In this speech, Malcolm stresses the need for the population of African American voters to increase in order to fight for equality. Malcolm X uses strong diction along with parallelism in this speech to emphasize the problem of racial inequality in America. What parts of African American society did Malcolm X want them to control? . Douglass received an invitation to speak at a Fourth of July celebration in his hometown, and the speech he gave called out the hypocrisy of celebrating freedom as a country while millions of its residents are enslaved. Malcolm X: ( 06:52) The economic philosophy of Black Nationalism only means that we should own, and operate, and control the economy of our community. Also, his teachings were able to connect to a wide audience and allow them to even set aside their differences to focus on the information Malcolm talks about. Well, you and I been sitting long enough, he claims, and its time for us today to start doing some standing and some fighting to back that up.. Insulting his listener is meant to stoke the listeners sense of anger and injustice, and therefore to provoke him into more direct action against white supremacy than the peaceful protests advocated for by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are able to do. ", " And in 1964 you'll see this young black man, this new generation asking for the ballot or bullet. the democrats were in control of the house of representatives and the senate. Right there it brings you down. At his press conference, Malcolm X said that "in areas where our people are the constant victims of brutality, and the government seems unable or unwilling to protect them, we should form rifle clubs that can be used to defend our lives and our property in times of emergency". 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. intentional balancing clauses within a sentence to create equality of development between ideas (a.k.a. Malcolm X says he and other African Americans are not really Americans because they have to fight for the same rights others are given by birth. Publicly, his criticisms of the system fell on mostly deaf ears. Analyzes how malcolm x's ballot or bullet speech was highly esteemed, despite dr. martin luther king being a pacifist and civil rights activist. One sentence he said stuck out like a sore thumb. He accused the Democrats of playing a "political con game", with African Americans as its victims. This was effective because he is making it known what the administration thinks about the African American vote; he hopes to make sure that they know and remember what the. "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. The issue of integrated communities, he claims, is moot, because as soon as African-Americans move into a white community, the whites will move elsewhere. He is not here today to discuss his relationship with God, but to speak about black nationalism. It means that when white people are evenly divided, and Black people have a bloc of votes of their own, it is left up to them to determine who's going to sit in the White House and who's going to be in the dog house. Note that these are only some examples and not a full list of all the devices the speaker uses. It's time now for you and me to become more politically mature and realize what the ballot is for; what we're supposed to get when we cast a ballot; and that if we don't cast a ballot, it's going to end up in a situation where we're going to have to cast a bullet. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Malcolm predicted that if the civil rights bill wasn't passed, there would be a march on Washington in 1964. It took decades for the men involved to be prosecuted as FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover, prevented their prosecution in 1968. In frequenting stores not owned by an African-American, the money is given to another community. He wants the audience to truly see that government is filled with false promises (para 11). The tone of "The Ballot or the Bullet" is both urgent and angry. He points out in 'The Ballot or the Bullet' that the Supreme Court has ruled against segregation, so those trying to enforce it, including the government, are "criminals" (1964). What does this mean? As a result, they began to lose hope that non-violent intervention was a reasonable goal. 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. Malcolm asserts that he and other African Americans are not Americans because they are fighting for the rights that other Americans already have. Which means a segregationist is breaking the law. As a member of PrimeStudyGuides.com, you get access to all of the content. More books than SparkNotes. Thesis: In The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Malcolm X in his telling of his life to Alex Haley uncovers the theme of positive and negative environments unearthed by the interaction of African Americans and White Americans in his life and what those kinds of environments inherently produce. An analogy is a form ofcomparison through which a speaker wants to show similarities or differences between people and events. 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. Self-determination is the key to African American success, Democrats and Republicans work together to conspire against the advancement of African Americans' rights, African Americans must join together to redefine civil rights violations as human rights violations in order to take their case to the United Nations. His name was Malcolm Little (known as Malcolm X), a widely acknowledged human rights activist. Nie wieder prokastinieren mit unseren Lernerinnerungen. The mood oscillates between despair, anger, and hope. Tell him, don't wait until election time. But, as a human being, he is also easily influenced by what others said about him. Did Malcolm X believe the Democrats wanted to help African Americans achieve equal rights? Analyzes how malcolm used parallelism to establish credibility amongst his predominately christian audience by . Rhetorical devices in The Ballot or the Bullet [ 0] Rhetorical devices 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. StudySmarter is commited to creating, free, high quality explainations, opening education to all. 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 is speaking to his intended audience, which is the black community, about taking action for the Black Nationalist movement, and he also addresses his unintended audience, which is the white community and the United States government, in order to show that he is serious about the revolution and they need to act or violence, The question of the bullet or the ballot is a central component of the Civil Rights movement because it demonstrated how African Americans needed to take actions, whether it be through voting in the 1964 election or taking up arms, to defend and express their equality against those who are oppressing them. Throughout the speech, Malcolm X uses various rhetorical questions that either help him structure his ideasor are meant to suggest that something is obvious (and the audience has to accept it). Read this article to know What is Ballad in Literature, characteristics of a ballad, types of ballads, a ballad in literature, ballad literary definition. Stop procrastinating with our smart planner features. A march led by the Black Panthers, Wikimedia Commons. 