Racism and marginalization directed against African Americans is an ongoing and grievous issue throughout the United States. While much improvement has occurred since the time of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, systemic and socially-driven racism continues to be profoundly detrimental, as is noted in Barack Obama’s address in 2008. All three speeches that will be analyzed in this essay observe the issues faced by African Americans through a historical, social, and economic perspective and present both specific and overarching solutions.
Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Obama are the representatives of African Americans who fight for justice and equality using their speeches. For example, as early as in the title of the speech, Obama’s A Perfect Union makes reference to the established nation by the Founding Fathers and the definition of ‘perfect.’ As such, Obama posits that the solution or progress towards reduced racism in America relies on education and the fundamental understanding of historical racism and willingness to change among individuals (Barack). Malcolm X’s solutions in The Ballot or the Bullet are specific and practical and aim to increase racial, social, and economic justice through national acts, such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act (Malcolm). Detailed solutions included increased black voting and local control, which meant less exposure to prejudiced authority figures. While King’s position on economic equality was less detailed than his fight for racial and other social equalities, in I’ve Been to the Mountaintop, he urges for better wages for sanitation workers. Thus, each of them aims at a specific goal and acts to eliminate racism.
The speakers follow a particular trend regarding forging unique identities to pursue the American Dream. Although the term is not directly addressed in speeches, three imagine a perfect coalition of African Americans and white Americans. Obama’s approach is likely the most expressive of the American Dream, as he paints a perfect union as one in which historical racism is acknowledged and prohibited through individual education and the decision of American citizens. He encourages the audience to protect the existing American identity and empower its unity to “narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time (Barack)”. Thus, Obama advocates for solidarity with others in his pursuit of the American Dream.
Another speaker’s, Malcolm X, approach is more grounded in practical matters. As such outlines, a perfect state for African Americans in which they can acquire equal and adequate economic welfare and enjoy fair governing that is not driven by prejudice and racism. King’s speech addresses a specific issue of black sanitation workers in Memphis who had gone on strike (Martin). Further, King calls for the support of corporations that do not practice unfair labor and discriminatory behaviors. At least from an economic perspective, King’s vision of the American Dream would be constructed by corporate powers that disprove discrimination and inadequate pay. Compared to Obama, Malcolm and King express the vitality of the uniquely African American identity, especially relevant in the sphere of governance. Despite this, all speakers recognize the cultural, social, historical, and economic significance of African American identities both in past and modern America.
When discussing speakers’ credibility, it is essential to address their consequences. Obama has the advantage of being closer to the modern context and, therefore, more credible in the current socio-political climate. Although Malcolm X and King mainly refer to the past African American struggles, some still exist. Black individuals have gained equal voting power and can usually find similar economic and social opportunities as white Americans. However, some corporations fail to prioritize the rights and equality among workers. To conclude, three speakers are credible for current America because there is still racism and inequity.
Works Cited
King, Martin L. I’ve Been to the Top of the Mountain. Harper, 1994.
Obama, Barack. A More Perfect Union. Edited by Denean-Sharpley Whiting, Bloomsbury, 2009.
X, Malcolm. The Ballot or the Bullet. Pacifica Foundation, 1965.