Russell Baker and Malcolm X were both born in the year 1925. In the years to follow both of these prominent figures made their way down societies ever-winding paths while living two drastically different lives. Both men had similar troubles with overcoming obstacles and facing hardships, while at the same time the obstacles they faced were at the two different spectrums of society.

Although Malcolm X in The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Russell Baker in Growing Up have very few similarities in the way they lived their everyday lives, they do share common themes that can be seen throughout their stages of life. The first was a major issue in society that affected each person at a very young age and continued to play a role in their developmental process. For Russell Baker it was the Great Depression and the hardships that it forced upon Russell and his mother. For an example Russell was sent off to sell the Saturday Evening Post at age eight, not only to teach him the value of earning an

The main differences that come up in these autobiographical and biographical works are when Malcolm X begins to become deeply involved in the Nation of Islam, becomes a fiery advocate for black unity and militancy, and forms a group called the Muslim Mosque, Inc. In contrast Russell Baker finds no “guiding light” through religion but rather through writing, politics, and journalism.

The similarities and differences that occurred in Russell Baker and Malcolm X’s lives show how two American boys growing up in the same country can go through essentially different hardships but at the same time learn many of the same lessons that the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s society brought forth. Both men grew up during a time in our society that was tainted by racial hatred and economic depression. But it is almost as though the two were divided in many ways. This may have happened because in a nation that was divided by racism and economic struggles there was little room for dealing with both. Like it was once said, “pick your poison”. I believe that these two major issues in

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