What was the surname at birth of the political leader Malcolm X?

Answer 1

Throughout his life 'Malcolm' went through a variety of stages. Each facet of his growth exhibits a dynamic individuals response to varying circumstances. Whether we acknowledge this incredible man as Malcolm Little, Detroit Red, Malcolm X and/or El Hajj Malik El Shabazz we must be aware that we are bearing witness, albeit posthumously, to a human being in flux. The concept of a surname is an ideal place to question our own social orientations, biases and preconceptions. A 'surname' signifies differing viewpoints on heritage and societal inheritance; i.e. - a Dictionary might define this term as, "The name borne in common by members of a family..," or "An added name derived from occupation." Both tend to reflect an inherent Patronymic tendency as well. Do any of these definitions fit a man whose very people were robbed of their heritage, forced into slavery while watching all previously known members of their family displaced, killed, or at best scattered across the plantation/slavery/share cropping systems of these United States? The use of a surname is relatively new in history and was adopted in order to legally distinguish two individuals with the same first name. At first, these last names were not passed down to the next generation. The Chinese were among the very first cultures to adopt the use of hereditary surnames about 5000 years ago. In Europe, surnames weren't used until the 10th or 11th centuries AD in Venice. Gradually throughout Europe, all nobility and gentry adopted surnames until eventually surnames were used by all Europeans of all classes. This very limited explanation of 'surnames' doesn't even attempt to address the issues from cultures who might very well be more pertinent to Mr. Shabazz. Naming traditions among Semitic peoples, or of the enormous variety and variations found between the countries, regions and cultures found within the African continent. However, if one was removed from their indigenous culture, while their unique history and identity were eradicated, and then made to conform to foreign (European in this case), norms - arbitrarily chosen by each 'owner' or 'master', the very idea of reconstructing a concrete lineage becomes almost impossible (if not ludicrous). Each of us goes through a process of cognitive growth and development, although most change can be traced to the pressures of society, social custom and institutionalized practices. It is the incredibly rare individual who manages through efforts of extreme will and self-determination to become more than what society expects of them. Whether residing in Nebraska, Chicago, Harlem or Mecca...to name a few of the locations which now represent milestones in this man's life - he evolved as a human being; inspired by his surroundings, but shaped by his own choices and actions. Mr. Shabazz was forced to chose his names and create his own ever-changing identity lest he succumb to the institutionalized racism inherent in assigning this descendant of slavery a 'surname'. web.me.com/mfleegler

Answer 2

Little