Malcolm X Quote Send Them To The Cemetery
Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the African American civil rights movement in the 1960s. He was known for his radical views and his strong advocacy for black nationalism. One of his most famous quotes is "send them to the cemetery", which has been interpreted in various ways. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this quote and its relevance in today's society.
The Context of the Quote
The quote "send them to the cemetery" was part of a speech given by Malcolm X on December 1, 1963, in New York City. The speech was delivered in response to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which had occurred a few days earlier. In the speech, Malcolm X criticized the American government for its treatment of African Americans and its foreign policy.
He argued that the assassination of Kennedy was a result of the government's own violent actions and that the American people should not be surprised by it. He then went on to say:
"We don't advocate violence; we advocate peace. But if you stop us from obtaining our goals, we'll use any means necessary to get our goals. And that's what the young brother here - and you've got a lot of them in America today - who are not afraid to die. And anytime you're not afraid to die, you're not afraid to achieve your goal. But I'm a Muslim. I believe in Allah. I believe in peace. I believe in the brotherhood of all men. But I don't believe in turning the other cheek. They hit me, I'm going to hit them back. And if I'm too old to fight, I'll get young blood to fight. And I don't see any American dream; I see an American nightmare."
It is in this context that he uttered the famous quote "send them to the cemetery".
The Meaning of the Quote
The quote "send them to the cemetery" has been interpreted in different ways by different people. Some have taken it to mean that Malcolm X was advocating violence and death. Others have argued that he was simply stating the reality of the situation and the consequences of the government's actions.
What is clear is that Malcolm X was a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans and was willing to use any means necessary to achieve those rights. He believed that the government had been oppressing African Americans for far too long and that it was time for them to stand up and fight for their rights.
While some may disagree with his methods, it cannot be denied that Malcolm X was a passionate and committed advocate for justice and equality. His words and actions continue to inspire people today.
The Relevance of the Quote Today
The quote "send them to the cemetery" remains relevant today in the context of ongoing struggles for social justice and equality. While the civil rights movement of the 1960s achieved many important victories, there is still much work to be done to address systemic racism and inequality in America.
Malcolm X's message of standing up for one's rights and using any means necessary to achieve them can be seen in the Black Lives Matter movement and other social justice movements today. The quote "send them to the cemetery" may be seen as a call to action, a reminder that those who are oppressed must be willing to fight for their rights and not back down in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
The quote "send them to the cemetery" is a powerful and provocative statement that has been interpreted in different ways over the years. While some may disagree with Malcolm X's methods, his commitment to justice and equality cannot be denied. His words and actions continue to inspire people today, and the relevance of his message remains as important as ever.
