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How Does Malcom X Use Ethos In The Ballot Or The Bullet

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The popular “The Ballot or the Bullet”, speech articulated by Malcom X is considered one of the most powerful speeches in American history and vital works of art to the black community. The rhetorical speech voices his belief on the way black people were treated by the ‘white man’. His speech is developed using the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos and logos to articulate his critical point. Often referred to as the three artistic proofs, ethos, pathos, and logos are “modes of persuasion used to convince audiences (ethos, pathos, logos, 2016).” His core purpose in his speech was to unite black people in America in their fight against the white government and unravel the power each stood to gain if they untie as one. The use of rhetoric …show more content…

He would appeal to ethics as he often clarified that his issue was not with white people but rather with their actions. He stated, “I'm not anti-Democrat, I'm not anti-Republican, I'm not anti-anything. I'm just questioning their sincerity, and some of the strategy that they've been using on our people by promising them promises that they don't intend to keep” (X, 1964, pg.4). This quote illustrates the ethical man that lay dominant in his character. It voids him of prejudice towards certain groups and shows his sincerity towards the fight for black …show more content…

this statement was an emotional appeal to parents as he was trying to convince his audience that their children will be disadvantaged because of their reluctance to act. He also appeals to pathos when he drew a graphic imagery of the US Government having the blood of black men on its hands. By doing this, Malcom X is telling the tale of the suffering black Americans experience by the hand of the American government. Essentially, Malcom X’ speech was an appeal to logos which was effected throughout his entire speech. Early on in his speech he uses deductive reasoning which was achieved when he said “now in speaking like this, it doesn't mean that we're anti-white, but it does mean we're anti-exploitation, we're anti-degradation, we're anti-oppression. And if the white man doesn't want us to be anti-him, let him stop oppressing and exploiting and degrading us” (X, 1964,

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