journal 14

Nika Bogoslovsky
2/6/08
Washington

Quote: “I but convey to you, Mr. President and Directors, the sentiment of the masses of my race when I say that in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of this magnificent Exposition at every stage of it’s progress.

Summary: Here is the beginning of Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Exposition Address. He is speaking to a very power audience and this is how addresses them.

Response: As mentioned in class, many people would view this address as Washington’s weak attempt at sucking up to the President, his delegates and the rest of the white audience. However, I think it’s more that he is conscious that he is a black man and unfortunately has to be careful of everything he say in the presence of these people. If he were to shoot his mouth in rage and protest, not only would he probably get in a lot of trouble and create enemies, he wouldn’t be heard or get his point across at all. It reminded me of a time in Reno where our car and another man’s car got a boot. The other man argued and raged at the lot owner while my mom calmly explained our story. The man ended up getting his car towed and we got 50% off our fine. There’s something about acting calmly and rationally that wins attention. Washington was aware of this, I don’t believe this address was just a black man sucking up to a white audience but a strategic way of getting ears to listen.