|
Discussion Questions
1. Why does Washington believe that after the Civil
War his people started at the top rather than the bottom? Why was
this a problem?
2. Washington says that African Americans should cast
down their buckets where they are. What does he mean by this statement?
3. What type of education does Washington think is
most important for African Americans? Why?
4. According to Washington, why should southern whites
be concerned with the condition of southern blacks?
5. Washington thinks that economic progress must come
before social progress. Explain.
6. Why is Washington willing to accept social inequality?
Does this acceptance undercut his claims as an African American
leader?
Paper Topics
1. According to Washington, what can or should society
do for an individual as opposed to what an individual must do for
himself or herself?
2. What does Washington see as the necessary steps in becoming
an independent individual and a full member of a society?
3. Does Washington provide good advice to the former slaves of
the South? What effect will his teaching have on whites in both
the North and South?
|
