How do martin luther king and Malcolmx differ in their approach to taking action? Write a two chunk paragraph with evidence from martin luther kings Letter From a Birmingham Jail, and malcom x's speech Ballot or the Bullet
Answer (1)
Answer:Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had different approaches to achieving civil rights, as seen in King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail and Malcolm X’s speech The Ballot or the Bullet. King advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, believing that racial justice could be achieved through peaceful protests and legal action. In his letter, he explains, "Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue." This shows that King believed in creating pressure through peaceful demonstrations to force change. His method was deeply rooted in moral appeal and faith in American democracy, emphasizing patience and unity in the struggle for equality.On the other hand, Malcolm X took a more militant and self-reliant approach, arguing that African Americans should defend themselves and take action by any means necessary. In The Ballot or the Bullet, 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, you'll be miserable." Unlike King, Malcolm X did not believe in waiting for change through nonviolence but instead urged Black Americans to demand their rights through political power (the ballot) or, if necessary, through force (the bullet). While both leaders fought for racial justice, King believed in integration and peaceful protest, while Malcolm X emphasized Black nationalism and self-defense.
