Ballot or Bullet
Speech Analysis
(Draft 1)
The Civil Rights Movement was a turbulent time in American history. As black people started to stand up for their basic rights, violence often resulted. Organizing and encouraging black people to vote cost Lamar Smith his life. Lamar gathered with others on the front lawn of a courthouse when a white male shot him point blank. However, the killer was never indicted because not one of the witnesses had the courage to identify the killer. Even when death was not a result, protesters endured hideous acts. Innocent marchers were blasted with high pressure fire hoses. In 1963 Governor George Wallace’s words incited angry mob s who often carried out the hatred of his words. Despite a successful March on Washington, Martin Luther King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech impacted many yet change was slow to transpire. In an effort to fight for basic rights of black Americans, Malcolm X, delivered powerful words that may have _______ the white man into taking action.
Malcolm X delivered Ballot or Bullet in 1964. His speech pushed for economic, political, and social change. He urged people not to let religion stand in the way of injustices. He encourage black Americans to unite in a fight against a common enemy. He wanted action now. 1964 was a pivotal year - an election year. His message stressed the back Americans should not continue to support the “white man” who did not fulfill their empty promises. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Much like many charismatic civil right advocates, John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., Governor George Wallace, and Robert F. Kennedy, Malcolm X used the power of words to make a difference. His speeches were powerful. The Ballot or Bullet is full of rhetorical devices. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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