Final answer:
African American figures like James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X explain the anger and distrust of whites by underscoring historical and ongoing injustices, systemic racism, and the manipulation of white anger to misidentify the real sources of societal issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Baldwin and other African American thinkers express anger and distrust towards whites through a reflection on historical injustices, systemic racism, and ongoing discrimination. James Baldwin addresses the anger stemming from deceptive narratives told by influential figures, persuading white individuals that people of color are the root of their issues. Such rhetoric overlooks the real power imbalance dictated by wealth and institutional power. Similarly, Garvey and others reveal a shift in African American perspectives, empowering themselves despite not fitting into the white American expectations, often scaffolded by stereotypes and prejudice.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X emphasize the pain inflicted by segregation and systemic injustice. They challenge the complacency of society and illustrate that the distress of African Americans is due to structural and brutal reality, not far removed historical events. The sentiment of being fed up with waiting for equality and human dignity is a common thread. Furthermore, the subtle yet pervasive power of institutional racism affects education and opportunities, as noted by activists, leading to a generational impact.
The underlying message conveys a deep-seated frustration and mistrust borne from a long history of exploitation, misrepresented histories, and the continued struggle for recognition and equality.