against him is built up.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have not read the book about Justice Thomas. So, I am not in a position to discuss it.

    In general, certain personal matters should not be discussed in a political autobiography. However, Justice Thomas was accused of sexual harassment. That is illegal conduct. That is different from personal conduct between consenting adults. Therefore, to extent that the book addresses a pattern of illegal conduct, it is relevant.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have just started reading this book and it is so enlighting. I have not been able to put this book down. One of the best books I have read so far regarding Malcolm X. It amazes me how this author has put togethor pieces of a crime that police have not be able to do or cared to do. Sad that the author did not live to see the success of this book, that I am certain it would be.

    ReplyDelete
  4. @Sverige...I agree. Other than the original Autobiography, it is the best book that I have read about Malcolm X's life. It is groundbreaking and insightful.

    ReplyDelete