Question

1. On what basis does Booker T. Washington criticize the railroad segregation laws? Do you believe this is the most convincing way he might have approached this issue? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. Booker T. Washington was an American educator, author, orator and advisor to the presidents of the United States. He was a prominent African American leader, and a voice for former slaves and their descendants.

Washington was critical of segregation laws. However, he wanted a "slow" approach towards change. He believed African Americans should concentrate on gaining wealth and jobs, particularly in "industrial" education, instead of fighting for political rights. Washington believed that a stable, wealthy African American populace would serve as evidence of their worth, and that full civil and political rights would follow. He also believed that this approach would cause less backlash from white Americans and therefore reduce conflict.

2. I think this way, despite its apparent advantages, was not the best way to tackle segregation. I think Washington was too optimistic when he thought that political rights would naturally follow economic independence. I also believe that this strategy asked Black Americans to sacrifice too many rights. Moreover, it would be impossible for African Americans to accumulate wealth and access job without enjoying full political and civil rights.