Malcolm X's cultural rebirth--his improbable second coming--brims with irony. The nineties are marked by intense and often angry debates about racial authenticity and "selling out;" and the participants in these debates--from politicians to filmmakers to rap artists--often draw on Malcolm's scorching rebukes to such moves. Meanwhile; Malcolm's "X" is marketed in countless business endeavors and is stylishly branded on baseball hats and T-shirts sported by every age; race; and gender. But this rampant commercialization is only a small part of Malcolm's remarkable renaissance. One of the century's most complex black leaders; he is currently blazing a new path across contemporary popular culture; and has even seared the edges of an academy that once froze him out. Thirty years after his assassination; what is it about his life and words that speaks so powerfully to so many? In Making Malcolm; Michael Eric Dyson probes the myths and meanings of Malcolm X for our time. From Spike Lee's film biography to Eugene Wolfenstein's psychobiographical study; from hip-hop culture to gender and racial politics; Dyson cuts a critical swathe through both the idolization and the vicious caricatures that have undermined appreciation of Malcolm's greatest accomplishments. The book's first section offers a boldly original and penetrating analysis of the major trends in interpreting Malcolm's legacy since his death; and the fiercely competing interests and ideologies that have shaped these trends. From mainstream books to writings published by the independent black press; Dyson identifies and examines the different "Malcolms" who have emerged in popular and academic investigations of his life and career: Malcolm as hero and saint; Malcolm as a public moralist; Malcolm as victim and vehicle of psychohistorical forces; and Malcolm as revolutionary figure. With impassioned and compelling force; Dyson argues that Malcolm was too formidable a historic figure--the movements he led too variable and contradictory; the passion and intelligence he summoned too extraordinary and disconcerting--to be viewed through any narrow cultural prism. The second half of the book offers a fascinating exploration of Malcolm's relationship to a resurgent black nationalism; his influence on contemporary black filmmakers and musicians; and his use in progressive black politics. From sexism and gangsta' rap to the painful predicament of black males; from the politics of black nationalism to the possibilities of race in the Age of Clinton; Dyson's trenchant and often inspiring analysis reveals how Malcolm's legacy continues to spur debate and action today. A rare and important book; Making Malcolm casts new light not only on the life and career of a seminal black leader; but on the aspirations and passions of the growing numbers who have seized on his life for insight and inspiration.
#1636419 in Books 1995-01-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.69 x .89 x 5.83l; #File Name: 019509235X248 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An informative perspective on MalcolmBy jamooreI am a big fan of Malcolm X. Next to my father; Malcolm has been the biggest influence on my life. So I was very interested in getting an analysis of Malcolm's life from the extremely intelligent professor and social commentator Michael Eric Dyson.Dr. Dyson does an excellent job of objectively presenting Malcolm's ideas and views; both positive and negative. While Dr. Dyson lauds Malcolm's discipline and ability to criticize himself; he scorns Malcolm's early misogynism. There are parts of the book that get a bit heady for the casual reader; such as Dyson's over worded explanation of two psychobiographies written about Malcolm. But overall; Dr. Dyson does an excellent job of explaining Malcolm's role in contemporary society; especially in his plea to rescue young black males.Dr. Dyson does get off subject at times; such as his overanalysis of early 1990s black films and his semi rant against inconsistencies in the Clinton adminstration. But Dyson does an excellent job of reviewing Spike Lee's biopic on Malcolm; in fact devoting a whole chapter to it.Overall there were some confusing points in the book that force me to deduct a star; but the book still an informative and enjoyable read about a giant in American history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Sharon McElroyDyson will always be a part of my collection.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good ReadBy BoddiegirlI would recommend this book. It's an easy read and informative. There were a few things in the book I did not agree with; but still an interesting read.
