Booker T Washington

African American in the 1800s were overlooked, and held no rank in society. Booker T Washington was a figure that many negroes looked up to, because of his articulation, intelligence, and his realistic views of the white man. Mr. Washington was chosen to give his address at The Atlantic Exposition. Here he spoke out against the defense of African Americans, and the future they would have to look forward to. “The wisest among my race understand that the agitation of my questions of social equality is the extremist folly, and that progressing the enjoyment of all privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing.” (Washington) Here he specifying that change will not come without hard work, and patience. Change must be worked for, not forced. Mr. Washington knew who is general audience would be, but also made sure that his white listeners were also well engaged. He made his speech universal, but personable. This speech is one of the most important African American delivered speeches in history.

To make his speech personable, Washington the story of a ship lost at sea, who befriends a friendly vessel. The captain of the lost vessel falls miserably of thirst, and calls out to the friendly vessel for compassion. The friendly vessel tells the captain repeatedly to drop a bucket, and reluctantly the captain obliges to discover that his bucket has been filled with purified water. This story tells the lesson that you must trust your neighbor, in order to rely on them for change. The story also encouraged the audience to see beyond the color, and dip into their compassion for their fellow man. By purposely omitting race from the story, it evokes the feeling of just two people who are intended on helping one another. Through repetition Washington was able to take this story, and apply it two different aspects of his speech. “ Casting down your bucket among my people. Helping and encouraging as you are doing on these grounds.”(Washington)

While speaking to his African American race, he is aware that many are consumed with working with their hands, and are not daily being stimulate by the mind. He refers to this as being one of the greatest dangers they will have to overcome. When the Southern states come into freedom, it is feared that they will neglect the fact that they do have the intelligence that should be exercised. They are more than just sixteen million hands. “ No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.” (Washington) Here Washington is stating that whites are not superior to blacks, simply because they speak eloquently, and have no need to carry out the act of a horse. Washington is stating, before a nation can move on, it must first look past rank, and occupation and look towards the persons capabilities. This is also a reference to the Caucasian audience members, as of the emotion they should look forward to when freedom arrives. “There is no defense or security for any of us except the highest intelligence and development of all.” (Washington) Here he is stating that at the end of the day, the only thing that will save you is yourself. How well you can save yourself lies within how much effort you put into becoming an intellectual well rounded person. There are many appeals to logos in Mr. Washington’s address. He is very well spoken, and uses logical terms, and situations to encourage the audience into a different way of thinking, or a different mindset. He uses appeals to similes and metaphors to assist him in furthering his thesis of the change that is soon to come. In the light of the change, we must look at the person for who they are, and not for their jobs or their skin color.

Booker T Washington recieved a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech. It is needless to say that at the closing of the day he sparked within each audience member an ember of change. With that ember, they will would soon come together to create a flame that was sparked by common interest of the same goals.