Malcolm X’s the ballot or the bullet speech?

Malcolm X’s the ballot or the bullet speech?

 The speech I have chosen for this assignment is Malcolm X’s “the ballot or the bullet speech?, Orated on April 3rd, 1964    at Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. The fifty-five minutes speech video is interesting to listen and watch. One can be able to see Malcolm X skills he effectively uses ethos and pathos in his speech to make audience appealed by the content. Malcolm gives situations where there were cases of inhuman white man mishandled the black. Giving his live experience and parable too made the speech live .Pathos and ethos are used to show how extreme dissatisfaction and frustration is growing to the blacks living in America. Malcolm makes his audience feel agitated by the content her delivers during this speech. His overall rhetorical and oratorical skills make him capable of conveying the message showing there is no room for discrimination in America .Malcolm X’s critique the white man for being racial and recently ask blacks to be united against all dictators of the white capitalist’s hegemony. The speech sensitizes that, there is the need for finding any current socio-economic and political challenges that many of the black faces.

Malcolm X was a revolutionist and a good leader. The ballot or Bullet speech can apply to modern society since there are several contemporary issues based on racism. The speech exposes the Malcolm X goal showing that he was visionary during his time. The speech comes after President John Kennedy was assassinated in June 1993. John Kennedy was fighting and pushing on a civil right bill.In Cleveland, Ohio Malcolm stood to give a speech on the ballot or Bullet the moment coincidentally the law on civil rights was in Senate awaiting final consensus in the representatives.

Malcolm speech was like a call of action. It was done purposely to sensitize the audience on the black. First, the black population was ignored and perceived as not part of society and never participated in many occasions. “Everything that came out of Europe, every blue-eyed thing, is already an American. And as long as you and I have been over here, we aren’t Americans yet.” (8) . Secondly, Malcolm X claimed that Dixiecrat has resulted in mass discrimination manipulation g the back in society. Malcolm X tries to connect; Democrats are responsible for controlling the Senate. “Democrats have got the government sewed up…”(13).Furthermore, “A vote for a Democrat is a vote for a Dixiecrat” (15).

It is precise that Dixiecrats control the government and can ensure that the civil right bill does not pass the Senate. The black are blamed for allowing the Dixiecrats to stay in power since lack of their voice or votes make them continue to be controlled by the government. Malcolm also highlighted that to change the government there is a need for immediate action to be done “Let it be the ballot or the bullet” (37). Malcolm X speech shows that it is only through efforts that could make blacks change their situation. Change can be achieved through expression of the blacks’ opinions and going to the ballot to put appropriate leaders in the government offices. Alternatively, the blacks can go through bullet and try to change the situation through violence.” Any time you demonstrate against segregation and a man has the dares to put a police dog on you, kill that dog, kill him; I’m telling you, kill that dog” (31).

The speech is highlighting many issues that are even present in modern society. The civil rights movement motivated many black Americans to go for a change. Malcolm is arguing the blacks to be ready to assume powers in America. The critical areas of concern are that Malcolm highlighted on present-day political, counterparts, and cultural situation. The fifty-five minutes speech brings the present day idea of the government is favoring the white and ignoring the black. The blacks are perceived as a minority; they do not have a position in high ranking positions, which means that the black is considered inferior and said to have little power as compared to their white counterparts.

The issue of racism and discrimination based on color has been a challenge in US. I have listened to the whole speech it shocks that over fifty years ago such issue existed, and we are still having the same scenario in the present day society. I have just imagined how would Malcolm   react suppose he could come back to live and see what is existing in the current day society. The issue of oppressing the blacks and discriminating them is among the fundamental problems highlighted by the modern day media. Generally, Malcolm x is a leader and human rights activists, whom everyone should take as their role model. Malcolm wisdom and oration skill make him be able to sensitize people on the key issues that could result in a big challenge if not mitigated. I like this speech and more Malcolm X character of fighting for human’s right. Lastly, I wish we could have such leaders in our state who see no political, economic, religious differences in the people they lead.

Reference

Malcolm, X. Malcolm X speaks: Selected speeches and statements. Vol. 125. Grove Press, 1990.