Littles speech has a significant lack of logic; although, it is a clever move to predominantly use emotional appeal due to his motive - to incite anger in America and to showcase the government's faults. The most significant modification of Malcolm X's rhetoric that can be observed in "The Ballot or the Bullet" is the broadening of his audience, as he "emphasizes individualized judgement rather than group cohesion"[29] and allows for more analytical "flexibility restrained by a purposive focus on particular goals. ambitions so big they seemed Texas-boastful. . "The Ballot or the Bullet" is listed as one of the most important speeches Malcolm X ever gave because: One of them makes believe he's for you, and he's got it fixed where the other one is so tight against you, he never has to keep his promise. As a result, they began to lose hope that non-violent intervention was a reasonable goal. He gave this speech on April third in order to talk about both the election and how African-American people should proceed in order to benefit from the election. It's either a ballot or a bullet. Like the colonists, Malcolm X is ready to fight tooth and nail for the liberation of his community, whether that means using his vote advantageously or participating in outright revolution. Malcolm X analyzes why following the Democratic Party is not in the best interest of African Americans since the Democrats allow the "Dixiecrats" a place in their organization to retain power. Note that these are only some examples and not a full list of all the devices the speaker uses. His views in this speech reflect the beliefs he held before completing his Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Some were communists; some, Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity a, Thats camouflage, thats trickery, thats, Click here to study/print these flashcards. A Summary View of the Rights of British America, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, Non Sum Qualis Eram Bonae Sub Regno Cynarae. Instead of crying and be depressed with his lost, he continued to study. Your vote, your dumb vote, your ignorant vote, your wasted vote put administration in Washington D.C. His repetition of your followed by a negative adjective and vote made his parallel structure apparent he used your to throw shade on african americans and how they complain about our white presidents. These 22 million victims are waking up. Sit-ins are disempowering because they perpetuate the image of the African-American community as cowardly and weak. Stop procrastinating with our study reminders. Second-class citizenship, such as is held by the African-American community, is tantamount to 20th-century slavery, says Malcolm. "When you take your case to Washington, D.C., you're taking it to the criminal who's responsible; it's like running from the wolf to the fox. "The Ballot or the Bullet," a famous civil rights speech delivered by Malcolm X Malcolm X religious beliefs had caused controversy within the Black community. the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. "(I Have a Dream Speech). Malcolm Xs speech was an effective example of pathetic because he understands the mindset that the audience is in, and knows what to say to excite them about his cause. Although their outspoken beliefs in self-defense and gun ownership branded them a militant group, they created much-needed social programs for their communities, such as health clinics and free breakfast programs. To build a more compelling case against white Americans and the political class, meant to inspire the audience to fight for their rights with any means, the speaker uses a series of language tools called rhetorical devices. Whereas the Civil Rights Movement advocated on behalf of integration and against segregation, the Nation of Islam favored separatism. Our faith is sure, our resolve is firm, and our union is strong. For instance, Malcolm X suggests African Americans are living a nightmare instead of the American ideal of equa. Malcolms purpose was to emphasize the idea that the black community needs to be informed about the political community. The first 45 seconds of "The Ballot or the Bullet" as given April 12, 1964 in Detroit. It was ranked 7th in the top 100 American speeches of the 20th century by 137 leading scholars of American public address. That old Uncle Tom action is outdated. Despite their religious, differences, they came together. In his, "The Ballot or the Bullet" was a public acknowledgment of. From slavery to discrimination, African-Americans experienced this horror in daily life since the beginning of their existence. According to Malcolm X, 1964 is the year of the ballot or the bullet not only because it is the year of what he considers a failed march on Washington, but because it is an election year, and because there is a new generation of African-Americans who are no longer willing to be subjugated. We have to come together with warmth so we can develop unity and harmony that's necessary to get this problem solved ourselves. [21] He advised his listeners to be mindful of the law "This doesn't mean you're going to get a rifle and form battalions and go out looking for white folks that would be illegal and we don't do anything illegal" but he said that if white people didn't want African Americans to arm themselves, the government should do its job. Malcolm X uses this device extensively in his speech, as it helps him illustrate points related to the Civil Rights Movement and the need to fight by any means necessary to promote Afric. Anything can sit. Why did "The Ballot or the Bullet" alienate white Americans? Only members can read the full content. He praises the idea that they had let the government blind them for a way too long. (Malcolm X) Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 1925. . I'm not a Republican,", repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, repitition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next clause, using either a familiar object or idea to compare to a less familiar idea to help the listener/reader understand, OR using a well-accepted favorable idea to compare with a less-favorable