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Kristin Blom Mrs. Green College Prep Composition 22 February 2013 Languages of Persuasion During the African American civil rights movement many human rights activists became leaders in a time of national conflict. Emerging as two primary figures were Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. Today most recognize them as two men who fought for a similar cause in opposing ways. While they sought to achieve the same goal of true equality for African Americans, people believe the tactics they used to do so were extremely conflicting. In contrast to this common assumption, Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail and Malcolm Xs Racism: The Cancer that is Destroying America persuade their audiences in very similar ways. Through the analysis of ethos, pathos, and logos within each essay, the evident conclusion is that both MLKs and Malcolm Xs audiences gain respect, understanding, and motivation toward the mens arguments. Evaluations of each mans reputation, tone, reference to violence, absence of stereotypes, and citation of historical figures demonstrate that whether similar or different, each of these compared or contrasted devices has an identical effect on the persuasive languages of King and Malcolm X. As Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X draw upon the persuasive appeal of ethos, they develop credibility of their works and captivate their readers in similar ways. Both men use their personal reputations, specifically their religious backgrounds, to prove they are credible sources in reference to their arguments. For instance, before Martin Luther King, Jr., begins to explain why he is disappointed in the church, he first notes that he is one who thinks highly of

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the church (King 901). MLK develops that his opinion of the church does matter because of his relationship to it; he has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and he will always be loyal to the church (King 901). Recognizing this allows his audience to clearly understand that King has the background to make such bold remarks about his disappointment not just in the church, but more so in its people as they [remain] silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained -glass windows (King 901). Similarly, Malcolm X gains authority among his worldly audience by explaining how his pilgrimage to Mecca gave him a new perspective regarding the interrelatedness of all people (Malcolm X 302). He notes that he no longer makes sweeping indictments of any one race as a result of this journey (Malcolm X 302). Therefore, as he goes on to describe the struggle of African Americans at the hands of white racists, opponents cannot dismiss his beliefs through the excuse that Malcolm X is a racist himself (Malcolm X 304). Because King and Malcolm X both explain the authority of their opinions through their religions, their essays gain a certain level of validity. The appeal of ethos is not only contributed to by the mens similarities of religious reputation, but also by their drastically different tones. The tones King and Malcolm X use to keep the attention of their readers are very distinct, but they result in a similar outcome. On one hand, Martin Luther King, Jr., is very eloquent and academic in his address to the clergymen. As a result, he gains the audiences respect. Although MLK was perturbed by the criticism that his actions were unwise and untimely, he still responds to the clergymen on patient and reasonable terms (King 892). Yet, he not only writes to the clergymen but to the white moderate he consistently references in the letter (King 897). By addressing the opposition formally as [his] friends, MLK creates the assurance that the letter must have good intent (King 894). As a result of this tone, Kings opponents value his opinions. In contrast to MLKs

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eloquent tone, Malcolm X uses a much harsher, more direct manner of speaking in his writing. As he mocks the American system and generalizes using the term white America, some may consider Malcolm X to be offensive (Malcolm X 304, 306). However, overtime readers understand he is simply expressing his passion for equal treatment of African Americans. In comparison to Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail, Malcolm Xs essay lacks professionalism as he uses informal phrases like Afro-American and capital letters to emphasize REVOLUTION (Malcolm X 303, 305). However, Malcolm X clearly captivates the broad audience that he is trying to reach by developing his clear sense of passion for the goal of equality he is trying to attain. Although the tones King and Malcolm X use contrast greatly, they both capture the essential consideration of readers. After MLK and Malcolm X use techniques to convince their audiences to consider their opinions, they use other devices in similar ways to create an emotional appeal, or pathos, to persuade their audiences even further. The essays are both similar in their emotional connection by appealing to fear through the reference of impending violence. Both Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X reference the outcome of violence if the whites dont act immediately to make strides toward the desegregation of America. MLK motivates his audiences by telling them if they dont start reacting to the nonviolent protests currently taking place, violence is on the horizon (King 899). He notes that if the whites refuse to negotiate now, a frightening racial nightmare will soon erupt (King 899). This statement brings about thoughts of chaos and destruction, ultimately creating fear among whites. Malcolm X, on the other hand, uses more blunt terms like guerilla tactics to stir emotion within his audience (Malcolm X 306). He warns whites that they are plaguing [themselves] into insanity and death, causing readers to fear their personal safety (Malcolm X 303). In using such language he provides a great feeling of

