Rhetorical Essay on Speech "The Ballot or the Bullet"

Introduction

Malcolm X was one of the most dynamic, influential and dramatic people during the era of the civil period. He was considered as the apostle of the Black Nationalism because of his continuous fight for the rights of the black people. He had self-respect and very determined resistance to the white people who had pressed people for a very long time. Malcolm X was unrelenting truth teller always insisted that he was ready to fight the list privileged in society. He was fighting for economic and social freedom of his people. Malcolm believed that having a just community is a fundamental right of any individual. In the above essay, we are going to critically analyze the speech made by Malcolm X titled "Ballot or the Bullet." We will examine the historical importance of the speech and all the essential parts that moved people to continue with the struggle.

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Moreover, we will discuss delivery technique in the speech and how the host passed the message to the masses. We will also be able to critically analyze the organization structure of the speech and how Malcolm X reached the audience and how easy the message was able to pass to the people. The essay will discuss how persuasive the speech was to the public. It is no doubt that Malcolm X inspirational messages were well received by the public. It was more profound to all the people who were fighting colonialism and discrimination from the white people.

The speech "The Ballot or the Bullet" was delivered on 3rd April 1964. The speech was ranked among the best and most empowering speeches in the history of America. In attendance were more than two thousand people who turned up in Cleveland, Ohio to listen to Malcolm X. In the speech, Malcolm talked about Black Nationalism. The year being an election period, the speech was made at the appropriate time. During those time, it was difficult for the black people to decide on whom they would like to elect as their leader. The white political leaders could visit the neighborhoods of the blacks and force upon the black people to choose them as leaders. Thus Malcolm tried to instill into the black's minds that they could still be their person. Therefore he desired that the black people could make their own sole decisions and vote for the person whom they felt could work to their best interests and benefit them. Thus the central point in the speech summed down to liberty or death. The primary purpose of the speech was to challenge the black people to be involved in Black Nationalism. Malcolm X would like the blacks to exercise their constitutional right which is voting. The speech makes its audience to be more enthusiastic about the subject matter that Malcolm is talking about.

It might not be straightforward to put Malcolm's speech into one speaking technique. That is because the address can be described as being persuasive, motivational, as well as inspiring. The lecture is started with an appeal that is rhetorical and full of ethos. In so doing, he introduces himself to the audience. It can also be observed that Malcolm builds his credibility as an activist by giving a comparison of himself to other activists, for example, Dr. Martin Luther King. Malcolm X also explains to his audience that his speech is not meant to discuss his religious differences with other people, but to emphasize that they all shared similar problems. By so doing, Malcolm gains the audience's respect as a leader. It can also be observed that Malcolm is steady and exhibits confidence as he delivers the speech, and thus it becomes easy for his listeners to believe in his words.

As Malcolm continues with his speech, he grasps the attention of his audience by using the rhetorical appeal of pathos. As he talks the white man's doings, Malcolm can successfully tap into the listener's emotional appeal. When he uses statements such as " political crooks will be back in your and my community with their false promises, building up our hopes for a letdown..." (X, and Breitman, 2012) He can successfully ignite anger to his viewers, to develop an audience that is passionate. It is evident that throughout the whole speech, Malcolm taps into the emotions of his audience by showing the sufferings and struggles that they have undergone.

It is also evident that the logos was present throughout the speech. However, the logos are not exhibited in any chronological order. Malcolm tries to persuade his audience and thus appealing to their logic by using reason to prove his argument (Harris, 2016). For example, Malcolm makes it clear during his speech, that he is not against any specific group of people, but he is only against their actions. That can be ascertained when he says "Now speaking like this, it doesn't mean that we're anti-white, but it does mean we are anti-exploitation, we are anti-degradation, and we are anti-oppression. And if the white man doesn't want us to be anti-him, let him stop oppressing and exploiting and degrading us" (X, 1964) Thus, in conclusion, it can be observed that there were many instances where Malcolm X uses rhetoric to gain the appeal and trust of his audiences. He also efficiently inspires his audience emotionally and logically to instill nationalist to the blacks.

Works Cited

Harris, Shelton. "The Ballot Or The Bullet By Malcolm X: Rhetorical Analysis." Prezi.Com, 2016, https://prezi.com/4w4r8wg_34y-/the-ballot-or-the-bullet-by-malcolm-x-rhetorical-analysis/. Accessed 16 Apr 2018.

X, Malcolm. "Malcolm X: The Ballot Or The Bullet". Edchange.Org, 1964, http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/speeches/malcolm_x_ballot.html. Accessed 16 Apr 2018.

X, Malcolm, and George Breitman. Malcolm X Speaks. Pathfinder, 2012.