The Ballot or the Bullet

Malcolm initiates his speech by acknowledging both “brothers and sisters” and “friends and enemies” (Paragraph 1). By this time, he has broken away from the Nation of Islam and knows that he has numerous detractors as a result of his perceived betrayal of Elijah Muhammad. Though much of Malcolm’s rhetoric focuses on relations between black men and white men, he also acknowledges the women present. This language of contrast, which also includes the very disparate options laid out in the title, speaks to the conflict of his time, one in which stark sociopolitical differences have impacted black people’s ability to relate to each other.

Malcolm specifically addresses this by defining himself as a Muslim speaking to Christian listeners. Yet he skillfully uses this contrast, as well as the others, to project a sense of unity. He also uses the conjunction “and” everywhere, except in the speech’s title, to signal cohesion between black communities. 

Malcolm uses repetition to emphasize his most salient points, drawing on a common rhetorical style present in political speeches and religious sermons. When Malcolm asserts, then reasserts, his Muslim faith, he communicates that his break from the Nation of