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November 15, 2005
Two Thousand Miles for what?
Washington, ''Address of Booker T. Washington...'' (1895) -- American Literature, 1800-1915 (EL 266)
"The white farmers in the neighbourhood respected him, and came to him for ideas regarding the raising of sweet potatoes. These white farmers honoured and respected him because he, by his skill and knowledge, had added something to the wealth and the comfort of the community in which he lived."
This quote caught my attention for two reasons. The first being the language. It seems like it's defending something. This leads to my second point, which is, why was there such and emphasis made about the white farmers respecting him? I should hope they respected him! Granted, it was in this time period where color definitely mattered, I know this. However, I am curious as to whether the white farmers actually respected this farmer, or they just wanted to know his secrets. The very people that usually beat him out for jobs, land, and anything that should have been equal/fair, RESPECTED him? I highly doubt that. They wanted to know how he did well, so they could do the same.
Posted by MeredithHarber at November 15, 2005 01:02 AM
Comments
I'm sure the farmers respected him, at least a little. Here is a well-educated black man, speaking on various subjects, to white people who may not even be literate themselves. Respect? It might have been more like intimidation. Yet it is sad that Washington constantly felt he must get the approval and respect of the whites before all others. It was like to him, being respected by white people was truly "making it". Wasn't it important to have respect from the blacks as well?
Posted by: Vanessa at November 15, 2005 08:27 AM
Good point Meredith. Maybe he makes the point about the white farmers respecting him because he already knows they do because of his race. Maybe he is trying to make a point that he wants everybody to respect him, including all races.
Posted by: Ashley Holtzer at November 15, 2005 08:37 AM
What we didn't touch on in class on Tuesday was the fact that the white man's approval would have meant everything to him. When the minority is struggling to find a foothold in society, it has to begin with appeasing the majority. Those are the beginnings of revolutions. Rebellion comes about when people can't or won't find a common ground to stand on.
Posted by: Neha at November 16, 2005 12:56 PM