Better speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Better speech - Essay Example Stating â€Å"an unjust law is no law at all’ (King 1), he argues that oppressed citizens have a moral obligation to break unfair laws. King believes that direct non-violent action will â€Å"dramatize the issue of non-violent action so that it can no longer be ignored† (2). The community, represented by their leaders, will thus have no option but to confront the issue through negotiation (king 2). This shows that though coming from a racial group that has been oppressed for hundreds of years; he has faith in the possibility of the white power structure to rise from â€Å"the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood†. Unlike king who portrays unshakeable faith in America’s ability to use dialogue in dealing with the unfairness brought about by segregation, Malcolm X, in â€Å"The Ballot or The Bullet†, conveys the image of a bold and outspoken man. His speech proposes a paradigm shift in the thinking of civil rights activists. He expounds the benefits of Black Nationalism to the audience and portrays â€Å"Uncle Sam† as unwilling to lift the black man from oppression. He points out â€Å"America’s conscience is bankrupt† (Malcolm 1). This statement is indicative of his disillusionment with the government. He believes that the white man’s aim is to keep him in a permanent state of subjugation. He makes it clear that if the blacks are not empowered through participation in elective democracy (the ballot); they will have no choice but to seek empowerment through violence (the bullet). He urges the audience to wake up to the fact that neither the courts nor a ny form of dialogue within America will help solve the problems of the black community. Malcolm X (1) notes, â€Å"The entire civil rights struggle needs a new interpretation†. He informs the audience that they should no longer look for