Introduction: “The Ballot or the Bullet” and ” Letter from Birmingham Jail”
“The Ballot or the Bullet” and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” are both iconic texts that resonate with powerful calls for justice and equality in American history. In Malcolm X’s speech, he elaborates on three major points addressed to the black community. Firstly, he emphasizes the need to reject religion as the basis for recognition, stating, “I am not here to discuss religion,” but rather “social degradation at the hands of the white man” (Malcolm). He then outlines his program, clarifying that it is aimed at combating exploitation and discrimination, not targeting white individuals. He advises the black community to address both social and economic fronts. On the social front, he urges unity in politics and society, cautioning against being swayed by hollow political slogans promoted by white politicians. Economically, he encourages investment in the black community for the betterment of its people. While he stresses that his program is not aligned with any particular party or political entity, he advocates for black nationalism and the assertion of black identity through community uplift. His ultimate goal is equal civil rights, which he asserts must be granted. The speech concludes on a note of determination, warning that democracy must either lead the way or face civil unrest, stating, “it’s the ballot or the bullet” (Malcolm).
Comparison: The Ballot or the Bullet” and ” Letter from Birmingham Jail”
The letter from Martin Luther King written from the Birmingham Jail is in response to the letter from church leaders. He directly addresses them, citing his conditions and how he is compelled to respond, elaborating on his program of seeking facts, negotiating, self-purification, and direct action as a last resort. Chiding the ministers for being people of goodwill and siding with an unjust cause, he argues that protests are justified when equal rights, as espoused in Christian theology, are denied. He then asserts that a community, when refused negotiation, is left with no option but direct action, emphasizing that this is a timely and non-violent response. King distinguishes between just laws, based on morality, and unjust laws, which segregate humanity. He cites examples from Christian resistance, such as the Boston Tea Party.
Not only does King criticize the white church and ministers for their inaction and sluggish response to injustice, but he also aligns himself with great Christian figures who fought for civil rights to support his argument that the time is ripe for action. He states that “time itself is neutral” and can be “used either destructively or instructively” (King). Expressing disappointment that even their nonviolent protests are considered extreme, he highlights examples of oppression against African Americans and their struggle for equal rights. In conclusion, he expresses regret for the length of his letter and advises the clergymen to consider their nonviolent methods as a way to protest long-standing injustice.
Contrast: “The Ballot or the Bullet” and ” Letter from Birmingham Jail”
When comparing and contrasting Martin Luther King’s speeches and letters with the ideas of Malcolm X, it’s evident that both advocate for the peaceful use of religion and emphasize national unity and black identity. Malcolm X emphasizes unity, harmony, and direct action within the black community by encouraging solidarity. In contrast, King draws strength from religion and adopts nonviolence as a strategy. However, both stress the necessity of taking action to address injustice.
In this context, Sartre’s observation that they are left with two choices is pertinent: they must make a decision. Both King and Malcolm X urge their black compatriots to see themselves as individual agents who “choose and make themselves,” taking responsibility for their actions (Sartre). In other words, they encourage introspection about their existence and the image they project, advocating for nonviolence as a means to assert their rights.
Conclusion: “The Ballot or the Bullet” and ” Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Similarly, Simone de Beauvoir extensively explores the identity of women, arguing that women have been objectified by others rather than defining themselves. She suggests that even when a woman writes about herself and tries to assert her subjectivity, she is often interpreted through patriarchal discourse rather than her own creative expression. De Beauvoir contends that women have been relegated to the status of the “Other” by men. Essentially, her endeavor is to empower women to form their own identities, even if it aligns with feminist principles.
This perspective can also be applied to Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. They indirectly address the marginalization of the black community in America, urging individuals to recognize and assert both their collective and individual identities. Just as de Beauvoir seeks to challenge the patriarchal lens through which women are viewed, King and Malcolm X work to dismantle the structures of oppression that have relegated African Americans to a subordinate status in society.
Works Cited: “The Ballot or the Bullet” and ” Letter from Birmingham Jail”
- Beauvoir, Simone De. The Second Sex. New York: Vintage Books. 2011.
- King, Martin Luther. ” Letter from Birmingham. Africa UPENN. n. d. http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
- X, Malcolm. ” The Ballot or The Bullet.” Edchange. n. d. http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/speeches/malcolm_x_ballot.html. Accessed 12 Oct. 2018.
Relevant Questions about “The Ballot or the Bullet” and ” Letter from Birmingham Jail”
- How do the rhetorical strategies employed in “The Ballot or the Bullet” by Malcolm X and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. differ in their approaches to advocating for civil rights?
- In “The Ballot or the Bullet” and “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” how do Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. respectively address the role of nonviolent resistance in achieving social change, and what are the implications of their contrasting perspectives?
- How do Malcolm X’s assertion of the need for Black self-defense in “The Ballot or the Bullet” and Martin Luther King Jr.’s emphasis on love and nonviolence in “Letter from Birmingham Jail” reflect differing ideologies within the Civil Rights Movement?
