Monthly Archives: October 2016

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Dr. Martin Luther King in his “Give Us The Ballot” speech on the steps of the lincoln memorial, urges the white aristocratic government which had so long oppressed the black population to rally behind his cause in granting the black population their civil rights and liberties. Which he continuously refers to in his speech as “Give Us the ballot”.

Dr. Martin Luther King expressed his dislike of the hypocrisy that was going on in the Legislature. The speech focused on the fact that the South in some way had colluded with the legislature to ensure that the black population could never attain their civil rights.

He uses language and tone that is meant to rebuke these corrupt acts. By referring to the Bible as a source or reference, he quotes verses that are meant to insinuate that the black population in a sense had done nothing wrong and that these very fundamental civil liberties that were being withheld from the black people were in a sense a sin against God.

Further down the speech, he makes reference to prior concerns that had previously been brought up by the black population. By citing these concerns in his speech, he essentially uses these concerns as a means of to bolster his arguments. In that, he threatens that if the civil rights cry was heard and addressed, he “might” be willing to give up all other secondary causes that he had initiated.This goes to show how important the civil rights act and the inclusion of black people in the democratic system meant to Dr. Martin Luther King. As much as he had wanted the passage of an anti-lynching law, he maintained that with the passing of the civil rights law, allowing Black people to vote would be the greatest triumph of the black community. He would be willing to forgo the other request that had already been presented to the government.

The right to vote in Dr. Martin Luther King’s perspective was sacred and thus the most important of all rights given to man by God.

Works Cited:

King, Martin Luther Jr. “ Give Us the Ballot” Washington Dc (1957) King Encyclopedia Stanford University.

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Malcolm X’s speech of 1964 known as “The Ballot or the Bullet” discusses the importance of voting in order to fight racial discrimination. He expresses his desire for an increase in Black nationalism, and an increase in reliance and dependence among the Blacks, rather than depending on the infrastructure and economy set forth by the Whites. However, he makes it clear that he does not hate the Whites, when he says, “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.” Malcolm X thinks that it is ridiculous how the black peoples’ vote helped place an administration in the government, but in return they received nothing and their priority is of the least concern to the government. He urges for the Blacks to use their constitutional privilege of voting, because their votes are essential in this two-party system of Democrats and Republicans. In the beginning of his speech, his rhetoric is to unite the Blacks as one: “Whether you’re educated or you’re illiterate, whether you live on the boulevard or in the alley, you’re going to catch hell just like I am.” He goes on to say each and everyone of them have been in some way abused by the white man. He believes that being able to unite them for the progress of Black nationalism will counter the oppressive ways of the whites and provide more freedom for themselves.

In this 2016 election, Trump has made various comments on the condition of the Blacks living in America. In a recent campaign speech in Dimondale, Michigan, he said “You’re living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58% of your youth is unemployed — what the hell do you have to lose?” (LoBianco & Killough) He does not mention the oppression, the slavery, or the civil riots of the Blacks throughout America’s long history, instead placing the fault on the African-Americans themselves. His response, however, changed recently in a newer speech, where he assured the African-American community that “I will be your greatest champion. I will never take the African0-American communities for granted. Never, ever.” (Sullivan, O’Keefe, & Zezima) Trump also blames the Democrats for their lack of action in improving the livelihood of the African-American community. His tone and his views have changed greatly within a matter of weeks to receive as many votes as possible. His actions are similar to those warned by Malcolm X in 1964, when he refers to Dixiecrats taking advantage of the Blacks for their votes. A Dixiecrat was a Democrat who did not approve of extending civil rights to minorities. What Trump is doing is similar to the problems that Malcolm X mentions – he seems sincere in improving racial relations even though he had expressed a different opinion not too long ago. He does so as a way to obtain votes even though it is unlikely he has placed the African-American community very high on the priority list. This is why Malcolm X had urged for the Blacks to unite because they face a common problem and by doing so can make a better decision in using the privilege to vote for someone who is more likely to provide a better future for them.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do either of the presidential candidates have any sincerity in improving racial inequality?
  2. Do you agree with Malcolm X’s idea of focusing on Black nationalism as a method in improving the livelihood of the Black people?

