TA: Black Nationalism (exerpts of speeches) Malcolm X

Malcolm X explains Black Nationalism (March 29, 1964)

1. What is the author arguing?

            Malcolm X is the speaker, and was giving his speech about Black Nationalism. Malcolm is arguing that they (Blacks) were “kidnapped and brought to America,” against their wills. That it was not his “forefathers that landed on Plymouth Rock, the rock was landed on us.” That slavery was forced upon Blacks. That they (Blacks) were not brought here to be made citizens, nor “enjoy these constitutional gifts,” but now that Blacks have “awakened to some degree” and ask for those constitutional gifts they are looked upon with “hostility and unfriendliness.” Malcolm further argues, if you want freedom you need to know some “Judo,” “Karate,” and “all the things that will help you fight for freedom.” Malcolm gives examples of African countries that fought for freedom, rather then doing sit-ins, waiting-in, or “singing we shall overcome.” That it was “nationalism that is bringing freedom to oppressed people all over the world.” Malcolm helps his people realize they too have a stake in America, and the philosophy of nationalism should spread through the Negro community. He reminds people that slave labor has been around for 310 years. Slaves received no benefits, and worked around the clock. He argues that this was their “contribution into this particular economy and political system.” He encourages Blacks to join him in creating action, rather then debate.

2. How does the author appeal to logos (logic), pathos (emotional quality), and ethos (the writer’s perceived character) with their argument?

“Your and my mother and father worked for nothing, not 8 hours a day, there was no union in that day. They worked from sun up until sun down, from can’t see in the morning to can’t see at night. They never had a day off and on Sunday they were allowed to sit down and sing about when they die, they wouldn’t be slaves no more.” Malcolm’s tone here shows his view of how unjust life for previous generations of slaves was, and his emotional plea to Blacks to wake up and fight. Malcolm speaks to his audience (Blacks) giving them logical reasons that they do have a stake in America; that we (Blacks) have paid our debt for the past 310 years so they could be part of “this particular economy.” He names counties like Algeria, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanganyika, Africa, as inspirational countries that fought oppression by nationalism. Malcolm’s character is very much a fight for your rights person. He sees himself as being forced into a life he did not ask for, but will make things better for himself and others. He is a black man tired of watching his people be treated with bias for no better excuse then color. His personality gives knowledge and might to those willing to fight for Black Nationalism.

3. What is the historical significance/relevance of this document?

            Historically this is one of the most powerful awakening speeches for Blacks in America. The empowerment Malcolm gives in his speech makes you want to embrace his culture and fight for what belongs to the people. Malcolm X was unlike M.L.K. who preached non-violence. Malcolm preached for pro violence, when necessary. This made his philosophy of Black Nationalism dangerous to those who still believed in segregation. Malcolm brought to light that realization that all Blacks were just as good as all Whites. That it is indisputable America was built on the backs of slave labor. That Blacks had every right to be part of this economy and political system.  

4. Do you find the author’s argument convincing? Why or why not?

            Malcolm’s argument is very convincing to me. He has watched people do sit-ins, and wait-ins, to find it did not work. He sees that standing up for your self is what gets the point across. His speech is emotional, empowering, and gives you the feeling that you should have the same constitutional rights as any other American regardless of color. I agree that the time for debating was over and the time for action was necessary. Malcolm says “if you’re interested in freedom you need some judo, you need some karate, you need all the things that will help you fight for freedom,” in this statement alone he is saying at any cost freedom is precious and should be for all.