Addressing social issues related to racial inequality was a part of 19th and 20th century American history. Booker T. Washington presented theses that, in his opinion, could help resolve the existing disputes and resolve challenges that hindered normal social interaction between white and African American populations (Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech). His reasoning was on both sides and based on compromises and concessions as the crucial components of peacekeeping.
The appeal to the white population was based on a call to reduce pressure on African Americans to build a socially equal society. Washington’s main argument was the following request: “cast down your bucket where you are” (Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech). This appeal meant a call for an end to any social or labor persecution of African Americans. This, in turn, could allow the white population to surround itself by “the most patient, faithful, law-abiding, and unresentful people” (Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech). Such a request presupposed leaving from aggression and maintaining the peaceful coexistence of citizens in the country.
With regard to African Americans, Booker T. Washington urged blacks to abandon “the agitation of questions of social equality” due to the extremist nature of this activity (Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech). At the same time, the emphasis was on not getting equal rights at any cost but to earn them by honest labor. The speaker noted that for African Americans in the South to achieve economic and social equality, they needed to abandon the idea of revenge or rebellion and promote peaceful relations (Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech). Only this principle of interaction could contribute to building a democratic and law-abiding society.
Reference
“Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Speech, 1895.”State Historical Society of Iowa. Web.