Discuss the socio-politcal climate that exists within the work, reflected in any of the characters' experiences in The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

The primary social climate upon which Malcolm X places his
laser- like focus is the condition of racism in America in both its present at the time
of writing and in its history.  In the most fundamental of ways, Malcolm believes that
racism is the cause of so much of "American sin" and represents the target towards which
so much of anger is directed.  He analyzes this from both a social and personal point of
view.  In Malcolm's mind, racism in America was the reason why his father was killed,
why his mother was institutionalized, and why his family was separated.  It was also the
reason why Malcolm sees so much oppression in Black communities across America and why
he feels that the issue of racism has to be addressed in order for America to be a
nation that can both survive and prosper.

While Malcolm
undergoes a great many changes in the course of the narrative, his commitment to ending
racism is something that does not change.  His own narrative proves to be a stunningly
compelling piece of evidence as to the corrosive nature of racism in America in the
lives of people of color.  He is deliberate about this.  He understands this to be the
work's overall meaning and one that he hopes will address the fundamental socio-
political challenge of racism in America.