During the Progressive Era, many members of the African American community faced social, political, and economic problems, primarily due to racism and lack of equal treatment. by law. This situation was most prevalent in the South, although the North had its share of problems due to racial prejudice. Some successful members of the black community have spoken out against these conditions and proposed their own solutions. One of these people was Booker T. Washington, a well-known educator, author, and political figure who was a popular speaker with both white and black audiences. His broad appeal gave him the opportunity to express his views on the plight of the black population to a wide audience. Washington's speech at the 1895 Atlanta Exposition (Wheeler, p. 42) presents his thoughts on the best ways for the black community to gain acceptance among the white population. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayWashington advocated that blacks and whites work together for the common good. As an example, he told the story of a ship lost at sea asking for water from the first ship it came across. The ship tells the lost ship to throw in a bucket. Ships respond to the same request several times before the lost ship drops a bucket. The bucket is brought back up filled with fresh water. This story is used as an introduction to telling whites and blacks to "throw down their buckets" in friendship and in professions. People of both races should be willing to help each other. History also seems to say that those who ask for help perform better when they help themselves. Washington asserts that blacks and whites could work together in the public sector toward mutual progress, but could nonetheless be socially separated. Because segregation was rampant at this time in the South, this idea would likely have been easily accepted in the mindset of the time. He believed that if it was realized that black people worked hard and contributed to society, then there would be no reason to ostracize black people. A major problem according to Washington in the black community was that many wanted to start at the top of the professions. after slavery. He thought it was better to learn that there was dignity in practicing ordinary professions. Through hard work, people could rise through the ranks. Today, this practice would reduce the risk of people feeling resentful toward those in high positions because of the position they hold. In the late 1800s, many people probably still considered a black person undeserving of a high position, no matter how much they deserved their place. Washington's solutions reflected the Progressive Era philosophy that every person has the ability to improve the situation. world if given the chance. One problem is that people's racist attitudes did not extend this view to those of different backgrounds whom they considered inferior. Government reformers focused primarily on political and institutional issues while ignoring issues affecting those of other races and ethnic groups. For Washington's solutions to work, he would have needed the support and willingness of an open-minded majority willing to change their preconceived notions about people of other races. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom document now from our writers.