Gramsci’s definition of an “organic intellectual” describes a person that counteracts hegemony by identifying with a group and trying to organize a social power within this group. An example of an “organic intellectual” that comes to mind would have to be Martin Luther King Jr. MLK Jr attempted to revolutionize racism and change the way people thought about the social construction of reality.
Although MLK Jr. may have not been the social dominant group, the amount of participation that he developed allowed him to organize a large social group and maintain support of his ideas. MLK Jr. fulfilled this definition of an organic intellectual because by gaining mass participation which was the main purpose of so many of his speeches and rallies. When people saw him speak, or march, or argue his point, they felt connected to him, supporting his claims to make them into a reality. Especially at a time of such tremendous change in society, people were attracted to the way in which MLK Jr. believed and inspired a revolutionary movement. His ideas counteracted stereotypes, social norms and perspectives on reality.
This organic intellectual has to associate themselves with a major change in society, a way to make a difference which is what so many people wish to identify with. As with Pasolini, MLK Jr. was able to portray the reality of society in such a way that required a change that people could put themselves behind.