Discussion Topic

Booker T. Washington's view on the cause of the race problem in Up from Slavery

Summary:

In Up from Slavery, Booker T. Washington views the cause of the race problem as stemming from both the historical institution of slavery and the ongoing lack of economic and educational opportunities for African Americans. He believes that progress can be made through vocational training and self-help, which will lead to mutual respect between races.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In Up from Slavery, what does Booker T. Washington consider the cause of the race problem?

In this book, as in his entire life, Washington felt that the most important thing for black people was to be educated and hard-working.  The education that he felt was important was mostly vocational education that would allow blacks to be good workers.  From this, we can infer that Washington felt that the cause of the race problem was the fact that blacks were insufficiently trained and insufficiently industrious.

To Washington, the only real solution to the race problem was hard work.  He wanted blacks to "cast down their buckets" where they were.  He wanted them to accept that their place (at that point in history) was to do the hard work of agriculture and mining and domestic service.  He felt that blacks who were properly educated and properly hard-working would win the respect of whites.

Washington does not explicitly say what he thinks the cause of the race problem is.  But we can infer it from what he encourages blacks to do.  He clearly feels that the cause of the problem is that whites do not respect blacks and that this lack of respect comes from blacks' lack of education and industriousness.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

What does Washington attribute as the cause of the race issue in Up from Slavery?

In typical Washington fashion, I think that he would suggest that his memoirs are not intended to diagnose or lay blame at anyone's feet for the issue of race.  I think that Washington might suggest that his own narrative would give compelling evidence that any problem can be overcome.  From his own background of humble origins to his ascension to being a prominent speaker for African- Americans, Washington would suggest that those who find the issue of race to be an obstacle have not committed themselves fully to the principle of self- help.  Washington's writing stresses the idea that people of color can help themselves through "the hand, head, and heart."  This is where Washington would make clear that the issue of race is something to be overcome.  There is no issue that prevents people of color from moving "up from slavery."  It is here where I think that Washington would suggest that those who are using the issue of race as a reason to deny their own capacity are not adhering to the philosophy of self- help that Washington carves out.  Indeed, I think that Washington would suggest individuals who seek to find a reason not to rise up have not fully embraced the notion of self- help that is such a part of his philosophy in Up From Slavery.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial