Question

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 Christianity his initial 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?
2. What is the tone of the passage? Circle and discuss the words that reveal the tone of
this passage.

Answer 1

1. **Author's Attitude:**
- The author, Malcolm X, expresses a highly critical and condemnatory attitude toward the collective white man. He characterizes the white man as a "piratical opportunist" who utilized deceptive and exploitative tactics, particularly through the lens of Faustian machinations, to impose Christianity and subsequently engage in criminal conquests.

2. **Tone of the Passage:**
- The tone of the passage is accusatory, indignant, and incensed. Words and phrases like "piratical opportunist," "Faustian machinations," and "criminal conquests" reveal a tone of strong disapproval and condemnation. Additionally, terms such as "religiously," "heathen," and "pagan" contribute to the tone by emphasizing the perceived hypocrisy and manipulation in the imposition of religious labels for nefarious purposes,