Perspectives

To help you gain a broader perspective on “The Ballot or the Bullet” by Malcolm X, we will give you some additional points about the historical context, current issues, and similar speeches…

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Historical perspective

“The Ballot or the Bullet” was delivered during the Civil Rights Movement in the US, between Kennedy’s death and the passing of the Civil Rights Act. The speech is now considered one of the best speeches in American history and has become the most recogniza…

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Current issues

Admired by some and criticized by others, Malcolm X remains a key figure in American history. The speech “The Ballot or the Bullet” also remains relevant, especially in times of turmoil in the US. The recent Black Lives Matter protests against police discrimination in the US suggest that the speech still reflects the feelings and situation of some pa…

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Other speeches

The most relevant speech that you can compare “The Ballot or the Bullet” to is the one Malcolm X directly responds to in several parts of his speech – “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King. 

You will notice that “The Ballot or the Bullet” is long, promotes divison between white people and black people and sometimes advocates the use of violence.

“I Have a Dream” is shorter, promotes collabor…