Primary Analysis of The Ballot or the Bullet by Malcolm X Research Paper - 1

Primary Analysis of The Ballot or the Bullet by Malcolm X - Research Paper Example Nation of Islam was an organization which tried to establish a separate state for African American Muslims and therefore it opposed many of the policies of the civil rights movement1. The intentions of civil rights movement were not for breaking the country, but for regaining the civil rights of the oppressed African American community. Malcolm was attracted by the ideologies of the leaders of civil right movement and he separated himself from Nation of Islam, before delivering his famous speech "The Ballot or the Bullet". Even though he supported Black Nationalism in principle, he never advocated the argument for a separate state for Muslim African American people. He always believed that it is better to fight for justice without sacrificing the interests of America as a country. In other words, he never advocated the efforts to destabilize America even though his community struggled to achieve equality in American social life. At the same time many people believe that Malcolm was actually trying to prepare black community for a bloody war with the dominant white community with the help of this speech. In their opinion, even though he appeared to be distanced himself from the constraints of religion, his actual intentions were mysterious. He tried to ridicule the activities of some of the former black and white Christian leaders like Martin Luther King, Clayton Powell, and Reverend Galamison, Billy Graham etc. Moreover, he asked his community to use their voting rights judiciously and take weapons for self-defense purpose. This paper analyses whether the dimensions of the public speech "The Ballot or the Bullet" made by Malcolm X, were culturally/communally motivated or socially motivated. â€Å"Although Im still a Muslim, Im not here tonight to discuss my religion. Im not here to try and change your religion† (Malcolm). Malcolm has realised the importance of achieving unity among African