"Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington

Cricital Response

Washington's speech and his following views on the progression of the African-American race were extremely thought-provoking. A theme throughout his speech was the idea of taking immediate action despite the doubt of a positive outcome. He used the metaphor, "Cast down your bucket where you are" (1623) to demonstrate this theme, as a sailor puts a bucket in salt water and brings up fresh water instead. Washington encourages his audience to not be set in their ways of how they view ethnicity. He calls for a higher standard, in which people can cast their buckets down "by making friends" (1623) from people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Washington continues his faith in people to cross these human-set boundaries by foretelling of a time when all aspects of lives will be "interlaced" and "the interests of both races one" (1624). Washington strives for justice for all races and envisions a time where all will cast away their preconceived notions about ethnicity. He describes this as "a new heaven and a new earth" (1625).

Washington's values and integrity are revealed throughout his writing. He knows the significance of coming into contact with others through literature, conversation, and traveling (1627) and dedicates his life to teaching African-Americans who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to learn. Also, Washington explains the importance of keeping quiet when he was criticized and condemned for his views.

Although much praise and admiration can be given for Washington's actions and ideals during his time period, it is interesting to note that his ideas on the unity of people with different ethnic backgrounds are slightly skewed. While he urges for African-Americans to live up to their rights and freedoms, he seemed to readily accept and be proud of schools, newspapers and the "coloured people" (1627) as a whole being segregated from the white community. In this and Washington's certainty of his truth being absolute, exploring the criticism by Du Bois and others is essential to balancing the positive and negative aspects of Washington's beliefs and actions.

Originally turned in on February 6, 2006