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Rhetorical Analysis Of The Ballot Or The Bullet

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The Civil Rights Movement, occurring in the mid-20th century, proved to be a time of intense struggle and injustice for the black community as they clamored with systematic oppression. Malcolm X, a prominent leader in the movement, innovated the values and philosophies of America. X had a verifiable mastery of the English language, which granted him the upper hand amongst other activists. “The Ballot or the Bullet,” one of X’s most famous speeches given in Detroit, Michigan on 12 April 1964, teems with a flabbergasting amount of rhetorical devices. Malcolm X uses matured rhetoric, such as anaphora, contrasting ideas, and repetition, to manipulate the masses into a position in which they will muster behind his means of attaining racial equity. …show more content…

Malcolm X gainsays the phrase “the ballot or the bullet” by saying “1964 looks like it might be the year of the ballot or the bullet” (X n. pag.). His juxtaposition of two stances on racial equality illuminates the urgent need for change, whether it be through the path of the ballot or the bullet. The culmination of this maxim resulted in the exact outcome he wished for. Change ensued because of its direct correlation to both votes cast and riots that erupted. X proceeded to quote Patrick Henry when saying “Liberty or death was what brought about the freedom of whites in this country from the English. They didn’t care about the odds” (X n. pag.). Malcolm X blazoned that the same outcomes were present in the Civil Rights Movement as in the American Revolution. Resulting from this bold announcement, bounteous individuals cast aside the intimidating odds and feuded for liberty until death. While characterizing the American experience for blacks, X stated “We don’t see any American dream; we’ve experienced only the American nightmare” (n. pag.). With this example, X castigated the American system. This realization influenced much of his audience to amass behind X’s beliefs and revoke their titles as American. Malcolm’s excellent ability to enlighten people through the presentation of direct opposites allowed him to assemble a loyal party dedicated to his

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