Topics ranging from the exploitation of the black penis to interpretation of the quote "By any means necessary" abounded yesterday afternoon during the Fourth Annual Malcolm X Symposium.

People of various cultures sparsely populated the Paul Robeson Cultural Center to listen to three speakers connect Malcolm X's influence to areas such as multiculturalism, education, popular culture and exploitation.

African Americans have been subjected to exploitation by other cultures, said Sherri Smith (graduate-speech communication) in her speech entitled "Can Malcolm X Survive Popular Culture?"

Robert Mapplethorpe's photographs of nude black men were given as examples of exploitation by a white person.

"I think it is tying into the belief that the black man's penis is the largest penis in the world," said Smith, adding that the photos promoted sexual stereotypes.

"However, we do have ambivalent feelings when the exploitation comes from our own for economic profit," she said, offering Sir Mixa-Lot's portrayal of African-American women in music videos as an example.

Commodities such as cereal, potato chips, T-shirts, hats and even board games have recently exploited Malcolm X and the "X" symbol, she said, adding that the quote "by any means necessary" is usually taken to mean violence, but it also includes education.

Panelist Aaron Gresson, associate professor of education, agreed, saying Malcolm X was an educator because he challenged the status quo, adding that this should be a model for educators.

"Any educator's best gift to students is to challenge the given," Gresson said.

The panel opened up the discussion to questions about MalcolmX's metamorphosis after his trip to Mecca and interpretations of his teachings.

Smith addressed what she thought to be a common misinterpretation in her speech.

"If I see another article asking or stating that Malcolm X was a Republican simply because he advocated self help, I'm going to be sick," Smith said.

Sometimes white people's views of Malcolm X's teachings come under fire even if they are agreeable to black people, said Boomer Wadas (sophomore-film). He added he believes he has not always been taken seriously because he has a different cultural background.