A literacy sponsor can be looked at as something of a mentor. It is an individual, often times of lofty socioeconomic status, that has the power of influence over an attendee. Often times these indivduals are well-spoken and live a life of moderate publicity. People such as priests, political figures, teachers, and so forth.
Pertaining to Malcolm X, his greatest influence was Elijah Muhammad, an african american religious leader of the Nation of Islam. Muhammad influenced, alongside other factors, toward readings about the black power struggle and the oppression from the white man. His social isolation, caused in part from prison, only allowed him a narrow view of society and the behavior of whites for a prolonged period of time. This in turn influenced his radical behavior in terms of overcoming slavery. His reading of the dictionary, page by page, exposed him to knowledge he otherwise never would have had. From this, he developed a strong interest in the history of brutality caused by the white man.
Malcolm and Muhammad had similar religious upbringing, and Malcolm a life of crime. He was in a vulnerable state to be influenced to change his religion, which is often times common within a prison environment. He was likely from a low income standing and probably felt the need to blame someone, especially white society. This is not to say that he didn't have merit in some of his beliefs. It is not surprising then that the combination of his upbringing alongside prison and the teachings from the Nation of Islam, that his message was a violent one.
Had he been exposed to a wider array of information, he would also know of the humanitarian acts of some whites and their civilizations. Though there is plenty of blood on the hands of the white race, that does not account for the entirety. Very limited, prolonged social exposure and persuasive speakers can immensely shape a person's view of the entire world.
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