Atlanta Compromise by Faiza Khaled
The “Atlanta Compromise,” speech was addressed by Booker T. Washington in 1895 at the Atlanta Exposition. The Atlanta Exposition was a world’s fair intended to showcase the Southern economy, agriculture and also expand industrially. The goal of the fair was to attract investors, foster trade, and publicize the southern economy. At this time, the topic of slavery and the concept of African Americans was still a sensitive topic and to relieve the tensions, Booker T. Washington was asked to give a speech. Washington addressed his “Atlanta Compromise,” speech to a mixed audience full of both African Americans as well as whites. His speech was intended to ease the tension and further encourage a mutual relationship between both groups of people for the greater good of everyone as an economy.
Booker T. Washington starts off his speech by stating that one-third of the population is composed of African Americans. Throughout the speech, Washington continues to mention the portion of the population composed by African Americans. By emphasizing how much the population is composed of the African American race, he signifies the importance and potential of the race. He stresses the importance of African American contributions to further the development of the Southern economy and industries. Washington reminds the audience of all the contributions African Americans have made in building railroads, cities, and more that have made “possible this representation of the progres of the South.” By pointing out the already made improvements, Washington is able to portray the potential of an improved economy that can be made possible by uniting “in all things essential to mutual progress.” Washington uses the narrative of a friendly vessel that aided a vessel with people dying of thirst. The desperate vessel begged for water and the friendly ship told the vessel to “cast down [their] bucket,” which was then filled with fresh water. Using this story metaphor, Washington then goes on to request the white race to “cast down [their] buckets.” By allowing African American to play a part in the economy, then there is a sense of cooperation and built trust that can be returned in favor in future need.
Washington also acknowledges the “extrem[e] folly,” of desiring social equality and instead encourages his race to utilize their newfound opportunities for the better of the greater good through industry and economy. Instead of romanticizing their freedom for pleasure, he reminds all his people to “prosper in proportion,” and differentiate “between the superficial and the substantial.” Washington addresses the African Americans by emphasizing that labor work is just as valuable and dignified as something glamourized like “writing a poem.”
In order to encourage mutual cooperation between the African Americans and white folks, Booker T. Washington signified the need for a unified force between the two races to achieve economic development. He also encouraged the African Americans to use their new privileges and skills into “common occupations of life,” instead of unnecessary pleasures. Instead of immediately fighting for social equality, they must first contribute to improving the whole economy of the south. By playing a vital role in development they essentially prove the value of their race and therefore gain a better chance in gaining equality. By building an initial relationship with the whites through economic prosperity, there is a possibility of African Americans getting a chance to “cast down [their] bucket[s],” in times of need.
