Rhetorical Analysis of Malcolm X - 2503 Words

Chris Dennis Critical Analysis of Communication Malcolm X’s Effectiveness as a Speaker Should not be in Question The context in which a statement is made can change the entire meaning of what was said. This is why many times people will use context as a defense for statements they make that offend or cause some sort of public backlash. The manner in which a person delivers a message and what messages the rhetor chooses to deliver can be a great indication of foundation of that persons value and belief system. There are a number of value systems present in Malcolm X’s â€Å"The Ballot or the Bullet† speech that he delivered in the storied election year of 1964. There are many statements made in the ballot or the bullet†¦show more content†¦The Nation of Islam strongly disagreed and forbade its members and especially Malcolm X from taking part in the political scene (Litwack pg 7). Malcolm knew that if the black population continued to act as a separate community while also avoiding political action, they would never achieve equality. The Nation of Islam strongl y disagreed and forbade its members and especially Malcolm X from taking part in the political scene (Litwack, pg 7). These differing viewpoints and the growing jealousy of Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm’s mentor and leader of the Nation of Islam, were the fundamental reasons not only for him leaving the Nation of Islam but for the entire tone of â€Å"the Ballot or the Bullet† speech (Haley, pg 1). People often refer to Malcolm’s use of terms such as the â€Å"white devil† and his overall tone as a reason for him not being the visionary that Martin Luther King was. Martin Luther King is known for teaching in a very non-violent manner in which he avoided labeling others (Litwack, pg 8). Martin Luther King certainly deserves admiration for the manner in which he got things accomplished but that shouldn’t warrant any discredit aimed at Malcolm X. Malcolm uses a very aggressive tone because he wanted to get a reaction from his audience. For Malcolm, It was absolutely imperitive that his audience realize the severity and consequences of this election year. He uses this insistent tone when heShow MoreRelatedRhetorical Analysis of Ballot or the Bullet Sppech by Malcolm X1359 Words   |  6 PagesAs one of the most proficient civil rights activist of the 1960s, Malcolm X and his speeches were very influential but particularly one speech was highly es teemed, that being the Ballot or the Bullet speech. A speech that was given after the I have A Dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. Despite, Dr. Martin Luther King being a pacifist and also a civil rights activist as well; Malcolm X was more tyrannical and advocated the use of violence. During this era, the democrats were in control of theRead MoreMalcolm X : The Rhetorical Analysis Of Malcom Xs Speech968 Words   |  4 Pages In New York City on March 22, 1964, Malcolm X delivered his speech, â€Å"The Ballot or the Bullet.† Malcolm X, a minister of the Nation of Islam, and a revolutionary advocate of nationalism in the black community, imparted this speech with the intent to reach the black population in a time of change. The adept use of ethos, pathos, and logos to build and maintain a compelling argument, brings about a call to action and firmly conveys his ideas within the black community. Within ethos, pathosRead MoreMalcolm Xs Speech : The Rhetorical Analys is Of Malcom X843 Words   |  4 Pages1964 Malcolm X gave one of the most iconic speeches of all time. Malcolm gave this speech at the â€Å"Cory Methodist Church† where he spoke out about the politics of voting for African Americans. 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Through the use of rhetorical strategies, Patrick Henry was successful in convincing the colonies to fight for their freedom from Britain and Malcolm X was successful in convincing African Americans to fight for their rights. To beginRead MoreWhat does Tone have to do with it?1470 Words   |  6 Pagesto do with it? People learn rhetorical devices as soon as they can speak. Phrases like, â€Å"watch your tone,† â€Å"use your words,† â€Å"don’t guilt trip,† and many others are taught to children while they develop skills to communicate and disagree affectively. As people grow older, they become more adept at developing convincing arguments. The use of specific types of: tone, diction, and the pistes allow a rhetor to influence an audience. Two people that used these rhetorical devices to great effect wereRead MoreRhetorical Analysis Of The Ballot Or The Bullet706 Words   |  3 PagesRhetorical Analysis: â€Å"The Ballot or the Bullet† by Malcolm X The 1960s were a tumultuous time in American history, where many Americans were rejecting the status quo, and advocating for the advancement of their rights. The feminist movement, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, and African Americans were all making noise and calling for change. Malcolm X, who at that point was mostly known through his work with the Nation of Islam, had had a falling out with the NOI, and after a pilgrimage to MeccaRead MoreThe Autobiography Of Malcolm X Essay1152 Words   |  5 Pages THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X Introduction Malcolm X?s autobiography written in collaboration with Alex Haley is an exciting story of personality transformation. During several years, Malcolm X told Haley his biography in several extensive interviews. 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