Malcolm X vs Martin Luther King
... King vs. Malcolm X The African American movement of the sixties was by far the most progressive step for racial equality in the history of the United States. ... Martin Luther King with his passive and nonviolent approach to achieving equality. ... On the other end of the spectrum there was Malcolm X, a leader of the Black Panthers, a black nationalists group, who promoted violent and immediate action to bring change. ... King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and Malcolm X’s “Ballots or Bullets” speech are prime examples of their differing rhetorical approaches to the racial injustice around them. ... In King’s letter he is writing in response to the criticism of his fellow clergymen His immediate audience is the clergymen but his comments are also directed towards the American people and their actions, or lack there of, in the movement. ... King is able to show he is rational human being who wants to discuss and find results to a problem that is prevalent throughout the nation. ... Malcolm X, in the other hand, is not trying to discuss his issue with his fellow community leaders. ... Malcolm X is not worried about proving his credibility or impressing his audience with his vast knowledge. ... Malcolm X’s tone is often extreme and never comes near the calm and rational tone of King but for his specific audience it may be the optimum approach. In King’s speech he is working towards equality between the races. ... ” King wants to discuss the issues and work through it together, as a nation. ... Malcolm X, on the other hand, has no hope for the white population. ... King wants to work with his oppressors while Malcolm X is disgusted with them and wants nothing but to be left alone. Another major difference between King and Malcolm X is their use of logic versus passion. ... King is able to keep a level head throughout his letter. ... Malcolm X, on the other hand, has lost this ability.