Walt Whitman is a renowned poet in American literature. He is often recognized for his poetry about democracy, nationalism, and freedom, but what about his views on race? Did Walt Whitman share any racist thoughts or opinions? Was Walt Whitman a racist himself? In order to answer these questions, we must look at his work consistently and consider his personal beliefs about race and equality.
Walt Whitman was born in 1819 into a firmly abolitionist family. Although he once worked as a journalist, Whitman was a passionate anti-slavery activist, and wrote many essays and articles on the subject. Whitman was very vocal about the injustice of slavery, and often used his writing to challenge those who sympathized with it. His outspoken views on the iniquity of slavery make it difficult to categorize him as a racist.
Nevertheless, Whitman’s work also demonstrates a seemingly contradictory mindset; some of his poems, short stories, and essays could be interpreted as being strongly biased in favour of white people. He often portrayed Native Americans as ‘ignorant’ and ‘savage’, and his writing about African Americans is often patronizing at best. For example, in his 1856 poem Song of Myself, Whitman writes: “I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love. If you want me again look for me under your boot-soles”. This excerpt implies an accepted subservient role for African Americans.
It is important to consider Whitman’s personal beliefs when discussing this topic. He was an open-minded individual who constantly sought to expand his views. He was a champion of racial equality, but it is likely his views were shaped and limited by the time period he lived in, particularly in relation to the social constructs of race. It is also important to remember that Whitman wrote primarily to please a largely white audience, and some of his work may have been deliberately aimed at pleasing white society.
The question of whether or not Whitman was racist is a complex one. Most experts agree that Whitman’s beliefs on racial equality were in line with those of the era in which he lived. As such, he was not a racist himself, but his language and attitude towards race could be interpreted as racist by modern standards. While his views on race are more nuanced than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, someone who is familiar with Whitman’s work can conclude that he was not a blatantly bigoted individual.
What Racial Equality Issues did Walt Whitman Address?
The primary racial equality issue addressed by Walt Whitman was slavery. Whitman was a passionate anti-slavery activist, writing essays and articles challenging the iniquity of slavery. He was also a vocal proponent of civil rights for African Americans. He believed that African Americans should have access to education, gainful employment, and equal protection under the law. Whitman also believed that African Americans should be afforded the same social and political rights as white people.
In his poetry, Whitman often addressed what he saw as the injustice of slavery, as well as its dehumanizing effects on those living in bondage. In his 1855 poem Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking, for example, Whitman wrote: “And the day pending, it shall be presaged,/By what is written on these slabs of slate,/How the vehement winds and water eat,/And the crumbs are scattered, and the tale is told,/Of the famine and bondage, of the endless march,/That was all the quittance, that was all bestowed,/Of tears and toil, all the anguish paid,/For the life-long pendulum and exaction,/The consequence and recompense of slaves.”
Was Walt Whitman’s Take on Racial Equality More Nuanced than his Writing Suggests?
Many experts believe that Walt Whitman was not an overtly racist individual, but rather had a more nuanced take on race and racial equality. When discussing issues of slavery or civil rights, Whitman often treaded carefully, attempting to express his beliefs without offending his white contemporaries or white society in general. As such, his views were not as blunt as some of his writing may suggest.
For example, in his 1860 poem Thoughts on Many Things, Whitman wrote: “To free slaves, it is a happy cause of friend and foe,/But it will start wild words, and error, and debate,/To expand exalted rights, they are fought blindly and fiercely,/But God will accept the brave plea of silent justice and love”. In this poem, Whitman expresses his views on slavery and racial equality without attacking or criticizing slavery or those who support it.
Similarly, in his essay “Social Equality”, Whitman voices his opinion on the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all races without directly criticizing slavers or those who support slavery: “Let the poor, the sick, the ignorant, even the criminal, each have his way opened to him, where he may . . . rise gradually, through all grades, from the lowest plane of society, to the highest”.
Although Whitman’s essays and poems may seem to suggest an overt racism, many experts believe that a more nuanced interpretation reveals a leader who was firm in his beliefs on racial equality and justice but cognizant of the limits of his own time.
Analysis of Walt Whitman’s Writing and Thoughts on Racial Equality
The analysis of Walt Whitman’s writing and thoughts on racial equality reveals a complex individual whose views may not have fully aligned with those of modern society. Whitman was an outspoken opponent of slavery, and a vocal supporter of civil rights for African Americans. However, his writing and some of his views may be interpreted as biased in favor of white people.
It is also important to consider the context in which Whitman wrote. While his views on racial equality were progressive for the era, they were still shaped and limited by the prevailing attitude of the time. In addition, his work often had to appeal to a largely white audience, and some of it may have been written with that in mind.
A thorough examination of Walt Whitman’s writing and beliefs demonstrates that he was not a racist in the modern sense. Nevertheless, his language and attitudes towards race have been rightfully criticized and can only be understood in the context of his time.
What Legacy of Racial Equality did Walt Whitman Leave Behind?
Walt Whitman had a lasting impact on the cause of racial equality. By voicing his opposition to slavery and advocating for the civil rights of African Americans, Whitman helped to shape the social and political climate of his era. His staunch stance on these issues also set an example for future generations of writers and activists.
In addition, Whitman’s poetry often spoke directly to the plight of those in bondage. His poems inspired civil rights activists and helped to raise awareness of the injustice of slavery. Furthermore, his writings helped to shape the way the world viewed African Americans, and the way they viewed themselves. Unity, equality, and self-respect were central themes of Whitman’s work, and they continue to resonate with readers today.
Perhaps the most lasting legacy of Whitman’s work was his embrace of diversity. He was a proponent of free expression and openly welcomed the full spectrum of human experience into his writing. His works were often a celebration of diversity and human potential, an idea that continues to inspire readers today.
What is the Significance of Walt Whitman in Contemporary Society?
Today, Walt Whitman is considered to be a foundational figure in American literature. He is widely recognized as one of the United States’ most celebrated poets, and his works are studied in schools and universities around the world. In addition to his literary achievements, Whitman’s work had a significant impact on the cause of racial justice. His writings raised awareness of the injustices of slavery and helped to shape the attitudes and beliefs of future generations.
In recent years, Whitman’s legacy has become more complex. While he was an outspoken opponent of slavery and an advocate for civil rights, his language and attitude towards race can be seen as problematic when viewed through a modern lens. Nevertheless, it is important to remember Whitman’s views in the context of the time in which he lived. By striving to understand his work and his beliefs, we can continue to learn from Whitman, celebrate his literature, and reflect on his message of unity and equality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walt Whitman was a passionate anti-slavery activist and a prominent champion of racial equality. While his original views on race may seem outdated by today’s standards, a more nuanced interpretation of his views reveal a man cognizant of the prevailing attitudes of his era, yet still determined to make his beliefs on racial equality and justice known. His legacy as a writer, poet and activist continues to live on today, inspiring readers to consider his work and his message.
