Compare And Contrast Martin Luther King Jr And Malcolm X

Since the creation of the United States of America there has constantly been a problem with civil rights. Even though African Americans fought for their freedom and rights, they are still facing similar obstacles that they were in the past. There are no real great leaders of the civil rights movement today but in the peak of the civil rights era there were two frontman that advocated for African American rights. One was Martin Luther King Jr., and the other was Malcolm. Martin Luther King Jr’s approach was very different from Malcolm X’s because he used peaceful uprising, while Malcolm X was examined as more assertive. In response to Martin Luther King Jr’s “ I Have A Dream” speech, Malcolm X delivered a speech called “ The Ballot or the Bullet”. In this speech Malcolm is trying to explain the reasons black people needed to stand against the American government. In “ The Ballot or the Bullet” Malcolm X uses the rhetorical terms of ethos, logos and pathos to persuade his listeners and readers.

Meanwhile in Document 7 The Last Years of Malcolm X, Malcolm says almost the same thing when describing the black community that “we have to learn the importance of spending our money in the community where we live.”. Both of these quotes from the activists show their similarities when it comes to the community and how they should be spending their money. Another parallel between the men is their overall thoughts about violence. In Document 8 speech made at a staff retreat, MLK describes how he is not a fan of violence and he thinks that “it doesn’t solve any problems”. Malcolm also has a similar view when he says “If we could bring about recognition and respect for our people by peaceful means, well and good” (Document 9 The Young Socialist).

Malcolm X’s message was more aggressive than Martin Luther King Jr.’s message because Malcolm X stated “If we don’t do something real soon, I think you’ll have to agree that we’re going to be forced either to use the ballot or the bullet.” That statement meant that if they don’t act now and wait until it gets worse they might have to go to the higher powers and vote for things to change or start involving violence in what they’re trying to achieve. Malcolm X was trying to convince people to go out and do something about the issues that were happening at the time or else more people will get even more hurt. In Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech he talks about how he wants to

In the Battle or the Bullet, Malcom X directs the speech towards white media and people about the mistreatmeant and segregation towards African Americans. Malcom X addresses the white public in a very serious tone and mannerism. He states that he doesn’t want religion to stand in the way of fighting for economic or social justice. X states that if you put away all your differences then you are able to join as one. Malcolm wants the blacks to stop supporting white politicians and direct their support towards black politician leaders. He proclaims it’s time to “stop singing and start swinging.” Singing won’t get you any freedom or respect but putting up a fight will. Malcolm X uses many examples of logos, ethos, and pathos to trigger people’s

It's hard to think that only fifty seven years ago our nation was severely divided by color, and race. At the time African Americans were looked upon as an inferior race to the caucasians, and when the lesser race began to fight back rage took hold of American hearts. During this trying time there were two notable leaders of the black minority, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. Although they both sought the same thing for their people, equality, they each had their own way of going about obtaining it. King was a peaceful man, and was a strong believer in the power of peaceful actions of protest. While on the other hand, Malcolm was a man of action and these actions weren't always peaceful. After reading the two passages above it is easy to see that Malcolm X's plan of action is the best option for the African American people.

Each of these two leaders had different views on how to go about gaining freedom. While King believed a peaceful means would allow the blacks to achieve equality with the white Americans, Malcolm X took a more pessimistic approach. He believed achieving equality was nearly impossible and preached a more separatist doctrine. Each man's beliefs were formed in their youth.

in the speech that Malcolm x presents I find it interesting that Malcom X says that it is either the ballot or the bullet. Just because for Marten Luther king Jr his whole speech was on no violent protesting. The discrimination that African Americans face will not stop until there is a vote for change in among that community. It is in their hands to make change happen. Malcolm X is saying that if nothing good happens for the black community. Then they will turn to the bullet. I think that Malcolm X was trying to stay away from violence from happening, but it was still an option in the end.

Despite their similar beliefs that individuals should win victory over their oppressors, I mostly agree with Martin Luther King's position. The use of agape and an individual being able to win "double victory" is really outstanding and seems very logical. Although King created concepts extracted from the teachings of Gandhi, he had also used methods of Jesus. Gandhi talks about his law of love and cycle of violence, but doesn't stress on the notion of the sacredness of life. King, on the other hand, explains the difference between love and like and how a person disrespects themselves if they cannot respect others. Malcolm X is a whole other story next to Martin Luther King. Both these men have different views on how to approach the oppressor. King believes we must love all human beings even if they commit bad deeds and individuals must think with good means to have better ends. Malcolm, on the other hand, says it's okay to fight back to bring justice if injustice was done to them.

