Malcolm X's Ballot or the Bullet: A Critical Analysis

The historiography of the civil rights movement is often told in a simple dichotomy where prominent civil rights figures are divided on the theory and practice of non-violence versus the practice of active self-defense. The most vocal and perhaps the most famous individual synonymous with that of self-defense is that of Malcolm X. In Malcolm’s dedication to that of black liberation through self-defense, his most articulate writing regarding this issue is found in his now famous “Ballot or the Bullet” speech. Hence, this essay will critically analyze and summarize the main ideas and points that Malcolm X makes within the “Ballot or the Bullet” speech. Born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm X led a life dedicated to

Malcolm begins the speech by elucidating the need for African-American’s, no matter your religious affiliation or status to come together as one in solidarity to fight against systems of oppression where he states that where he says that “we have a fight that’s common to all of us against an enemy who is common to all of us.” (Malcolm 1). After transitioning from this initial statement, Malcolm then begins to elucidate upon the ideology of Black Nationalism where he argues that African-Americans should control and govern the communities in which they live. In doing this, he argues that the social implementation of black nationalism will reform our communities in ways that would make them more livable and

Here, Malcolm begins his analysis by talking about the distinct political climate that existed at that time where many individuals in both the South and the North were frustrated with the stagnant pace by which racial progress was being achieved in context of civil rights legislation. In this, Malcolm in many ways levies a threat by which he warns the political elites of that period that the time is now to enfranchise African-American’s, not later. Additionally, Malcolm furthers his analysis by also critiquing the political trickery played by both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party in Northern States. In this, Malcolm posits that each of these parties have relied on the negro vote to gain and hold office, yet these parties in many instances have left many black issues—like civil rights legislation—on the table rather than actively fighting for them in the roles in which they serve. Lastly, Malcolm concludes with a discussion on liberated self-sufficiency. In context of this notion, Malcolm focuses on the need for black people explicitly to unite to form a concentrated and deliberate attack on the structures of white supremacy and the political institutions that perpetuate and ultimately preserve