Works Cited:

LoBianco, Tom, and Ashley Killough. “Trump Pitches Black Voters: ‘What the Hell Do You Have to Lose?'” CNN. Cable News Network, 19 Aug. 2016. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

Sullivan, Sean, Ed O’Keefe, and Katie Zezima. “Trump Pledges ‘new Deal for Black America'” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2016. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

 

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Malcolm X’s speech titled “The ballot or the bullet” was one of the most empowering speeches delivered in the American history. The speech was delivered on April 3, 1964 at Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. The speech was delivered during the time of the election year when previously, white politicians would come out to get votes and make promises which they would not fulfill later. Malcolm X clearly stated at the start of his speech that he is a Muslim but he is not here talk to talk about his religion, instead he said that it’s time for us to submerge our differences and realize that we have a common enemy that just happens to be a ‘White man’. X goes on says, “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 in his speech emphasized the importance of voting as a means to end discrimination against the black. He says that since the white people are so evenly divided in elections that the Black vote is the deciding factor in elections. He says that we will hold the candidates accountable for their promises. X uses the phrase ‘The ballot or the bullet’ many times during his speech through which he means that we will get are rights through voting or by violence. Each of his claims are backed up by his justification. X says, “I’m not going to sit at your table and watch you eat, with nothing on my plate, and call myself a diner. Sitting at the table doesn’t make you at a diner, unless you eat some of what’s on that plate.”

As the 2016 election is almost a week away, after reading the Malcolm X’s speech, I immediately saw the problems that ‘Muslims’ are facing that was previously seen by Malcolm X in 1964 for ‘Blacks’. Donald Trump’s statement, “Ban all Muslim travel to U.S.” is a reason why Muslims have to carefully consider their vote and have to make their vote count. Donald Trump also said that he would implement a database system tracking all Muslims in the United States. Muslims have found these statement offensive, terrifying, disrespectful, racist and discriminating. Family of a Muslim U.S. soldier stepped forward to speak at the Democratic Convention that their son was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq war. Like Malcolm X said, “Not only did we give of our free labor, we gave of our blood. Every time he had a call to arms, we were the first ones in uniform. We died on every battlefield the white man had. We have made a greater sacrifice than anybody who’s standing up in America today.” Muslims have been fighting alongside the U.S. for a long time. More than 3500 Muslims fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nsenga Knight a New York City Muslim Black resident in an interview with Washington post said, “Muslim is the new black.” Muslims must go out and vote if they want to end this discrimination because their vote matters as said by Malcolm X to Blacks. Muslims vote can be the swinging vote in the 2016 presidential election if Hillary Clinton is in a close tie with Donald Trump.

The Questions:

Would Hillary Clinton keep her promises after being elected or supporting Muslims is just a part of her political campaign?

If you are opposed to P.C culture. Do you think it was fair for Donald Trump to make these statements?

References

Diamond, Jeremy. “Donald Trump: Ban All Muslim Travel to U.S.” CNN. Cable News Network, 8 Dec. 2015. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

“Muslim Is the New Black.” Voters Reflect on the 2016 Campaign.” Washington Post. The Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2016. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

Considine, Craig. “Saluting Muslim American Patriots.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 4 Oct. 2015. Web. 31 Oct. 2016

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A Comparison of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Give us the Ballot” Speech and Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Launch Speech

In his renowned speech, “Give us the Ballot” given in Washington, D.C. on May 17th, 1957, Martin Luther King Jr. advocates for African American voting rights, calling on his community to bring about the necessary change to create a society in which “all men will live together as brothers and respect the dignity and worth of human personality”. Although on the surface, this speech is explicitly motivated by the goal of achieving African American suffrage, it also has an overall theme of shaping the country in a way that promotes general equality for all. As in all of his great speeches, King’s rhetoric is powerful and moving, encouraging his audience to feel his message. Speeches such as this were created by King as ways to non- violently protest the injustices that he felt plagued American Society. Rhetorical strategies like the employment of repetition are to be noted as a key example of King using his words as weapons. “Give us the Ballot”, is repeated again and again, every time being followed by a reason that King believes that African Americans are worthy of receiving this chance at equality. In this speech, King utilizes this issue as a microcosm of the country’s overall desperate need for change.

In her 2016 campaign launch speech, Hillary Clinton addresses the same issues as King in a more contemporary setting. Like King, she advocates for the reformation of the unbalance of the American mindset. Because she is the first female presidential nominee in American history, this puts her in a similar position as King. They are both powerful members of groups, which are faced with the inability to access equal rights. They are leaders of communities, promoters of change. In her speech, Clinton refers specifically to the inequalities faced by women in the working world. She claims that “it is way past time to end the outrage of so many women still earning less than men on the job — and women of color often making even less.” She believes, like King, that the current system which currently presides over the American people, is completely misrepresentative and excluding towards many groups of people. Naturally, she also is driven by the idea of change.

These two texts raise similar questions. What is the significance of inequality as it relates to the representation of certain groups in American society? How can we evolve society to reflect a progressive change toward the better? Are people like Hillary Clinton the right people to lead us to this progress?

