Reservation Policy: ‘I am a Filed Negro’, MP Aga Ruhulla Invokes Malcolm X’s Analogy

Srinagar, Dec 24: Ruling National Conference Parliamentarian Aga Syed Ruhullah has sparked widespread debate on social media with a thought-provoking post referencing Malcolm X’s famous speech on “The House Negro and the Field Negro.” 

According to reports the tweet, made earlier today, delves into the dynamics of oppression and complicity during slavery and appears to draw parallels with the surrounding political issue on the Reservation Policy in J&K.

The tweet reads:

“The House Negro and the Field Negro. Malcolm X.

“Back during slavery, when Black people like me talked to the slaves, they didn’t kill ’em; they sent some old house Negro along behind him to undo what he said. You have to read the history of slavery to understand this. There were two kinds of Negroes. There was that old house Negro and the field Negro…”

And the house Negro always looked out for his master. When the field Negroes got too much out of line, he held them back in check. He put ’em back on the plantation. The house Negro could afford to do that because he lived better than the field Negro. He ate better, he dressed better, and he lived in a better house. He lived right up next to his master – in the attic or the basement. He ate the same food his master ate and wore his same clothes. And he could talk just like his master – good diction. And he loved his master more than his master loved himself. That’s why he didn’t want his master hurt. If the master got sick, he’d say, “What’s the matter, boss, we sick?” When the master’s house caught afire, he’d try and put the fire out. He didn’t want his master’s house burned. He never wanted his master’s property threatened. And he was more defensive of it than the master was …That was the house Negro. But then you had some field Negroes, who lived in huts, had nothing to lose. They wore the worst kind of clothes. They ate the worst food. And they caught hell. They felt the sting of the lash. They hated their master. Oh yes, they did. If the master got sick, they’d pray that the master died. If the master’s house caught fire, they’d pray for a strong wind to come along. This was the difference between the two.

And today you still have house Negroes and field Negroes. I’m a field Negro”.

In the original speech by Malcolm X, the analogy outlines the contrasting roles of two groups during slavery: the “house Negro,” who enjoyed relative privilege and loyalty to the master, and the “field Negro,” who bore the brunt of oppression and resisted it. 

Ruhulla’s post, quoting extensively from this speech, has led many to speculate whether the politician was commenting on divisions within marginalized communities or critiquing political figures aligned with dominant powers.

The tweet has ignited a flurry of reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters have hailed Aga Ruhulla’s boldness in invoking a historically charged analogy to question the seriousness of chief minister Omar Abdullah led government in addressing the Reservation Policy issue. 

Many argue that the post shines a spotlight on systemic issues of inequality and calls for greater unity among the disadvantaged communities.

The post comes amidst ongoing discussions on the reservation policies, which have drawn both support from the majority of the population. 

Analysts suggest that Ruhulla’s reference to Malcolm X could be interpreted as a critique of individuals or groups perceived as undermining collective efforts for social justice in favor of personal or political gain.

Farooq Ahmad, a student activist, praised Ruhulla’s candidness. “It’s rare for a politician to use such strong, historical metaphors. This tweet is a call for introspection within our society,” he said.

Ruhulla stated, “The message is clear: we must question where we stand in the fight for justice and equality. It’s about self-reflection, not division.”