I perceived as I read, how the collective white man had been actually nothing but a piratical opportunist who used Faustian machinations to make his own Christianly his wedge in criminal conquests. First, always “religiously,” he branded “heathen” and “pagan” labels upon ancient non-white cultures and civilizations. The stage thus set, he then turned upon his non-white victims his weapons of war.

 

--Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X

 

Discuss:

 

1. What is the author’s attitude toward the collective white man?

He thinks that the white man is always a bad person that never does good.

2. What is the tone of the passage? Change the color of the words that reveal the tone of the passage.

The tone seems to be negative towards the white man, saying that he is evil.

3. Create a hyperlink that explains the connotation of each word.

 

4. Post the work you have completed.

 

Apply: Rewrite the first sentence of the Malcolm X passage to read like positive propaganda for “the collective white man.”  Your sentence should have the same basic meaning as Malcolm X’s sentence, but the tone should be positive and non-critical.  Share your sentence with a partner and discuss the power words have to reveal and shape attitudes.

 

 

I perceived as I read, how the collective white man had been actually nothing but a smart opportunist who used Faustian thoughtfulness to make his own Christianly his wedge in lawless conquests.