How Malcolm X was portrayed by white mainstream media during his lifetime in contrast to how he represents himself in The Autobiography of Malcolm X

This paper examines how Malcolm X was portrayed by white mainstream media during his lifetime in contrast to how he represents himself in The Autobiography of Malcolm X, arguing that media coverage often distorted or simplified his image, while his autobiography presents a more nuanced and evolving account of his beliefs, identity, and political vision.

Outline:

1. Introduction

• Presentation of the research question

• Introduction of Malcolm X

• Overview of the primary sources used

2. Role of U.S. American Media in the 1950s/60s

• Role of the media in the civil rights movement

• Media coverage of Black political leaders

3. Representation of Malcolm X in the Media

• Newspaper articles

• TV

4. Malcolm X’s Self-Representation

• Self-representation by Malcolm X

• The Autobiography of Malcolm X

• The Last Speeches

• Malcolm X Speaks

-> Usage of these three primary sources to analyze how Malcolm X presents himself

5. Comparison

6. Conclusion