Bibliography

Frizell, Sam. “Read the Full Text of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Launch Speech.” Time. Time, 13 June 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.           

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Being that 2016 is an election year, and we are faced with two unique candidates, many of our youth are saying they are choosing not to vote. Reading Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet” provides reasoning and explanation as to why African Americans should fight for their right to vote during the election of 1964, and in essence proving that we should take advantage in 2016. He does this by attempting to guilt trip the audience. He states “If you don’t take this kind of stand, your little children will grow up and look at you and think ‘shame.’ If you don’t take an uncompromising stand, I don’t mean go out and get violent; but at the same time you should never be nonviolent unless you run into some nonviolence.”

In Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech on April 3rd 1968, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” he is addressing his audience in reference to the strike that was occurring among sanitation workers. He states “The question is not, ‘If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?’ The question is, ‘If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?’ That’s the question.”

African Americans during the 1960’s had both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to look up to while enduring their trials and tribulations. In both speeches, they use guilt to try and get their followers to stand up for not only themselves and their rights, but also the rights of those they have no relation to. Through looking at Malcolm X’s speech, the reader could take away the fact that at one point in time people who weren’t white and rich could not vote, so advantage should be taken.

Should people still vote even if they do not like any of the candidates?

In light of the protests going on today, does it appear that history is repeating itself?

Martin Luther King Jr. “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” American Rhetoric: Martin Luther King, Jr. Web. 31 Oct. 2016. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

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On May 17th, 1957, Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the public in a speech, “Give us the ballot,” Address at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom. In his fight for civil rights, this was one important speech. He addressed the issue of voting rights for African Americans. His speech seemed like a sermon, especially when he attacked the strength of the leadership on the country at different levels. He talked about how their ways to prevent African Americans from participating in voting, was undemocratic and went against  what this country stood for. He tried to show that the inclusion of African Americans in the voting process would almost eliminate the need for campaigns about their basic rights, when he says “Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights.”

Even though this was a speech given a long time ago, this issue still exists in another way. Even though, we all have voting rights nowadays, we still don’t know that our voices are being heard. There is no guarantee we have to know that our votes are being used just as they were cast. Even though they introduced glass ballot boxes to represent transparency, there’s no way to know that the votes were not rigged and results were not forged in any way.

So what do you guys think? Do you think that there are way other ways to hold the government accountable for completely transparent and non-forged elections?

Als, do you think that maybe this is the reason that a lot of the youth these days don’t really have the zeal to vote or get involved in picking a leader for our country?

 

Source:

L. King Jr., Martin. “17 May, 1957, “Give Us the Ballot,” Address at the Prayer Pilgrimage for the Freedom.” http://kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_give_us_the_ballot_address_at_the_prayer_pilgrimage_for_freedom/index.html

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In his address at the prayer pilgrimage for freedom, Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a sermon-like critique of the obstructionist elements of government that he sees as being responsible for delaying any significant change for civil rights. He does so by addressing the reasons why despite the supreme court ruling in favor of integrated schools, it had still not become a reality. He specifically lays the responsibility on both the pro-segregationist presence in Washington as well as the lack of conviction on the part of the supporters of integration. Choosing to focus on the later, he calls out both democratic and republican supporters for over indulging the elements in their party that attempt to delay any real change from occurring. In order to achieve some measure of progress, Dr.King calls for putting an end to this wishy-washy attitude, calling for strong leadership on the part of all three branches of government. Leadership backed by conviction and ideology. But he also does not neglect the role that strong African American leadership must also play. Contending for calm, confident community leadership based in an unyielding christian tradition.

