As discussed in class, Performativity was a major factor for both the Black Panther Party and the Black Arts Movement. It is something every person does every day, whether or not he/she is aware of it. It is the caricature of our ourselves that we present to the public; the persona we adopt; the image in which we want society to recognizes us.
Malcolm X was no different. Before his untimely death, Malcolm X lived as an influential leader of the black community. As his notoriety progressed, so too did his image as a leader. It was just as a leader he wanted both members from the black and white communities to view him as, but also as an intelligent, powerful, and persuasive. He easily adapted to different circumstances and used those situations to his advantage. He heavily encouraged the black community to take pride in their heritage, especially in their shared “racial history,” as stated in Van Deburg’s New Day in Babylon.
Malcolm X’s portrayal of a strong, influential leader did not alter much after his death. As expressed in Van Deburg’s New Day in Babylon, the black community viewed Malcolm as some sort of superman. Usually, when people think of superheroes, they automatically think of an almost god-like being, with impenetrable strength and character and few weaknesses; someone who is always protecting the innocent from the dastardly villains. Because, though Malcolm X was dead, his legacy still lived, carrying with it all of his practices and teachings and the strength in which many Black Power leaders followed.
Performativity did not stop at only individual people; it can be used through play productions. In plays, the characters are already established, each with an individual trait (i.e. his/her harmatia). However, it is not just through the characters in which performativity can be viewed. As expressed through Ed Bullins’ 1971 One-Act play The Theme is Blackness, the setting played a major role in performativity. By turning out the lights and leaving the audience in complete darkness for twenty minutes, it allowed for the remaining audience members to contemplate his/her current situation. It allowed many to reflect on the purpose of the darkness as well as their thoughts in general. The darkness allows for the predominantly white audience to have a glimpse of what it is like for the individuals of the black community; it allows for the audience to have a glimpse of the outside in.
L460: The Senior Capstone Blog at IUS 
I found it interesting how articulate Malcolm X was when he spoke to people or other leaders. I have often been told in my acting class that in a way we all give a performance at one point or another in our life. Whether it be in job interviews, a speech we are supposed to give, or a presentation the thought of others viewing us in a certain way makes us believe we should provide them with a degree of show.
This was true with Malcolm X and his interviews or speeches he gave. People, whether they liked him or didn’t, would stop and listen. X gave people an image of a young, successful black man who was able to hold very intelligent conversations regarding race, color, and education. Being the leader of such a large and influential organisation like the Black Panther Party must have been very stressful, as I imagine, yet very rewarding for Malcolm X. However, he was able to keep his composure during pressure by the media and government to show the country and the world that black people could be successful and worth having in the spotlights of politics.
(Here is a link to a video where Malcolm X explains his last name, where he is very straightforward and determined to keep the ball in his court so to speak when dealing with these allegations of leading a hate-focused group.)
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