Booker T. Wahington

Jacqueline Procter
English 49B
February 8, 2008
Journal #2

Quote:
“mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit.”

Summary:

Washington is saying that just because a person is white doesn’t mean that alone will carry an individual forward in life and to be black doesn’t mean that he can’t succeed – he will rise above on his own worth.


Response:

I agree with Washington and thankfully that still rings true today. To be successful in life one must work diligently to rise above their circumstances. People that overcome obstacles in their life appreciate where they come from and are proud of what they’ve achieved and generally they remain humble human beings. It is difficult to rise above the poverty level and the only way to do that is through hard work and an education. No one can take away your education. Although Washington advocated lowly hard work as the key for the black person to succeed he wasn’t saying that black people should not aspire to educate oneself, as he himself was determined to get an education at all costs.


People who are born into wealth don’t have to work very hard -- it makes them lazy as he states in his narrative. To rely on ones station in life is foolish. History has shown that money can be here today and gone tomorrow like what happened after reconstruction when once wealthy southern plantations owners lost everything – their work force, crops, and Sons.

It happened again after the stock market crash of 1929. Some people who lost their fortunes committed suicide, as their self worth was tied to their bank accounts. They were further disadvantaged because in day-to-day living they didn’t have a clue how to survive -- their every need was met by servants.

Money isn’t everything as those that have more than they need aren’t necessarily any happier than the rest of us.