Question

Read the quotation from Booker T. Washington's 1895 Atlanta Compromise Speech.

“In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.”

Which statement best describes the view Washington is expressing in this quotation?

A.Segregation creates anger, resulting in damage to society that can never be repaired.
B. In order to achieve social progress, people of different races must leave each other alone and develop independently.
C. Maintaining an individual and racial identity does not mean all people cannot work together.
D. In order to achieve social progress, people of different races must work together in every way.

Answer 1

The answer is C- Maintaining an individual and racial identity does not mean all people cannot work together. When he says, "we can be as separate as the fingers," he means that we can all be individuals with regard to our social characteristics, just as fingers can move independently of one another. However, as all fingers are attached to a hand, they are required to act as one unit for the progress of the group as a whole.