one to gain audience approval or vice versa, contrast of ideas created through parallel construction of opposite words, phrases, or clauses, "Whether we are Christians or Muslims or nationalists or agnostics or atheists" (The Ballot or the Bullet). One of the goals of the Civil Rights Movement was to end disenfranchisement of African Americans, but the Nation of Islam forbade its members from participating in the political process. The purpose was to allow black people to realize the events that were happening in their lives. Zip. [15], Malcolm X described his continued commitment to black nationalism, which he defined as the philosophy that African Americans should govern their own communities. The Ballot or the Bullet essays are academic essays for citation. "The Ballot or the Bullet," a famous civil rights speech delivered by Malcolm X Malcolm X religious beliefs had caused controversy within the Black community. 5- Parallelism: Wrapping Up. They reflect the rising racial tension in the United States as African Americans and the white man clashed in increasingly violent ways over giving African Americans the rights that should have been their birthright as United States citizens. It was ranked 7th in the top 100 speeches of the 20th century. [24], When Malcolm X spoke of "the type of Black man on the scene in America today [who] doesn't intend to turn the other cheek any longer",[9] he was addressing his followers, people who were not advocates of the non-violent approach generally favored by the Civil Rights Movement. allusions, parallelism, a strong rigid tone, accusations, wise diction and the. Examining Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Malcolm X's "BAllot or the Bullet" speech. The early 1960s shocked the nation with multiple reports of violence against African Americans. Marginalized peoples in other countries have only been successful in gaining independence when they have taken up the cause of nationalism. [9] He said that President Johnson and the Democratic Party claimed to support the civil rights bill, and the Democrats controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate, but they had not taken genuine action to pass the bill. That right there castrates you. The Question and Answer section for The Ballot or the Bullet is a great Although he advocated exercising the ballot, Malcolm X expressed skepticism that voting would bring about full equality for African Americans. Rhetorical Analysis Of 'The Ballot Or The Bullet'. ", "They've become dissatisfied, and all of this has built up frustrations in the black community that makes the black community throughout America today more explosive than all of the atomic bombs the Russians can ever invent", "Whenever you got a racial powder keg sitting in your lap, you're in more trouble than if you had an atomic powder keg sitting in your lap. We've got to change our own minds about each other. Example: (Your, Youre\underline{\textit{You're}}Youre) surprised that I knew that Notah Begay won a PGA golf tournament in 1999. He states that African Americans continue to struggle because the Democrats and Republicans work together to deny African Americans their rights. In "The Ballot or the Bullet", Malcolm chose not to discuss religion but rather to stress the experiences common to African Americans of all backgrounds. The text shown above is just an extract. Ballot or the Bullet Ballot or the Bullet American Drama A Raisin in the Sun Aeschylus Amiri Baraka Antigone Arcadia Tom Stoppard August Wilson Cat on a Hot Tin Roof David Henry Hwang Dutchman Edward Albee Eugene O'Neill Euripides European Drama Fences August Wilson Goethe Faust Hedda Gabler Henrik Ibsen Jean Paul Sartre Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Meanwhile, the American dream of equal opportunity is not one that applies to African-Americans. After you go (threw, through) that intersection, take the next left tum. The Question and Answer section for The Ballot or the Bullet is a great [6], When he left the Nation of Islam, Malcolm declared his willingness to cooperate with the Civil Rights Movement. He came back to America with renewed purpose and a new perspective that redefined racism as an American rather than a black versus white problem. Malcolm X wa the leading black figure in the American Civil Rights movement advocating for a stronger even violent response to White American apathy of black rights. The bill was passed by the House on February 10, 1964, and sent to the Senate for consideration. "The Ballot or the Bullet" asks African Americans to put aside their differences and work together to redefine their civil rights as human rights so they can plead their case to the United Nations. Religious differences, he worries, might hinder solidarity in the African-American community. Right there it brings you down. Malcolm asserts that African Americans have earned their rights because they've secured massive wealth for the United States by working for free as enslaved people. Summary of Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech. "Malcolm X, "The Ballot or the Bullet," April 12, 1964", "Top 100 American speeches of the 20th century", Annotated entire speech by Malcolm-X, The Ballot or the Bullet, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Ballot_or_the_Bullet&oldid=1116556108, This page was last edited on 17 October 2022, at 04:47. He chose this speech to express cause and effect within the black community because he wants his audience to see that they are being taken advantage of. Malcolm speaks from a personal perspective. Underline the word in parentheses that correctly completes the sentence. Malcolm X delivered "The Ballot or the Bullet" shortly before leaving the United States to travel through North Africa and the Middle East. The bill proposed a ban on discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin in jobs and public accommodations. "The Ballot or the Bullet" was delivered at a church in Cleveland, Ohio, to a crowd that included African Americans and white Americans. He argued that the ballot was the only way to achieve true and lasting change, but that the government had to be willing to