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insecurity among the white race, appealing to the emotion of fear. The references to violence that both MLK and Malcolm X use alarm audiences, ultimately motivating them to take action to prevent this dreaded outcome. While the manipulation of a device can appeal to emotions as violence did, the absence of a device, stereotypes, also allows readers to develop an emotional connection to Kings and Malcolm Xs opinions. Martin Luther King, Jr., uplifts audiences by acknowledging that not all whites are racist (King 900). He goes even further by naming those who had helped the African American cause. Referring to notable exceptions within the white race, MLK combats the stereotypes that whites were labeled with (King 901). In a similar way, Malcolm X begins his work apologizing to his audience for using such stereotypes and recognizes that he may have offended some whites who perhaps did not deserve to be hurt (Malcolm X 302). He continues by reassuring whites that he is not a racist himself (Malcolm X 302). Because both King and Malcolm X not only refrain from using stereotypes, but also recognize those who support African Americans, the whites feel a sense of justification and protection. The white race is not immediately put in a defensive position, so its people are open to hear MLKs and Malcolm Xs ideas. The techniques used to create an emotional appeal allow readers to begin questioning the accuracy of their own beliefs and instead consider the oppositions views. With open minds, readers begin to compare the logic, or use of logos, behind Kings and Malcolm Xs foundational arguments that motivate change. From the first pages of each essay, the difference when referencing historical figures is apparent. Martin Luther King, Jr., cites many Christian white men from the past to validate his arguments. For example, when arguing the controversial matter of a just or unjust law, he quotes St. Augustine, a Christian church father, to support his opinion that an unjust law is no law at all (King 896). King uses historical

Blom 5 individuals words repeatedly to gain support from the whites who seek the nations identity in its founding ancestors. He even justifies his own extremist stance on African American rights by noting that Paul, from the Bible, was an extremist for the Christian gospel. In contrast, Malcolm X degrades the influence of historical individuals and notes that their introduction of slavery into the nation continues to corrupt the current society (Malcolm X 305). Malcolm X explains that whites are simply reaping what their forefathers have sown (Malcolm X 303). Even though King and Malcolm X use historical figures to prove nearly opposite points, a similar effect is created on the reasoning of logos. Letter from Birmingham Jail questions the logic of its readers thus making them think about the changes that should be made on the basis of what their fathers once said. On the other hand, Malcolm Xs essay points out the sin that todays whites inherited from their ancestors, therefore motivating them to finally be the change. In either case, the arguments promote transformation and motivate readers to create it now. Kings Letter from Birmingham Jail and Malcolm Xs Racism: The Cancer that is Destroying America demonstrate how similarities and differences work together to form lasting effects on the persuasive arguments of each essay. Because credibility, awareness, and motivation result from each mans effective use of persuasive appeals, the fight for equality stands against the criticism of the opposition. With the goal that whites transform their outlooks on the equality of African Americans, MLK and Malcolm X similarly provide audiences with the tools to comprehend an opposing perspective. While using both similar and contrasting devices, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X were able to help guide the fight for equality to a place of hope for the nation, so it would no longer be afflicted with the disease of racism that plagued it (King 900).

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Works Cited King, Martin Luther. Letter from Birmingham Jail. The Norton Reader. Ed. John C. Brereton and Linda H. Peterson. New York: Norton, 2008. 892-905. Print. Malcolm X. Racism: The Cancer that is Destroying America. Malcolm X: The Man and His Times. Ed. John Henrik Clarke. Trenton: African World, 1990. 302-306. Print.