Some people could never do it. Taking into consideration that these individuals are not even classified as a whole person. However, for anyone to actually believe that the idea that this one race will never rise up, never change, or never prosper in life in it’s entirety does not mean they have to accept it. In fact fighting for their rights is something they will never cease to do. In chapter six of Booker T. Washington’s, “The Atlantic Exposition Address”, the writer reveals his real motive behind the “Address” as he announces to his “people” , that the day will come when African Americans will no longer have to suffer to only what the white man wants them to.Booker T. Washington, exercises in his throughout his speech. This ability comes from the fact that the speaker first realizes his who his audience actually is. Before beginning his speech, readers have to come to the realization that the speaker is an African American being presented to an audience that is all white. Due to this no diversity of his audience, Booker is very careful with his choice of diction. “I but convey to you, Mr. President and Directors, the sentiment of masses of my race when I say to that in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of the magnificent Exposition.” Readers must take note that this is the opportunity that the speaker has been waiting for. There is nothing more pleasurable to Washington than to be able to have the voice of African Americans heard not only by society, but now to have the president’s attention. Readers must be careful to understand Washington’s belief, which entailed the proposal that should African Americans have patience and take care of all their vocational duties that Caucasians expected from them, in the end someone will see their hard work and recognize them for it.
As he stands in the White House and gives his speech this belief is what Washington has been striving for all along. Washington’s choice of diction is very cautious of the white audience. He phrases his words perfectly to make sure that everyone is pleased. The tone that Booker T. displays is actually very weird. As if he’s talking in code to what his true intentions and motivations are, as he gains his white audience with pleasant words. Should readers pay attention to author’s use of words? Washington is rather representing the fellow African American race and trying to change white idea on them. He wants the white race to wake up from their evil beliefs about blacks and come to their aid. Washington plays a laid down role in being submissive but still finding a prevailing voice to bring about his ambitions. Washington also presents a theme to the audience for himself and other African Americans to his white audience not to judge a person by their appearance. The intention behind the white race for inviting Washington was to demonstrate racial improvement in the south.
However, not only did this idea ricochet, Washington came out and told his audience what needs to be done in helping his race become better since no progress have been made at all. There are those in the white community that believe that blacks will never rise up to be nothing more than servants, however the author stands before them, using grammar that could be expected from one in the white community who has been to the best of schools. Washington is equivalent to any other professor or high standard individual in the audience that he speaks to. If an African American is capable of that, what is to hinder the rest of his race from also rising up if they were just given the chance to prove their abilities? It is safe to say that, Washington actually indirectly calls his white audience fools, and saying that we are one day, today by him making a stand.