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Persuasion by the Ballot or the Bullet: Malcolm X's 1964 Civil Rights Address
Malcolm X's 1964 Civil Rights Address, also known as "The Ballot or the Bullet," is a
powerful and influential speech encouraging African Americans to control their destinies and
secure their rights. This essay will examine how Malcolm X used rhetoric to convince his
audience of the importance of political engagement and individual self-protection. By
dissecting Malcolm X's argument methodically, we can better understand his attempt to
persuade his listeners. This paper examines Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech, in
which he argues that for African Americans to achieve equality and justice, they must resort
to political power and self-defense.
Malcolm X employed various rhetorical strategies to convince his audience of the
significance of his message. He employs literary devices such as metaphor and repetition to
make an impression. He urged his listeners to "grow up" politically, explaining that they
needed to understand "what the ballot is for" and "what we're supposed to get when we cast a
ballot." His analogy of the ballot best illustrates his primary argument as a device for change
(Malcolm et al., 214).
Malcolm X won over his audience by appealing to their self-interested rationality. He
stresses the significance of black people prioritizing their safety. We must commit to the fight
to the end," he says. When that happens, we will finally be free. He inspires his audience to
follow their passions by presenting liberty as a value they share (Malcolm et al., 218).
Malcolm X contextualized his ideas within the current social and political climate. In
discussing the Civil Rights Act and subsequent integration, he points out the shortcomings of
nonviolence as a strategy. In a warning, he says, "Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law,
respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery." Malcolm
X emphasizes the seriousness of his message by bringing up these events (Malcolm et al.,
220).
The message of unity is central to Malcolm X's speech. He argues that African
Americans of different ideologies and religions must work together. He says, "We have to get
together. We must work together as one. Cooperation is essential. His call for African
Americans to band together and recognize their strength in numbers strengthens his case
(Malcolm et al., 227).
Many people have taken issue with Malcolm X's speech because he emphasized
violence and self-defence. He argues that black Americans should defend themselves from
harm. He clarifies, "It does not mean that I advocate violence, but at the same time, I am not
against using violence in self-defence." Thanks to his nuanced stance, he can avoid moral
relativism while standing firm against the current political climate (Malcolm et al., 235).
Malcolm X uses powerful rhetorical strategies in his 1964 Civil Rights Address, "The
Ballot or the Bullet," to argue that African Americans must engage in political action and self-
defence to win the fight for equality and justice. Malcolm X uses a variety of rhetorical
strategies to win over his listeners, including appeals to self-interest, setting the stage,
emphasizing the importance of unity, and discussing the role of violence. This speech is
important to history because it shows how words can be used to bring about positive social
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change. In these times of change and uncertainty, the words of Malcolm X, who advocated
for fair treatment of all people, ring as a call to arms.
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Work Cited
Malcolm, X., James Baldwin, and Leverne McCummins. The ballot or the bullet. Paul Winley
Records, 1987: 209-237