A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
Malcolm XRead
We black men have a hard enough time in our own struggle for justice, and already have enough enemies as it is, to make the drastic mistake of attacking each other and adding more weight to an already unbearable load.
Interpretation
Malcolm X emphasizes the importance of unity among black men in their struggle for justice, warning against internal conflict.
In this quote, Malcolm X speaks to the challenges faced by black men in their fight for justice and equality. He highlights that there are already significant obstacles posed by external enemies, and the real danger lies in turning against one another, which would only compound their struggles. The call is for solidarity and collaboration rather than division, as internal conflict weakens their collective effort towards achieving justice.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech addressing community leaders to encourage collaboration.
A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.
I have more respect for a man who lets me know where he stands, even if he's wrong, than the one who comes up like an angel and is nothing but a devil.
When you want a nation, that's called nationalism... Black nationalism. A revolutionary is a Black nationalist. He wants a nation.
So over you is the greatest enemy a man can have — and that is fear. I know some of you are afraid to listen to the truth — you have been raised on fear and lies. But I am going to preach to you the truth until you are free of that fear...
Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything. They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about a change.
Time is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. Truth is on the side of the oppressed today, it's against the oppressor. You don't need anything else.
Justice must be done in investigating the tragic death of Mr. Freddie Gray. His family deserves our deepest sympathy and respect for their loss, and our admiration for their courage in calling us, as a city, to act as our better selves.
But I wound like people to think I was an honest judge and a good judge. And I always tried the reach the best result in every case.
Rejecting the fundamental provision of the Civil Rights Act is a rejection of the foundational promise of America that all men and women should be treated equally, a promise for which many Americans have lost their lives.
Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them.
Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.
I am much happier fighting for justice than I ever was fighting for money.
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