Introduction
In the United States, there was a lot of upheaval and development throughout the Civil Rights Movement. The two most important speeches from this time period were Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Both lectures were crucial in inspiring the audience to support the civil rights movement.
In this article, both speakers’ rhetorical techniques will be examined, along with their methods’ similarities and contrasts, as well as the rhetorical context of both writings. Both King and Malcolm X used persuasive rhetorical techniques to push for racial equality and social change, but their methods were very different in terms of tone, structure, and word choice, which reflected their distinct viewpoints and intended audiences.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”
The format of King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”—an open letter—allows him to address both his immediate audience of clergymen and the general public. The argument is made in a measured, composed, and convincing tone that appeals to the reader’s sense of right and wrong. King was able to interact with a variety of audiences thanks to this method, which broadened and expanded his appeal. King was able to reply directly to criticism in the open letter style, engaging his readers in conversation and developing a sense of belonging and common purpose.
King also touches the reader’s emotions by outlining the ugly reality of racial injustice and segregation. He writes, “When you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim… then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait.” (King, Martin Luther). Additionally, King’s decision to use an open letter style allowed him to participate in a public discussion, making his points understandable to a large audience and asking others to join the conversation.
The use of historical and literary allusions in “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” further demonstrates King’s command of language. He situates the civil rights movement within a larger historical and philosophical perspective by making references to individuals like Socrates and St. Augustine (Mingo). This not only strengthens his case and makes educated readers agree with him, but it also evokes memories of earlier battles for morality and justice. His deft use of ethos to support his viewpoint and deep comprehension of his audience is evident in how he smoothly incorporated these references into his message.
King asserts his authority in the letter by mentioning his role as a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement and by associating himself with respected individuals from history and religion. By presenting the brutal facts of racial injustice and segregation, he also engages the reader’s emotions, fostering empathy and a sense of urgency. King was able to connect with his readers on an intellectual and emotional level by employing these techniques, which strengthened the persuasiveness of his views.
King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is structured in a way that enables him to speak to both the clergymen directly and the broader public. He states, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” (King, Martin Luther). King emphasized his appeal to fundamental moral and historical ideals of justice and equality by using religious and historical allusions to further ground his points of contention (Mingo). King also used vivid imagery and personal experiences to personalize the civil rights movement and make it more relevant to readers from all backgrounds.
Beyond the specific tactics described in his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” King’s discourse stands out for its larger appeal to universal values and principles. He transcends the contemporary political environment and speaks to core human principles by casting the fight for civil rights as an eternal pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity. This strategy not only expands the audience for his message but also raises the civil rights movement to a moral imperative, striking a chord with individuals from all backgrounds and cultures (Mingo). King’s ability to express this universal appeal while also addressing the historical injustices of his day shows a profound grasp of human nature and a forward-thinking strategy for bringing about social change.
Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet”
The speech of Malcolm X is more forceful and urgent. It is set up as a public address and addresses African Americans specifically, pushing them to take action. In stark contrast to King’s more methodical approach, Malcolm X’s address was direct and strong because he believed that quick and decisive action was required. Malcolm X’s decision to deliver his speech in public shows that he wanted to address the African American community specifically in order to instill a feeling of urgency and unity.
Malcolm X urges his listeners to take charge of their own destiny, stating “We are responsible for ourselves. We are the ones who have to create some kind of activity that will get us out of the rut that we’re in.” (Malcolm X). Furthermore, Malcolm X challenged his audience to take charge of their fate and fight for their rights by using powerful, provocative words.
Malcolm X uses strong metaphors and images in “The Ballot or the Bullet” to effectively express his message. He captures the urgency and intensity of the issue by contrasting the option between more radical political activity (the bullet) and peaceful political action (the ballot). This metaphor not only clarifies the main point of his speech but also captures the imagination of the audience, bringing the theoretical political conflict closer to home (Farrah). His ability to create such powerful imagery demonstrates his acute awareness of his audience’s hopes and concerns, as well as his deft use of pathos to persuade them to take action.
Malcolm X supports his claims about racial unfairness and the necessity for quick action in his speech with logical reasoning and the presentation of facts and figures. The alternative between non-violent political action and more extreme methods is symbolized by the title, “The Ballot or the Bullet,” which also serves as a potent metaphor. Malcolm X’s view of the urgency of the situation and the necessity for African Americans to take charge of their future are encapsulated in this image (Farrah). Malcolm X supported his views with data and statistics, which helped establish his authority as a speaker and contributed to strengthening his arguments.
Malcolm X’s speech is more urgent and strong. He declares, “It’s either the ballot or the bullet. It’s liberty or it’s death. It’s freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody.” (Malcolm X). Furthermore, Malcolm X engaged his audience by using rhetorical questions and direct speech, which fostered a feeling of discourse and compelled them to reflect critically on the problems at hand.
Similarities and Differences
Both speakers use rhetorical strategies, including metaphor, ethos, pathos, and logos, to engage their listeners in their arguments for racial equality and societal change. Despite the fact that they both had a strong sense of commitment to their cause, their approaches and messages varied depending on the situations and audiences they were trying to reach. Both speakers understood the value of evoking strong feelings in their listeners by employing vivid metaphors and first-person stories to make their points more relevant and convincing. Additionally, King and Malcolm X were adept at using a variety of rhetorical techniques to accomplish their objectives (Farrah). Both men recognized the ability of language and rhetoric to move and inspire their audiences.
King and Malcolm X both fought for racial equality, but they had different perspectives on what led to that disparity. King emphasized the institutional and systemic impediments to equality while advocating for social and legal change (Mingo). Malcolm X, on the other hand, highlighted the necessity for African Americans to be self-reliant and independent in their own lives. These divergent viewpoints informed their rhetorical approaches, with Malcolm X emphasizing self-determination and group action and King appealing to universal ideals and human decency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. both had great success inspiring their audiences to support the battle for civil rights. However, their rhetorical tactics reveal various beliefs and methods for bringing about societal change. Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” urges immediate and forceful action, whereas Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” appeals to a sense of shared humanity and moral duty. The larger discussion within the Civil Rights Movement on the most effective route toward equality and justice is symbolized by the choice between the “bullet” and the “branch.”
Work Cited
Farrah, Daryl. “Interrogating Malcolm X’s ‘Ballot or the Bullet.’” Journal of African American Studies, vol. 24, no. 3, Springer Science+Business Media, 2020, pp. 398–416. Web.
King, Martin Luther, Jr. “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” 1963.
Malcolm X. “The Ballot or the Bullet.” 1964.
Mingo, AnneMarie. “Black and Blue: Black Women, ‘Law and Order,’ and the Church’s Silence on Police Violence.” Religions, vol. 12, no. 10, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2021, p. 886. Web.