Writing Practice Part One Discussion

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Writing Practice Part One
The speech “The Ballot or the Bullet” by Malcolm X was significant in bringing African Americans together so that they can eradicate white nationalism. For over 400 years, Negroes were controlled and dominated by white people economically, socially, and politically. For instance, they were persuaded to vote for white individuals who did not have their best interests at heart. In the communities of black people, no business set by a Negro was operating successfully. Instead, white individuals were the ones running the most successful firms in African Americans’ neighborhoods. In other words, white people pretended to help Negroes, but in the real sense, they were dividing and impoverishing them so that they can retain control. For this reason, Malcolm X criticized Americanism, the presidential election of 1964, and the march on Washington D.C. for freedom and jobs.
Malcolm X’s speech portrays his anger due to how white people misused or made false promises to African Americans for them to get elected. The person was informing Negroes so that they can choose the right leaders during the 1964 presidential elections who would represent them well. He was tired of how white leaders failed to help African Americans when they got elected. Malcolm X wanted Negroes to know that they were the determiner of who should be the leader of the country and that their choice mattered. For this reason, he requested black people to put their religious beliefs aside since they were the primary factors tearing them apart. Besides, white individuals used religion to foster differences, conflicts, and disagreement among Negroes. That is the reason why Malcolm X says, “Were we to come out here discussing religion, we’d have too many differences from the out start and we could never get together” (“Malcolm X’s Legendary Speech: The Ballot or the Bullet,” 2020). Consequently, Malcolm X wanted African Americans to know that their fight for economic, political, and social freedom depended on their togetherness and unity.
According to Malcolm X, Americanism refers to the allegiance to ideals, institutions, traditions, and leadership of the United States of America (USA). In particular, all Americans, regardless of their races, skin color, and culture, should benefit from it. However, Malcolm X criticizes Americanism since it contributed to African Americans being victims. He asserts that “We haven’t benefited from America’s democracy. We’ve only suffered from America’s hypocrisy” (“Malcolm X’s Legendary Speech: The Ballot or the Bullet,” 2020). Malcolm X talks in a bitter tone when discussing the fruits of Americanism. On that note, it is critical to think about Americanism as a concept that undermines true democracy. The ...