Malcolm X’s "The Ballot Or The Bullet" Speech Rhetorical Criticism

Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, delivered his famous "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech in 1964. This speech is recognized for its compelling rhetoric and powerful call to action for African Americans. In this essay, we will analyze the rhetorical strategies used by Malcolm X to effectively convey his message and mobilize the audience towards political action.

Contextual Analysis

In the 1960s, the United States was experiencing heightened racial tensions and social unrest as the Civil Rights Movement sought to address systemic racism and discrimination. Malcolm X, a key figure in the movement, was known for his advocacy of black empowerment and his critique of nonviolent protest, in contrast to the approaches of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. His "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech reflected the political landscape of the time and the urgency for African Americans to assert their rights and demand equality.

Ethos

Malcolm X's ethos as a speaker was grounded in his personal experiences and background. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, as Malcolm Little, he experienced firsthand the injustices and inequalities faced by African Americans. His transformation into an influential civil rights leader and his articulation of the concerns and frustrations of his community established his credibility and authority in advocating for change.

In the speech, Malcolm X drew on his Islamic faith and moral values to appeal to his audience's sense of trust and credibility. By referencing his religious beliefs and principles, he sought to connect with his predominantly African American audience, emphasizing shared values and a common struggle for justice.

Logos

Malcolm X employed logical arguments in his speech to highlight the political and economic disparities faced by African Americans. He condemned both major political parties and urged self-reliance, emphasizing the need for empowerment and self-determination within the black community.

Furthermore, he used facts, statistics, and historical references to support his claims, citing examples of successful revolutions around the world and presenting data on the economic conditions of African Americans. By grounding his arguments in evidence and historical context, he bolstered the credibility of his message and appealed to the audience's sense of reason.

Pathos

Emotional appeal played a significant role in Malcolm X's speech, as he sought to evoke strong emotions from the audience. Utilizing vivid language and imagery, he depicted the stark realities of racial injustice and expressed his anger and frustration towards systemic racism, effectively tapping into the audience's emotions and sense of injustice.

Additionally, he appealed to personal experiences and stories to elicit empathy and connection, sharing anecdotes and experiences of racism to invoke a collective memory of African American struggles. This emotional appeal served to unify the audience and galvanize them towards collective action.

Delivery and Style

Malcolm X's delivery style and speech techniques were characterized by the use of rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and metaphors. His dynamic and passionate delivery enhanced the impact of his words, captivating the audience and reinforcing the urgency of his message.

The speech was carefully tailored to its intended audience, addressing the diverse concerns and aspirations of the African American community. By mobilizing the audience towards political action and empowerment, Malcolm X effectively utilized his delivery and style to inspire collective agency and solidarity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech employed a range of rhetorical strategies to effectively convey his message and mobilize the audience towards political action. By appealing to ethos, logos, and pathos, he established his credibility, presented logical arguments, and evoked strong emotions to galvanize the African American community.

Ultimately, Malcolm X's contribution to the Civil Rights Movement and his lasting impact are undeniable, as his powerful rhetoric continues to resonate with audiences today, inspiring collective action and social change.

References

1. "Malcolm X." Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 26 May 2019, www.biography.com/activist/malcolm-x.
2. "The Ballot or the Bullet." Malcolm X: A Research Site, www.brothermalcolm.net/speeches/malcolm-x-the-ballot-or-the-bullet.html.
3. Carson, Clayborne. "The Civil Rights Movement." Stanford University, Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/civil-rights-movement.
4. McWhorter, John. "The Power of Malcolm X's 'The Ballot or the Bullet' Speech." The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 12 Apr. 2014, www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/04/the-power-of-malcolm-xs-the-ballot-or-the-bullet-speech/360021/.