"The Ballot or the Bullet"

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the social and racial context contained in Malcolm X's speech known as "The Ballot or the Bullet". The writer looks at Malcolm X, his background, and influence on the civil rights movement in the 1960s in America. The speech explores issues of race, black power, government, and the potential for social change.

From the Paper:

"Of course, Malcolm X proposes a concrete plan for his fellowmen to promote social changes in the black American society. He believes in the power and influence of the United Nations in acting as intermediary for the black American society and the US government to negotiate about their proposed changes in the American society, since, according to Malcolm X, "[w]hen you take your case to Washington D.C., you're asking it to the criminal who's responsible? They're all in cahoots together." Apart from seeking the help of the UN, he also proposes that his fellowmen empower themselves in the country and against the forces that oppress them (the government) by becoming self-reliant economically and being assertive enough to illicit fear among these oppressive powers."

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