To what extent did the aims and methods of Martin Luther King differ from those of the Back Power Activists?
Martin Luther King’s methods are in a stark contrast from that of the BPP and Malcom X. Where Martin Luther King had peacefull aims based on equality which was reflected thorough his choice of approach and response to scenarios. The BPP’s aims were based around their beliefs and as a result their actions reflected this, this difference in aims is what directed these different parties of MLK and the BPP.
Martin Luther King’s aims were centred around the ideology of Ghandi and his peaceful approach, Ghandi’s influence was clear throughout MLK’s efforts, his views were based upon that of equality for all races and the progression of the removal of prejudices and a world where “they will not be judged by the colour of their skin”. Martin Luther King’s view of all races being equal is in complete contrast to that of to Malcom X and the BPP who’s beliefs stated that white people were the creation of an evil scientist and were “morally inferior”, this theology meant that Malcom X and the BPP who were a child party of his, viewed white people as below black people, this extremist view again was reflected though their extremist actions and the public gunfights and continued clashes with the police.
The BPP’s exclusion of white members went against the efforts of Martin Luther King as it built tension and reinforced the segregation in societies that MLK was trying to combat and break down, the BPP’s campaigns against “white oppression” and white symbols of power such as the police encouraged and practiced violence and ambushed officers, whereas Martin Luther King encouraged a violent reaction form the police but without retaliation or counter violence from protestors to highlight police brutality. Martin Luther King spoke of rising above the standards of racists and