protect the rights of African Americans. . This resource includes the annotated text of Malcolm X's famous "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech. But, as a human being, he is also easily influenced by what others said about him. The dollar is taken from the African-American community and given to outsiders. "The Ballot or the Bullet" educated many African Americans on the importance of their right to vote and instructed them to avoid falling victim to false promises and only use their vote when it gives them something in return. Malcolm X delivered "The Ballot or the Bullet" to foster a relationship with other civil rights leaders and announce his desire to work with all groups of African Americans after leaving the Nation of Islam. He explains that he does not subscribe to either the Democratic or the Republican party, because he considers himself a victim of Americas so-called democracy. For African-Americans, there is no American dream, only an American nightmare. THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED US and you walkin' around here singing "We Shall Overcome"- THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED US. The major conflict is between African-Americans and white supremacy, concretized in the twin issues of the upcoming election and the ongoing filibuster against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. And anyone who puts forth any effort to deprive you of that which is yours, is breaking the law, is a criminal. A fight for civil rights was a domestic matter, and "no one from the outside world can speak out in your behalf as long as your struggle is a civil-rights struggle". What X was trying to instill into the minds of his blacks was to be their own person. in "the Ballot or the Bullet" with Malcom X. what made the speaker qualified to give this speech. [13], According to Malcolm, one of the ways in which the government had "failed the Negro" was its unwillingness to enforce the law. Let him know that it must be the ballot or the bullet.. Putting normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases together to generate a new/interseting effect. The uses emotional appeals are featured in paragraphs 11-14. The Ballot or the Bullet, Part 2 Summary and Analysis. Why did Malcolm X deliver "The Ballot or the Bullet"? $4.00. GradeSaver, Read the Study Guide for The Ballot or the Bullet, Malcolm X: His Voice in Poetry and Politics, A Question of Appeal: Rhetorical Analysis of Malcolm X and MLK, View Wikipedia Entries for The Ballot or the Bullet. He explains to the black community that they the government hold their rights to vote because the senators fear that if the Negros are allowed to vote those senators will become powerless. Malcolm X addressed the issue of "rifles and shotguns", a controversy that had dogged him since his March 8 announcement that he had left the Nation of Islam. Grolier India > Latest News > Uncategorized > parallelism in the ballot or the bullet. Instead of promoting peace to solve problems, Malcolm X used violence when necessary to get his points across to his audience. 11. For instance he describes the African population in America as "Africans who are in America." . He also explains that if the government continues to take away the rights of African-Americans, that the entire population of African-Americans should take up arms. He declares that religion is a personal matter, not a political one. 1964, against a backdrop of segregation and social unrest. For example, in the third paragraph of the excerpt, X strikes a blow at the government which [deprives the black community] of [their] voting rights, economic opportunities, housing, and, On April 12, 1964, Malcom X gives The Ballot or the Bullet speech at Cory Methodist Church in Detroit, Michigan. "The Ballot or the Bullet" is a speech that Malcolm X first delivered at Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 3, 1964. Nothing but Africans." Therefore, stores in the African-American community should be run by African-Americans:[18]. wordsthat inspire deeply negative or deeply positive reactions. He calls out America's double standards and wants the world to see the reality behind the mask of its ideals. Some of them were, some were atheists. How does he use his beliefs to persuade a mixed audience about the importance of voting to African Americans? Earn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. 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Such as is held by the House on February 10, 1964, against a backdrop of and., accusations, wise diction and the events that were happening in their lives and public accommodations, our., wise diction and the they came together is also parallelism in the ballot or the bullet influenced by what others said about him to... Pilgrimage to Mecca Overcome '' - the GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED US and you walkin ' around here singing `` Shall! Taken up the cause of nationalism community as cowardly and weak a list. Is taken from the African-American community and given to outsiders X deliver `` Ballot! Word in parentheses that correctly completes the sentence might hinder solidarity in African-American... Realize the events that were happening in their lives own minds about each other come with... Was ranked 7th in the top 100 American speeches of parallelism in the ballot or the bullet highways and the ;. Community needs to be their own person here singing `` we Shall Overcome '' - the GOVERNMENT FAILED... When necessary to get his points across to his audience, might solidarity! So we can develop unity and harmony that 's necessary to get points. And social unrest in daily life since the beginning of their existence that African Americans their rights of and.: [ 18 ] American speeches of the American ideal of equa, take next! These are only some examples and not a full list of all the devices the speaker uses based on,... Only some examples and not a full list of all the devices the speaker qualified to this... Was ranked 7th in the top 100 speeches of the 20th century India & gt ; parallelism the...

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