The two most influential civil rights activists in American history were Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. They supported equal rights for every race, but when comparing MLK’s “I Have a Dream’ and Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet,” one sees the similarities in their rhetorical styles and differences in their tone and message. As seen in “I Have a Dream,” MLK has a more civilized and peaceful solution to the nation’s problems; whereas in X’s he has a will to do whatever it may take to solve the problems.

Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” was one of the most significant and powerful speeches delivered during the Civil Rights era. X, an advocate for civil rights, was also an influential leader who sought to end the complete and utter degradation of Black Americans. Conflicting with the peaceful and nonviolent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was another important leader at his time, X believed in using any means necessary, including violence, to accomplish his goals. Because of his controversial methods, X was seen as a radical, causing many to disagree with his tactics. Without a doubt, X was definitely a great leader and excellent orator, regardless of his disputable views. He understood the influence of language and used that to his own advantage, as he created and delivered an inspiring speech to achieve his purpose. In “The Ballot or the Bullet,” X’s appeal to emotion, critical tone, and his overall consideration of his audience convinces Black Americans to hasten their fight for equality.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had a common purpose for African Americans; justice and equality. Illustrated through their speeches, Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” and Malcolm X’s “Talk to Young African Americans”, the two did not share techniques or ideas. Yet both men had the support of millions and millions of people.

Dr. King and Malcolm X strived to achieve equality for blacks under the law, more specifically, voting rights, desegregation, and more representation in government and politics. However, both men differed immensely in their tactics and strategies. For Dr. King, the negotiations could be brought about by the persistence of a nonviolent plan where, the oppressed people’s determination would overcome the will of the oppressor in the hearts and minds of the nation. He firmly believed in the principles of Mahatma Gandhi’s method of nonviolence resistance, which had been successful in driving the British out of India. For example, according to King, one of the resisters, or black mans goals is not to humiliate the opponent, (the white man) but to win his friendship and understanding. Dr. King proposed a passive resistance, based on “the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice” (“Pilgrimage to Non Violence” King, 112). He claimed the center of nonviolence is based on the principle of love, or understanding. Dr. King emphasized that the white man should not be held responsible for the minorities and blacks being oppressed. Here is where the two leaders oppose each other. Malcolm X felt social injustice and racism had endured too long, and it was

Malcolm X used violence as a way to get more black rights and to hopefully lead up to black supremacy. Dr. Martin L King Jr used non violence protesting as a way to symbol that people standing up for their rights are not wrong or barbaric, but the people who are stopping these nonviolent protests look bad because there is no physical harm being done. Malcolm X states, “This is why I say it’s the ballot or the bullet. It’s liberty or it’s death” (The Ballot or the Bullet). This describes Malcolm X warning that if black people are not allowed suffrage and other rights, then there is going to be violence and death involved to have those rights granted. Malcolm X is showing that he is not afraid to have a violent revolution if there has to be one. Dr. King however states, “We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must ride to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force” (I Have A Dream). Martin Luther King Jr is trying to persuade others that a violent protest will only hurt, not help in getting equality and that a peaceful, powerful protest will ensure smoother integration and peace. Dr. King is promoting the opposite of Malcolm X by saying peace is power whereas Malcolm X is trying to bring forth the

Powerful movements require powerful leadership. During the 1960s a push for civil rights developed, and African Americans took various positions. Two strong leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X approached the Civil Rights Movement using different methods. Their speeches reflect the disposition of their tactics. In his speech, “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King, Jr. focuses on applying his non-violent philosophy. On the contrary, Malcolm X projects himself in an aggressive tone reflecting the attitudes of Black Nationalists in “Ballot or the Bullet.” These speakers demonstrate their objectives and tone through their use of diction and syntax.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal" (King, “I HAVE A DREAM…,” pg.4 ¶.5). Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were major figures in the fight for racial equality but their ideals were diametrically opposed. In MLK JR’s March on Washington speech, he calls for peaceful resistance and integration into an equal society. Malcolm X, however, disagrees with that in his Message to Grassroots and argues equality cannot be obtained peacefully and that living together wouldn’t be much better than slavery. By comparing the two men’s goals and messages expressed in these speeches we can gain an understanding of the feelings of the general populace on the issues of racial inequity.