Booker T. Washington's "Up from Slavery"

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that Booker T. Washington's "Up from Slavery"
documents his journey from a slave to an educator in an effort to serve as an inspiration to blacks; nevertheless, many aspects of this book, especially in his Atlanta exposition speech, were harmful to blacks. The paper explains that these harmful aspects are his passive stance in regards to social inequalities levied against blacks, an indirect encouragement of further racism and a message that discourages blacks from progressing socially in the United States. The paper stresses that Washington's ideas are even more harmful because of his prominent position within the U.S.

From the Paper:

"In addition, the acceptance of social inequality meant more racism, discrimination, and violence against blacks. In contrast to Washington's views, the civil rights movement was a result of proactive movement, involving "artificial" methods such as legislation and agitation. One could suggest that the views expressed in Washington's literature set back the civil rights movement. Additionally, the passiveness in regards to social inequality actually simulated it."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bauerlein, Mark. "The Tactical Life of Booker T. Washington." Chronicle of higher education. (28 November 2003)Academic Search Elite. San Diego State University Library. Article 11729027. 2 Dec. 2004http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=cookie,ip,url,uid&db=afh&an=11729027
• Booker T. Washington National Monument Homepage. November 2004. Booker T. Washington National Monument. 7 Dec. 2004 http://www.nps.gov/bowa/home.htm
• Du Bois, W.E.B. "The Souls of Black Folk." The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Ed. Henry Louis Gates Junior, Nellie Y. McKay.New York/London :W.W. Norton & Company 2004, 1997. 325-334
• Washington Booker "Up from Slavery " The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Ed. Henry Louis Gates Junior, Nellie Y. McKay.New York/London :W.W. Norton & Company 2004, 1997. 325-

More papers on Booker T. Washington's "Up from Slavery":

• Book Review # 49137 : "Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington"
• Essay # 40538 : "Up From Slavery"
• Comparison Essay # 51464 : "Different Views of Slavery and the Reasons for Them"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: