Analyzation of By Any Means Necessary Essays - Identity Politics

Analyzation of By Any Means Necessary Essays - Identity Politics Analyzation of "By Any Means Necessary" Danielle Dawkins Principles of Speech Howard University November 26, 2017 Malcolm X, a brilliant and radical Black Nationalist Leader, delivered his "By Any Means Necessary" speech at the Founding Rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (OAAU) in June of 1964. He delivered his speech in the Audobon Ballroom in Washington Heights, which is bordered by Harlem to the south. This exact place plays a major role in his technique, as Harlem was a predominantly black neighborhood in Manhattan. It's safe to assume that he wanted to start his organization and amplify his message of black liberation in a densely populated area mostly occupied by African Americans. Malcom's goal was to create an ideology, and outlined in is speech was an ideograph that consisted of the following sections: Establishment, Self-defense, Education, Politics Economics, Social. As he elaborated on each of the five sections, he utilized rhetorical devices through zealous language that implanted the central theme of "by any means necessary" in the minds of millions across the natio n. One should understand that Malcom's central theme was not a cry of revenge, but a cry for unification and self-reliance of African Americans. The topics and the sheer arrangement allows for a better flow and it ultimately helped Malcom drill down his message. Malcom began his speech with the words, "Salaam Alaikum" meaning "Peace be onto you". He then continued to acknowledge everyone in the audience, including his enemies. It's interesting that he should do that, but in his own words, ".You'll get freedom by letting your enemy know you'll get anything to get freedom" Not only did he establish a common ground with his "brothers" and "sisters", but he also established somewhat of an odd mutual understanding between him and his adversaries. The entirety of Malcolm's speech follows a timeline. He begins by explaining that he had been in Mecca, which is in Saudi Arabia, and in various independent nations of Africa where he tried to open his own mind and discover new solutions to problems at hand. He then continues to the current situation, and compares the "progress" that America had made to the progression of nations in Africa. Malcolm tells the audience that he had decided to model his newly formed organization after the Organization of African Unity, as he was impressed by how all nations were willing to work toward the elimination of colonialism by disregarding all differences. After a detailed explanation of the purpose of the OAAU, he continues with the "Basic Aims and Objectives of the Organization of Afro American Unity;" and dives into his ideograph. Beginning with establishment, Malcolm helps guide the audience by explaining why the sole purpose of it. Self-defense preaches that self-preservation is the first law of nature, and that the audience possesses the right to protect themselves and their property by whatever means necessary. Education focuses on the audience's right to educate themselves as a means of rediscovering and preserving their identity. During the politics economics section of the speech, the audience is reminded of the two powers within the United States that are structured to hold African Americans back. The arrangement and powerful delivery of each of these sections galvanized the audience and replenished their sense of empowerment. After revitalizing the audience, Malcom moves to the operational part of the organization, now that they are mesmerized, and explains the modest membership fees. The conclusion of this speech consisted of more details on the organization and its separation from the beliefs and practices of Black Muslims. Malcom X was not responding to a specific situation with his speech, not that he needed to do so. The racial turmoil of 60s was drastic enough for him to speak on. The outrage that flooded cities across the nation (particularly in the south) fueled his passion thereby allowing him to deliver a clear cut message with the help of newfound knowledge he acquired overseas. As mentioned before, Malcolm is separating himself From one hand, there was Martin Luther King, who was the preacher of the civil rights and liberty across the globe, regardless of race, gender and nationality. On the other hand, thereduti was Elijah Muhammed's Nation of Islam, founded in Detroit