In his address, Dr.King uses language that strongly emphasis the role that conviction must play in political advocacy, attempting to show rather than just tell. His choice to repeat phrases in his speech that capture his main theme, gives his arguments the air of urgency and importance that he advocates for. He repeatedly uses the phrase “give us the ballot” in a way that aggressively stresses the difference that they would be able to make themselves if given the opportunity given their strong beliefs on the issues. As if to say gives us the responsibility and we will show you how it ought to be done. He repeats words like “strong leadership”, “courageous leadership” in order to accentuate the need for a commitment that extends beyond politics. His use of strong language to condemn the harmful elements of both parties is also notable. He uses clearly, and confidently disparaging language like “dixiecrats”. Pointing to the “hypocrisy of right wing, reactionary northerners” as betraying democracy and justice. Once again attempting to show what he preaches in delivering strongly worded, confident critiques. But what I found most notable in his speech was his criticism of the quasi-liberalism of white northern liberals. On that Dr.King writes “What we are witnessing today in so many northern communities is a sort of quasi-liberalism which is based on the principle of looking sympathetically at all sides. It is a liberalism so bent on seeing all sides, that it fails to become committed to either side.” (par.14) This criticism of a liberalism far more concerned with balance than it is conviction is one that we hear often in today’s political climate. Most notably as it relates to the positions of democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Looking specifically at Hillary Clinton’s remarks on reforming criminal justice delivered in Charlotte, NC we can see many of the reasons why. These remarks were delivered by Clinton at a church in Charlotte following the police shooting of Keith Scott in North Carolina. In her speech she attempts to console the family of Mr.Scott as well as the audience in attendance while also cementing her commitment to social justice and equality. But throughout the speech Clinton is very careful not to choose any one side. When she speaks of the shooting she makes a point of suggesting we withhold judgment until the full investigation is done. When she speaks of the fear felt by innocent members of the black community, she mentions both police violence as well as civilians with guns as being the causes. Also making sure throughout her speech to mention that police officers are also effected by violence and deserve our prayers. Her language throughout the speech appears to be deliberately bipartisan, attempting not to alienate any one side. In doing so however, she fails to articulate any commitment to any one side. In much the same way as the liberals criticized by Dr.King, in these remarks she appears far more concerned with advocating for both sides that she fails to stand up for either.

So what do you guys think: Do you believe that the remarks used by Hillary Clinton in this address fit the mold of the inefficiently centrist liberals of Dr.King’s time? And if so, what implications does the fact that she seems to exhibit many of the features decried by Dr.King as detrimental to the cause of civil rights have on her potential efficacy when it comes to advancing progressive ideals? Are their other moments in other speeches delivered by Hillary Clinton that exhibit these same sorts of positions?

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Bibliography:

King, Martin Luther Jr. Give Us The Ballot. King Encyclopedia, Stanford University, 1957, Washington DC http://kingencyclopedia.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_give_us_the_ballot_address_at_the_prayer_pilgrimage_for_freedom/index.html

Hillary Clinton. Remarks in Charlotte, North Carolina on Reforming Criminal Justice and Providing Equal Opportunity. Hillaryclinton.com, Hillaryclinton.com, 3 Oct. 2016, https://www.hillaryclinton.com/speeches/remarks-in-charlotte-north-carolina/

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The Ballot or The Bullet speech by Malcolm X is considered to be one of the the most important of the 20th century, and even American History. This Speech given in 1964, an election year, is one where Malcolm X calls out and speaks on many issues regarding African Americans and America, like Self Defense, the Government,and Civil Rights. Overall, Malcolm X’s speech is very straightforward, and as you could tell by the title, The Ballot or The Bullet, he “tells it like it is” throughout. Although at first he tries to be somewhat warm and relatable, using the words we and us, his bluntness quickly takes over as he starts speaking about the condition of African Americans:

“It’s time for us to submerge our differences and realize that it is best for us to first see that we have the same problem, a common problem, we’re all in the same boat and we all are going to catch the same hell from the same man. He just happens to be a white man.”

The speech tackles the topic of the relationship between African Americans and the Government at that time,with Malcolm X stating that African Americans have done so much for so little in return, saying:

” Not only did we give of our free labor, we gave of our blood. Every time he had a call to arms, we were the first ones in uniform. We died on every battlefield the white man had. We have made a greater sacrifice than anybody who’s standing up in America today.”

He takes time to advise African Americans as well, making them aware of the importance of their vote. Malcolm X implies that they need to be more careful and more politically aware because, African Americans, by sticking together and being politically present, could possibly change the landscape of American politics. He criticizes Washington as well, saying that things aren’t as they appear,and that the government cannot be trusted. He adds that the Democrats, a party that African Americans religiously back , is duping them,with Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats (Dixiecrats, segregationists) working together. He repeats the words Democrats and Dixie around the same number of times here, maybe to insist on the fact that they are similar.

“That’s camouflage, that’s trickery, that’s treachery, window-dressing. I’m not trying to knock out the Democrats for the Republicans. We’ll get to them in a minute. But it is true; you put the Democrats first and the Democrats put you last.”

The Skepticism displayed towards the government in this speech is what leads Malcolm X to say the Ballot or the Bullet, stressing on the importance of African American Political awareness and their ability to rise up to gain their voice either violently or non violently. The skepticism displayed in the text can also be seen in the article from the New York Times titled “Young Blacks Voice Skepticism on Hillary Clinton, Worrying Democrats “, published in September 2016. In this Article the same concerns that were brought up by Malcolm X are brought up by the African American youth. With the youth asking questions like, Can we trust them? What have they done? and What will they do for our cause? It is said in the article:

“They are demanding more from politicians as part of a new confrontational wave of black activism that has arisen in response to police killings of unarmed African Americans.[…]because the conversation that younger black voters are having is no longer one about settling on a candidate who is better than the alternative.”

This quote from the Newspaper is a modern translation of Malcolm X’s which, again, emphasizes the importance of African American votes, and political awareness.

“A ballot is like a bullet. You don’t throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket.”

This could lead to 2 questions. First, Has Malcolm X’s influence led the African American Community to be more Politically Aware now? And Does the government agenda that he mentioned in his text still exist nowadays?

 

 

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Martin Luther King’s “Gives Us the Ballot” speech at the Prayer Pilgrimage of Freedom was an important address in 1957 and still is important today. The speech begins with the reference to the Supreme Court decision of Brown v. the Board of Ed. and how it was strongly opposed, especially by those in the South. King discusses two main issues that African Americans still need in order to thrive in the United States, voting and leadership. Martin Luther King lists what exactly is needed from leadership; leadership from the federal government, from all three branches, leadership from white Northern liberals, leadership from white Southern moderates and leadership from the Black community.

From leadership, King goes forth to discuss Christian morals and Biblical allusions and also how we, as a society, can grow from being oppressed and taken advantage of one another to being a brotherhood of humanity. One important issue that King discusses early on this speech is voting. King stated that “The denial of this sacred right is a tragic betrayal of the highest mandates of our democratic tradition. And so our most urgent request… is to give use the right to vote.” Voting is one of the most fundamental parts of the democratic process and King wants the federal government to grant that freedom to the African American community. King also repeats the phrase “Give us the ballot” six times, each time with a different declaration of fighting against the systematic racism and going towards equality and freedom.

A contemporary text to go with King’s need to fight for the ballot is a Washington Post Article, “Getting a photo ID so you can vote is easy. Unless you’re poor, black, Latino or elderly,” by Sari Horwitz. This article discusses how the adoption of voter ID laws have hindered the ability for citizens to vote, especially those of an ethnic minority, a low socioeconomic class and those who are elderly. Out of the states that took up this law, most of them are Southern states. These are the same states that fought against the Civil Rights Movement and the laws that accompanied it. These laws are basically the modern day polling tax and literacy tests that African Americans confronted after slavery until the Civil Rights Act of 1964. From the article, it appears that the fight and plead started by King lives on to this day.

Questions

What can be done to open the ballot freely to all citizens?

Can we finally carry out MLK’s plan and use the ballot to end the problems of systematic racism?

Sources:

King, Martin Luther Jr.   “Give Us the Ballot.” Washington DC (1957) King Encyclopedia, Stanford University.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/getting-a-photo-id-so-you-can-vote-is-easy-unless-youre-poor-black-latino-or-elderly/2016/05/23/8d5474ec-20f0-11e6-8690-f14ca9de2972_story.html

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When reading Malcolm X’s speech, “The Ballot or The Bullet”, I instantly see parallels between the importance of an election year that he speaks about and the common theme that the 2016 Presidential election is the most important election that we have ever had.

“In this present administration they have in the House of Representatives 257 Democrats to only 177 Republicans. They control two-thirds of the House vote. Why can’t they pass something that will help you and me? In the Senate, there are 67 senators who are of the Democratic Party. Only 33 of them are Republicans. Why, the Democrats have got the government sewed up, and you’re the one who sewed it up for them. And what have they given you for it?”

Current U.S. President Barack Obama made these remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 46th Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner this September:

“There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter. It all matters. And after we achieved historic turnout in 2008 and 2012, especially in the African-American community, I will consider it a personal insult, a personal insult to my legacy if this community lets down its guard and fails to activate itself in this election. You want to give me a good send off? Go vote.”

Many of the issues brought up in Malcolm X’s speech from 1964 are still in question in 2016. Civil rights, schooling, progress and justice. What stands out is that President Obama’s speech is talking about those same issues. The most glaring note is that it is 52 years later. It seems that Black people still have not been compensated for voting Democrat from then until now.

Should Black people withhold their votes wholesale in order to make politicians make good on their promises in exchange for their votes?

What factors contribute to the overwhelming Black democratic vote?

How important is the “Black vote” and what possible outcomes could result from non participation in the upcoming 2016 Presidential election?

 

Obama, Barack. “Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 46th Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner Remarks.” Washington, D.C.. 17 Sept. 2016. Speech. Chicago Suntimes. Web. 29 Oct. 2016, http://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/obama-if-blacks-dont-vote-an-insult-to-my-legacy-transcript/.