The documentary is very well done and extremely interesting. The amount of footage that they were able to amass of one of America's most important cultural figures is quite impressive. As a fan of history, social movements, and of Brother Malcolm himself, all of these aspects made for a great documentary series to watch; and at a time when such a topic is very salient and pertinent. However, it does leave a lot to be desired in terms of content and in terms of investigative research. There appears to be a great deal of research done for this series, only that it appears to be the wrong "kind" of research.
The main issue is that the documentary, like many other Netflix "investigative documentaries" focuses on ethnographic accounts about what X meant to them, and spent little time focusing upon any kind of facts pertaining to the tragic assassination of such an important political figure. And as a result, it begs the question when drawing a conclusion as to what took place. That is to say that it assumes a conclusion without supporting it what so ever. The more important and tragic aspect which is painfully overlooked, is in the teachings and lessons of Brother Malcolm as well as the Nation of Islam... And in my opinion, it is THIS, which aught to have been the focus if the criminal investigative elements were missing. Brother Malcolm, the Nation of Islam, and the fatal ends to a brilliant life deserves better.
As someone who's studied much on the life and times of Malcolm X, the reason "why" he was killed, is far more an important question than "who" killed him. And here in lies the importance of his teachings, more so than the sentimental remembering of people who were not present at that time, or who, most often, didn't even know the man first hand. There was so much more to his teachings than being confrontational.
What aught to have been the focus upon is the dangers of the "nice white people" who suggest that Black Americans can't help but be what they are; the assumption being that they cannot become civilized or improve themselves. What aught to have been focused upon was his teachings about self improvement from within the Black Community, rather that from without it, as status cannot ever be bestowed; it must be earned. A focus on working, getting educated, and against promiscuity and intoxication; sadly not enough of this is present in this series. And just as it sounds as though this information might get some time on screen, the speaking parts of Malcolm himself are cut out and replaced by some ramblings of someone else. And most importantly, that the American media is the single more powerful entity on earth. This documentary appears to reinforce that narrative, as it clearly misrepresents that which Brother Malcolm represented in his core values.
"The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses." - Malcolm X
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will made you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X
Always remember that these quotes work in either direction. And it is these types of teachings which were lost by this opportunity. It saddens me deeply. In such a time, we need to focus upon his other aspirations and intentions; unity and actual equality.
"We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity." - Malcolm X
3 out of 7 found this helpful.
Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
