Question

Malcolm X mentions the following four examples of things capable of sitting in his speech "The Ballot or the Bullet":

A. A cat can sit on a hot stove.
B. A child can sit on a hot stove.
C. A chicken can sit on a hot stove.
D. A white man can sit on a hot stove.

Answer 1

Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement who initially advocated the separation of races, but his views evolved towards interracial cooperation before his assassination in 1965. His 'Ballot or the Bullet' speech symbolized a pivot from his earlier position and his influence persisted through the Black Power movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the 1960s, Malcolm X emerged as one of the most significant and polarizing figures in the civil rights movement. Initially a fervent follower of the Nation of Islam (NOI), Malcolm X was known for advocating the separation of African Americans and white Americans and for his description of white people as "devils." However, after leaving the NOI and making a pilgrimage to Mecca, Malcolm X's views evolved to support racial equality and to entertain the possibility of interracial cooperation.

He became a proponent of the "Ballot or the Bullet" approach, suggesting that if African Americans were denied equality and the right to vote, they might resort to more extreme measures to achieve justice. His rhetoric fueled both the Black Power movement and inspired groups like the Black Panthers. Tragically, Malcolm X's life and emerging message of interracial cooperation were cut short when he was assassinated by members of the NOI in 1965.

Malcolm’s legacy continues to influence discussions on civil rights, racial equality, and the pursuit of justice, illustrating the complexities and challenges that came with the fight for equal rights in the United States.