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. Malcolm X warns African-Americans against the white politicians that will come into their communities (for the first and last time, he suggests) and make false promises of equality. 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. Likewise, by stating his continued commitment to Black nationalism, Malcolm reassured his followers that he had not made a complete break with his past. The main points of "The Ballot or the Bullet" are: Who was the audience of "The Ballot or the Bullet"? . You don't throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket. Malcolm X was no banal man he was a extravagant civil rights speaker, he showed the truth on how coming together can put the end to African American indifference. Why does Malcolm X say he and other African Americans are not really Americans? Malcolm X states that, since 1964 was an election year, it was the year for African Americans to stand up and show the United States government they would no longer wait for the rights they deserve. The speech is among the top persuasive speeches of the 20th century. First, Malcolm X was inspirational in many aspects and his upbringing added to this aspect. Malcolm X maintained his use of repetition as "communications of the passion that is satisfied by a single statement, but that beats through the pulses",[27] and this can be exemplified by his consistent use of the phrase "the ballot or the bullet". Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech was a powerful call to action for African Americans to take a more militant approach to the civil rights movement. ", a form of verbal irony generally intened as a witty insult. Anything can sit. If the ballot doesn't work, Malcolm X says, then African-Americans will have to resort to the bullet. What is Malcolm X's rhetorical strategy in The Ballot or the Bullet? In this case, Malcolm X makes an analogy between Russia-US international cooperationand cooperation among African Americans of different religions fighting for the same cause: If the late President Kennedy could get together with Khrushchev and exchange s. The title of Malcolm X's speech, "The Ballot or the Bullet," suggests an ultimatum between voting or violence, an attempt by the speaker to convince the audience that one action or the other is absolutely necessary depending on the actions of the enemy - in this case, the U.S. government. What are the main points of "The Ballot or the Bullet"? 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". resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. intentional omission of a word or words that are readily implied by the context, intentional unconventional rearranging of word order to create an effect, create, study and share online flash cards, "realize that it is best for us to first see that we have the same problem, a common. In The Ballot or the Bullet, Malcolm X advocates for racial, economic, and social justice through the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, more black voting control, and more black local control through any means possible, including violence and the threat of it. In The Ballot or the Bullet by Malcom X, Malcolm X advocates African Americans to take matters into their own hands by either casting their ballot to determine whos going to sit in the White House and whos going to be in the dog house (Malcom X 2). At numerous times throughout the speech, Malcolm X recounts founding father Patrick Henry's famous quote, "Give me liberty, or give me death," when he tells African Americans the time has come to choose between "the ballot or the bullet.". Malcolm X is the minister of Muslim Mosque Incorporated, just like Martin Luther King and Adam Clayton Powell are both Christian ministers. Malcolm X juxtaposes black nationalism with the non-violent philosophy of advocates like Martin Luther King Jr., who favor peaceful protest, which Malcolm denounces as passive. In April 1964, in the midst of a 54 day Senate filibuster of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, Malcolm X gave his famous speech, The Ballot or the Bullet. The political philosophy is self-government. [12], Black nationalism was characterized by its political, social, and economic philosophies. [5] The Nation of Islam, which advocated on behalf of African Americans, had significant disagreements with the Civil Rights Movement. An old man can sit. Understand this, it's dangerous. They attack all of us for the SAME reason; all of us catch hell from the SAME enemy. [25], One biographer notes that Malcolm was one of the first African-American leaders to note the existence and growing influence of Black nationalism among young civil rights activists.[26]. He acknowledges that they black people have the power to determine who is in office and who is not. In one of many clever turns of phrase, Malcolm employs both humor and repetition to rename the situation facing African-Americans as an American nightmare.. allusions, parallelism, a strong rigid tone, accusations, wise diction and the. Malcolm X was a fighter for civil rights. Malcolm provides an economic summary of black nationalism: African-Americans should buy from African-American owned and operated businesses so as to feed the prosperity of their own communities and lift the levelto a higher levelso that we will be satisfied in our own circles and wont be running around here to knock our way into a social circle where were not wanted. This economic attitude is in keeping with the larger social and political attitudes of separatism that marked black nationalism, which claimed that integration would only result in further oppression of black peoples and advocated, as the name suggests, for entirely separate and self-governed communities. Malcolm X was a civil rights leader before he was assassinated at the age of 40. Second-class citizenship, such as is held by the African-American community, is tantamount to 20th-century slavery, says Malcolm. Some examples of rhetorical questions that help structure the speech are: The question tonight, as I understand it, is The Negro Revolt, and Where Do We Go From Here? or What Nex. Deliberate use of many conjunctions for special emphasis. After you go (threw, through) that intersection, take the next left tum. First he says, It. [23], But, Malcolm said, there was still time to prevent this situation from developing:[23]. [3][4], On March 8, 1964, Malcolm X announced his separation from the Nation of Islam, a black nationalist religious organization for which he had been the spokesman for nearly a decade. Some of them were Christians. When a racial powder keg goes off, it doesn't care who it knocks out of the way. The speech is among the top persuasive speeches of the 20th century. The history of America is one of colonialism; Malcolm likens the colonists struggle against the British to that of African-Americans against white supremacy. "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. The early 1960s shocked the nation with multiple reports of violence against African Americans. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Ballot or the Bullet by Malcolm X. Let him go in there right now and take a moral stand right now, not later. "The Ballot or the Bullet" served several purposes at a critical point in Malcolm X's life: it was part of his effort to distance himself from the Nation of Islam, and it was intended to reach out to moderate civil rights leaders. They will get change one way or another. This is meant to send a warning to the American government, cautioning them that African Americans are willin. Whenever you are going after something that is yours, you are within your legal rights to lay claim to it. He emphasizes that the Negro vote is the key factor (para 12) that it is the only reason why they Democratic Party is a part of the government. Freedom or civil rebellion White men won't even patronize you. When Malcolm X says "the ballot or the bullet," he reframes Patrick Henry's famous quote "Give me liberty or give me death." Malcolm . Have all your study materials in one place. I'm not here to try and change your religion. 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. If he waits too long he will be responsible for letting a condition develop in this country which will create a climate that will bring seeds up out of the ground with vegetation on the end of them looking like something these people never dreamed of. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. An old woman can sit. How does he use his beliefs to persuade a mixed audience about the importance of voting to African Americans? Southern Democrats had promised to oppose the bill. At the same time, the speech indicated that Malcolm still supported Black nationalism and self-defense and thus had not made a complete break with his past. 195196. GradeSaver "The Ballot or the Bullet The Ballot or the Bullet, Part 1 Summary and Analysis". "The Ballot or the Bullet" is the title of a public speech by human rights activist Malcolm X. By the same token, the time when that same white man, knowing that your eyes are too far open, can send another negro into the community and get you and me to support him so he can use him to lead us astray- those days are long gone too. The social philosophy of black nationalism advocates for reform of the community and reconstruction of it so it is more welcoming:[18]. The ballot or the bullet Malcolm X during his speech of the ballot or the bullet was the fullest declaration of his black nationalism philosophy. THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED US and you walkin' around here singing "We Shall Overcome"- THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED US. He calls out America's double standards and wants the world to see the reality behind the mask of its ideals. The Nation of Islam, as led by Elijah Muhammed, forbade its members from participating in political processes. The Black Panther Party was organized in 1966 in California to combat police brutality, and it eventually spread to many other parts of the country. Stop procrastinating with our study reminders. I'm not here to argue or discuss anything that we differ about,", "I'm not a politician, not even a student of politics; in fact, I'm not a student of much of anything. Although he advocated exercising the ballot, Malcolm X expressed skepticism that voting would bring about full equality for African Americans. Zip. Because election time is a time where the black community is taken advantage of; Malcolm X addresses the issue about the legislation civil rights with defines the right to guarantee the voting rights to the Negros within the states. He made a fool out of you. What is meant by "the ballot or the bullet"? In the speech, which was delivered on two occasions the first being April 3, 1964, at the Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio[1] and the second being on April 12th 1964 at the King Solomon Baptist Church, in Detroit, Michigan. That old Uncle Tom action is outdated. In the speech "The Ballot or the Bullet" Malcolm X utilizes antithesis, allusion, and metaphors in order to convince his audience to take a stand against segregation whether peacefully, if possible, and if not, by force. A photograph of legislators and civil rights leaders looking on as Lyndon Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964, pixabay. In "The Ballot or the Bullet," Malcolm X clarifies that African Americans have no inherent bias toward the white man; they are "anti-exploitation . "The Ballot or the Bullet" discusses the power of the African American vote and charges the United States government with conspiring against allowing African Americans to achieve their due rights. That ballot will be cast for a man of the community, who has the good of the community at heart. ", "They don't hang you because you're a Baptist; they hang you 'CAUSE YOU'RE BLACK. [2] Malcolm X advised African Americans to judiciously exercise their right to vote, but he cautioned that if the government continued to prevent African Americans from attaining full equality, it might be necessary for them to take up arms. Malcolm X frequently uses provocative language to incite anger in his audience, as is evident in his accusation that the white man has made a fool out of you. Here, he is utilizing the rhetorical device of pathos, or appealing to the audiences emotions, to his advantage. Selecciona la palabra que no est relacionada. African american rights were the main concern of many people, along with government corruption and the unwillingness to help. Earn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. [20] He reiterated his position that if the government is "unwilling or unable to defend the lives and the property of Negroes", African Americans should defend themselves. 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. These cover over 30,000 members. Why did "The Ballot or the Bullet" alienate white Americans? Let him know that it must be the ballot or the bullet."( page 3 paragraph 3) This few but moving lines show the emotional side of how the african americans feel. Like Malcolm X, whenever he has been an orphan at the young age, but he never stop to learn and study. Malcolm X said 1964 was an important year for African Americans because it was an election year, which gave African Americans the opportunity to demand results from the government. It was the third bombing in 11 days after Birmingham received a federal order to integrate its schools. [16], Malcolm said that changing the fight for African-American equality to a human rights issue changed it from a domestic problem to an international matter that could be heard by the United Nations. 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