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Malcolm X The Ballot Or The Bullet Analysis

Decent Essays

Malcolm X the Reformer and the Fighter Malcolm X devoted his life to the civil rights struggle for African Americans. He advocated for African Americans to disassociate themselves with the white man, and he even praised violence. In his speech “The Ballot or the Bullet”, he states that “We want freedom, but we’re not going to get it saying we shall overcome” (Malcolm X). Malcolm X tries to convey that peaceful protests, aren’t going to work, that a more violent approach needs to be taken, to not only show the extent they’re capable of. To as well demonstrate to the public, that this cause is a cause they’re willing to die for. The reason why I identify so much with Malcolm X is, because he taught me that you have to work for everything in this life. Also, he taught me to be self- reliant, and not depend on another’s kindness. Malcolm X way of life, and determination helped spur waves of people whom became future leaders of America.
Joseph Campbell, a scholar and mythographer tells his opinions over what exactly makes a hero and tells of all the different categories of a hero. In the case of Malcolm X, he himself could be seen as a hero who has committed physical deeds. Joseph Campbell quotes that a physical deed is one of “... which the hero performs a courageous act in battle or saves a life.” Malcolm X was a major component in the civil rights battle, he standed up for change during times that were unforgiving. However, Malcolm X can also be seen as a hero who has pledged himself in spiritual deeds. Following, his refinding of himself, and starting to follow the Nation of Islam, he completely devoted his life to overall betterment of African Americans lives. Malcolm X has helped changed the world forever, through his heroism in the matters of him of his spiritual and physical deeds.
Malcolm X was not always the hero, he is portrayed to be today. He in fact, was the opposite of a hero. Malcolm X faced many issues as a youth, from problems at home, in not having parents to look up to, which caused him to turn to look for advice from bulgars, pimps, and prostitutes (Williams 31). Thus these role-models turned him into a robber, he would steal from people's homes, and was caught and sentenced to

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