Malcolm X was an African American civil rights leader who is best known for his passionate and fiery speeches that spoke to the struggles and oppression faced by black Americans in the mid-20th century. One of his most famous speeches is "The Ballot or the Bullet," which he delivered on April 3, 1964. In this speech, Malcolm X addressed the issue of voting rights and the importance of black Americans taking control of their own political power.
At the time of the speech, the civil rights movement was in full swing and there was a great deal of tension and conflict between those who believed in peaceful protests and those who advocated for more militant action. Malcolm X was a member of the latter group, and in his speech he argued that black Americans had a right to defend themselves against their oppressors, even if that meant using violence.
One of the most striking aspects of Malcolm X's speech is the way in which he connects the struggle for voting rights to larger issues of racial justice and equality. He argues that the right to vote is not just about participating in elections, but about having a say in the decisions that shape one's own life and the lives of others. He states that "the ballot is not only an expression of our right to participate in the decision-making process, but it is also the most powerful nonviolent instrument that we have in a democratic society."
Malcolm X also challenges the idea that black Americans should be patient and wait for change to come, stating that "the only way we're going to solve our problem is by eliminating the segregation and discrimination that exists." He calls on his audience to take action and to use whatever means necessary to achieve their goals.
In addition to his arguments about voting rights and self-defense, Malcolm X also addresses the role of white allies in the civil rights movement. He acknowledges that some white people are supportive of the cause and are willing to work for change, but he cautions against relying on them too heavily. He asserts that "the black man has to do it for himself," and that black Americans should not be dependent on others to fight for their rights.
Overall, "The Ballot or the Bullet" is a powerful and influential speech that reflects Malcolm X's commitment to racial justice and his belief in the importance of self-determination and self-defense. It is a testament to his ability to inspire and mobilize people, and it continues to be relevant today as we continue to grapple with issues of racial inequality and injustice.
Analysis Of Malcolm X's Message To Grassroots Speech
In addition, Malcolm X expresses his opinion through out the speech to engage the audience and to persuade them to take part in the revolution. Finally, he maintained that the world was approaching its end and that the white world should repent for its treatment of African Americans. Include at least 3 STRONG verbs in your writing. Towards the end, his tone becomes more hopeful, optimistic, and uplifting to inspire his audience to listen to his message: take action against racial segregation and discrimination in a peaceful manner. He espoused black conversion to Islam, though not by mass migration to Islamic countries, where American blacks would be alien in culture, language, and social behavior. His life experiences provided him with great enthusiasm for the correction of injustices and affronts, but his intellectual background was no match for that of most leaders of black groups. This makes it clear to the reader this is a very important point and also so that the audience feels satisfied with the points.
Rhetorical Analysis Of Malcolm XāS Speech āBallot Or The Bulletā: Free Essay Example, 573 words
Rather elementary in its style, this is nevertheless a good introductory book. He stood on what he was saying by talking about his own religion. Malcom x was qualified to give this speech because He was an advocate of black nationalism, self- respect, and tenacious resistance to white oppression. His social philosophy is to forget about trying to join white social groups and to remove vices, alcoholism, drug addiction, and other evils that beset black communities. Many African American were mistreated due to the racist people who intervened the African Americans from doing anything. The basic premise of the speech is that equal rights legislation, as propounded by President Lyndon B. In his speech of November 10, 1962, at the King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit now generally called the Grass Roots Speech , Malcolm delivered one of his last statements before severing his connection to the Nation of Islam.
Malcolm X's "Ballot or Bullet" Speech: An Analysis
Martin Luther king continues to use pathos in his speech with the symbolism like joining of hands as if everyone is family and uniting. Some of the issues the black community faced during this time include segregation, Racism, To close the essay , In the speech Malcolm X uses an unusual brand pathos, He uses aggressive and arousing statements in order to keep the audience in action. A collection of essays by fourteen African Americans that investigates the contribution of Malcolm to the black cause in the United States. In a way, it is a concise statement of his basic ideas. Tends to be rather uncritical. He also encourages the black people to have a real revolution, which involves violence.
The Speeches of Malcolm X Analysis
Here Malcolm is quizzically talking about the choice of the Black people to either adopt peaceful means through the electoral process or take up arms to win their rights. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. After his release from prison, Malcolm soon became the most popular and notorious of the Black Muslim spokesmen. I do not think that anyone, regardless of the color of their skin, should use it. Malcolm X: A Force for Change.
Malcolm X speech webapi.bu.edu
Message in the Grass roots is a speech which was written to persuade the black people of America to put their differences aside and unite against the American racist hypocritical culture and defend themselves , so they can stay in America by forming a black nation. As did his previous speeches, it displays his penchant for triads, doubled elements, antitheses, and provocative and riveting statements. Malcolm X addressed African Americans in Detroit and Savio delivered his speech on the steps at Sproul Hall. Clarke, John Henrik, ed. He denigrated Martin Luther King, Jr.