exploitation at the hands of the white man, and social degradation at the hands of the white man” (25-27). X wanted to inspire the audience to rely on themselves rather than the white man in government because the white man kept making empty promises.
Malcolm X started his speech by connecting to his entire audience, friends and enemies. “I just can’t believe everyone in here is a friend and I don’t want to leave anybody out” (2). By this statement, Malcolm X was gaining everyone’s attention. He was sure that there were members of the audience who opposed his strategies and wanted them to know that he was aware of their presence. Malcolm X was successful in capturing the audience’s attention with the phrase “…it points toward either the ballot or the bullet” (4). Malcolm X knew that the statement would keep his audience intrigued. In order to keep his audience on edge Malcolm stated, “Before we try and explain what is meant by the ballot or the bullet, I would like to clarify something concerning myself” (7). He did not initially elaborate on this statement to keep his audience eager to hear more. This way he could tell them some information about himself while he surely had their attention.
Malcolm X uses logos, or logic, to argue that the white men in American government were not trying hard enough to create civil right equality.
In this present administration they have in the House of Representatives 257 Democrats to only 177 Republicans. They control two-thirds of the House vote. Why can’t they pass something that will help you and me? In the Senate, there are 67 senators who are of the Democratic Party. Only 33 of them are Republicans. Why, the Democrats have got the government sewed up, and you’re the one who sewed it up for them. And what have they given you for it? Four years in office, and just now getting around to some civil-rights legislation. (99-105)
He uses this information to let his audience know exactly what is going on in the American government. His use of the statistical information established the use of logos and ethos in his speech.
This speech is also packed full of emotional appeal. He appeals to the emotions of his young audience, provoking them to anger and in the same breath, strikes fear into the hearts of his white listeners. He knew how to make himself heard and to strike fear and anger into the hearts and minds of his readers everywhere. This speech is filled with forcible and compelling language that would provoke some feeling in anyone in the audience. Malcolm X attempted to scare his audience into following his ways through such quotes as, “If we don’t do something real soon, I think you’ll have to agree that we’re going to be forced to either to the ballot or the bullet. It’s one or the other in 1964. It isn’t that time is running out – time has run out” (38-39)! He also awakens white fears by defiant, racial language. What he says arouses the emotions, but does so precisely because what he says is absolutely logical. Whites accurately viewed his words as a declaration of war, and they knew that the black population had had enough. A choice had to be made, change had to be made. His tone gets increasingly forceful and confrontational. Terms like “Your vote, your dumb vote, your ignorant vote, your wasted vote” and ” these handkerchief-heads who have been dillydallying and pussy footing and compromising” (209). His intent with these remarks and others was to step on the toes of the Civil Rights leaders that have been willing to accept what rights they were given and not demand the rights they were owed.
Malcolm X also built credibility, or ethos, in “The Ballot or the Bullet” by mentioning the following names: Martin Luther King, Reverend Galamison, and Adam Clayton Powell. These men were all known ministers in various religions. The aforementioned men were also known as being involved in desegregation and civil rights. Malcolm X established his credibility by comparing himself with these well-known men as a fellow minister. Even though Malcolm X used his background in religion as the basis for his credibility he did not base his speech upon religion. “Although I’m still a Muslim, I’m not here tonight to discuss my religion. I’m not here to try and change your religion” (17). He wanted his audience to know that even if their religious beliefs were different they could still join together and fix the common problem they had.
Malcolm X’s message was effective, because it had the desired effect: He roused black anger, on the one hand; and he frightened whites on the other. His audience responded to him due to the powerful speech that he presented. Malcolm X used a variety of rhetorical strategies in order to effectively touch each member of his audience.
Works Cited
"Ballot or the Bullet Speech." 12 April 1964. 22 February 2011
<http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/malcolmxballotorbullet.htm>.