Rhetorical Analysis On Malcolm X

Serving his ten year sentence in a state prison Malcolm X encounters a religious teacher named Baines (Albert Hall) who provided knowledge on Islamic beliefs. He too was a manipulator. He taught Malcolm X not to have self-hatred in exchange for hate people of Caucasian descent. For instance, in one scene Baines interrupts Malcolm X in the shower as he is using his lye straightening products. Baines offers Malcolm X a drink, which is similar to a drug to get him high. Baines does this because he known this is the only way Malcolm will speak with him. He actually even states it to Malcolm in the scene. This was a manipulation tactic similar to the one used by Archie in the bar scene. Baines becomes the connection between Malcolm X and Elijah
Muhammad. Malcolm X wrote to Elijah Muhammad against other people in power, but only heard back for Elijah Muhammad. The scene were Malcolm X is in his prison cell and a bright visual of Elijah Muhammad appears in front of him as he is reading the letter he received. This is a significant scene that is an attribute to previous invention throughout history. Malcolm has become influence now by the teaching of Baines and has dedicated himself to Elijah Muhammad and the Islamic beliefs. A seed has been planted in Malcolm’s head that all white men are the devil. He has allowed Elijah Muhammed to control his thinking on Caucasian people.