A crucial idea that Booker T. Washington establishes in his autobiography, Up from Slavery, is that individual merit and hard work can allow others of african descent to achieve success, despite the barrier of social and political discrimination.
As proven by history, many African Americans struggled overcoming the expectations coerced on them. To clarify, this novel took place after the Civil War, meaning few African Americans had the same opportunities as other races. Throughout the novel, Washington acknowledges the fact that “success is to be measured...by the obstacles which he has overcome trying to succeed” considering he spent most of his childhood facing these challenges for a better future (37). This suggests that Washington did not fail, rather he rose above and proved himself worthy while earning the accomplishments for which he’s known for today. Jacqueline Jones, a history professor at Brandeis University, wrote about the same challenges Washington mentioned in her article “Black Workers Remember”. She discusses the cruelty many blacks faced as in how businesses would not employ them because of their race; however, the many that did obtain a job faced harassment and non-acceptance from …show more content…
Throughout the novel, Washington never directly states the racism and oppression he endures for the sole purpose of not appearing like a victim. Instead, he used the racism and hatred he received and fueled it to overcome barriers society placed in front of him. One of his greatest accomplishment was speaking at the Atlanta Exposition where he addresses the inequality among the races and the changes that should be implemented. Audrey Smedley's article “Racism” explains the effects of racism and how it made anyone of color feel inferior. She establishes the idea that because African american were faced with these labels, they had to change people's perception of
As proven by history, many African Americans struggled overcoming the expectations coerced on them. To clarify, this novel took place after the Civil War, meaning few African Americans had the same opportunities as other races. Throughout the novel, Washington acknowledges the fact that “success is to be measured...by the obstacles which he has overcome trying to succeed” considering he spent most of his childhood facing these challenges for a better future (37). This suggests that Washington did not fail, rather he rose above and proved himself worthy while earning the accomplishments for which he’s known for today. Jacqueline Jones, a history professor at Brandeis University, wrote about the same challenges Washington mentioned in her article “Black Workers Remember”. She discusses the cruelty many blacks faced as in how businesses would not employ them because of their race; however, the many that did obtain a job faced harassment and non-acceptance from …show more content…
Throughout the novel, Washington never directly states the racism and oppression he endures for the sole purpose of not appearing like a victim. Instead, he used the racism and hatred he received and fueled it to overcome barriers society placed in front of him. One of his greatest accomplishment was speaking at the Atlanta Exposition where he addresses the inequality among the races and the changes that should be implemented. Audrey Smedley's article “Racism” explains the effects of racism and how it made anyone of color feel inferior. She establishes the idea that because African american were faced with these labels, they had to change people's perception of