In this chapter, I feel that both men wanted to steer the African-American family in a direction of prosperity, self-respect, higher learning, and of course equability. The tension that became the problem for these two influential black man to stand on both sides was that they had completely two different vision to seeing and going about in making their caused a reality.For instance, Booker T. Washington felt the power of industry and the working labor of the black man could provide extraordinary advancement in life of the then freed slaves. However, W.E.B. Du Bois was passionate on the development of the black man mentality to higher intellect in order to require and obtain the greatest fruits of life. These powerful men clashed idealism and purpose for a better tomorrow of the then freed slaves and both men passionately acquire the equal share of supporters in their quest to present their message across and to be heard effectively.
Du Bois clearly describes his cause for his position against Booker T. Washington stating:
“Mr. Washington represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment and submission; but adjustment at such a peculiar time as to make his program unique. This is an age of unusual economic development, and Mr. Washington’s program naturally takes an economic cast, becoming a gospel of Work and Money to such an extent as apparently almost completely to overshadow the higher aims of life.
Moreover, this is an age when the more advance races are coming in closer contact with the less developed races and the race-feeling is therefore intensified; and Mr. Washington’s program practically accepts the alleged inferiority of the Negro races.”In my viewpoint of the issues raised by W.E.B. Du Bois is recalling the different approaches by black leaders during my lifetime. Although, times have somewhat changed from the era of Du Bois and Booker T. Washington that outlined their mission to direct the then freed slaves in the right direction. I fully understand Du Bois position and preferred his way of addressing the issue of education verses the development of skilled labor in industry.A person must develop the mind to a higher level of understanding in order for one to successfully choose wisely. There was a time that trying to obtain education was forbidden and truly hinders any soul wishing to prosper greatly in the unknown world. In addition, Booker T. Washington approach seemed to understand the tension of those times of much violence; therefore, looking at his way of addressing the advancement of black folks is understood ; the objective for the freed slaves to focus on land and property in order to claim their rightful stake of opportunity.
Finally, I think both black men were correct because both of them wanted the same result…the very best for black folks. They just had two different mapped out paths in getting there. But I truly loved them both for making history and standing up to speak on the injustices and most importantly writing so superbly in powerful essays that I can enjoy the importance of their higher understanding.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Annotations for Chapter 1
Annotations for Chapter 1
Pg.7) “They approach me in a half-hesitant sort of way, eye me curiously or compassionately, and then, instead of saying directly, How does it feel to be a problem?”
This statement is a perfect example of logic because he has a reason for asking questions that so many others have to ask as well.
Pg. 8) “And yet, being a problem is a strange experience,—peculiar even for one who has never been anything else, save perhaps in babyhood and in Europe”
This statement is explaining how no matter who you are, if you are a problem, than it is an awkward position to be in and a strange experience. He gives the example of babyhood, and the continent Europe.
pg.8) "I remember well when the shadow swept across me"
Having knowledge of this quote, is difficult for me, however it stuck out. I think that it means that he remembers when his deepest thoughts dawned upon him when he was a child.
Pg. 9)The freedman has not yet found freedom in his promised land
What this means, is that even though someone is free by law, they are not free in terms of what needs to be done next. They still have to work just like anyone else to make a living for themselves whether it is African Americans or Caucasians. If African Americans couldn’t find a living after slavery was abolished, then they were basically slaves and imprisoned. They were free, but not really free.
pg. 17) "And now what I have briefly...........................souls of black folk."
Within this last paragraph, you see that Dubois wants anyone who looks for the audience to listen to African Americans to understand the struggle and strife that they went through.
Pg.7) “They approach me in a half-hesitant sort of way, eye me curiously or compassionately, and then, instead of saying directly, How does it feel to be a problem?”
This statement is a perfect example of logic because he has a reason for asking questions that so many others have to ask as well.
Pg. 8) “And yet, being a problem is a strange experience,—peculiar even for one who has never been anything else, save perhaps in babyhood and in Europe”
This statement is explaining how no matter who you are, if you are a problem, than it is an awkward position to be in and a strange experience. He gives the example of babyhood, and the continent Europe.
pg.8) "I remember well when the shadow swept across me"
Having knowledge of this quote, is difficult for me, however it stuck out. I think that it means that he remembers when his deepest thoughts dawned upon him when he was a child.
Pg. 9)The freedman has not yet found freedom in his promised land
What this means, is that even though someone is free by law, they are not free in terms of what needs to be done next. They still have to work just like anyone else to make a living for themselves whether it is African Americans or Caucasians. If African Americans couldn’t find a living after slavery was abolished, then they were basically slaves and imprisoned. They were free, but not really free.
pg. 17) "And now what I have briefly...........................souls of black folk."
Within this last paragraph, you see that Dubois wants anyone who looks for the audience to listen to African Americans to understand the struggle and strife that they went through.
Chapter 1 (2 page Lit Response)
This essay by Du Bois provides a clear and compelling explanation of the various aspects that comprise the central existential crisis that faced the black man in the early Twentieth Century; and some would argue, still does today. What makes the essay so important is that it not only sketches the dilemma but also suggests a possible solution to this situation through tolerance and balance. This can also be seen in his views on education. Dubois says that the Negro university must expand toward the possession of all knowledge. It must start from a beginning of the history of the Negro in America and in Africa to interpret all history; and ultimately interpret and understand the social development of all mankind in all ages.
Dubois is perhaps the most influential figure in African American social and political communication during the early part of the Twentieth century. He answered these questions logically to the best of his ability. He was one of first to pose the question of the African American’s hybridist the dilemma of being both American and black at the same time. Double consciousness is what the African American is afflicted, this sense of always looking at one’s self from through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife--this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost.
I couldn’t help but to notice how Dubois first and foremost addressed the crimes that were committed against his people. However, he did it with simplicity and tranquility. With that said, you can see that he didn't forget about the audience because he doesn't get way into one topic, then suddenly goes into another. He makes it easier for the audience to follow and keep there attention at the same time. I personally feel this essay was well written and kept my attention. I guess you could say that was a logical aspect that Dubois used to get his message across!
Dubois is perhaps the most influential figure in African American social and political communication during the early part of the Twentieth century. He answered these questions logically to the best of his ability. He was one of first to pose the question of the African American’s hybridist the dilemma of being both American and black at the same time. Double consciousness is what the African American is afflicted, this sense of always looking at one’s self from through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife--this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost.
I couldn’t help but to notice how Dubois first and foremost addressed the crimes that were committed against his people. However, he did it with simplicity and tranquility. With that said, you can see that he didn't forget about the audience because he doesn't get way into one topic, then suddenly goes into another. He makes it easier for the audience to follow and keep there attention at the same time. I personally feel this essay was well written and kept my attention. I guess you could say that was a logical aspect that Dubois used to get his message across!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Awakening of the Negro (impromptu format)
My friend Sarah goes to a predominantly Caucasian school. However she hates it there because they treat her different because she is colored. Even her teachers subtly discriminate against her, and don’t give her the attention she needs. School for Sarah is terribly difficult because of this harsh reality. Although she has this seemingly difficult time in school because of this, she doesn’t let it get her down. She perseveres through it and still manages to get straight A’s in her all of her classes.
So when looking at the autobiography of Booker T. Washington, “The Awakening of the Negro,” we can understand this autobiography, by looking at three aspects. First we can look at the positive aspects, secondly the negative aspects, and finally, what we can draw from this nonfiction story of Booker T. Washington to better us as a country.
First let’s look at the positive. In the autobiography, Washington tells about the struggle African Americans had to go through mainly him, to get an education. He also tells how it was not allowed for Negros to learn anything especially read and write. He describes how hard times were and how the only thing to do to lesson this harsh reality, was to get an education. Within the story you can see a lot an appeal to pathos by him being very descriptive. As stated in the autobiography, “By walking, begging rides, and paying for a portion of the journey on the steam-cars, I finally succeeded in reaching the city of Richmond.” This let the reader know that there was a hard time of poverty typically for Negros without an education. Now you may ask what could be positive about that. The answer lies in the struggle. An old proverb once said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” As the story progresses, Washington becomes educated, and more knowledgeable of the world around him. Because of his dedication, determination, and perseverance, he was able to become an educator, orator, author, and leader of the African American community. So you can see that because he endured through all of the struggles, he became an overall stronger individual than what he would have been had he stayed in an ignorant state of mind. That is a positive quality that we all can learn from.
Secondly, we can look at the negative outlook on this autobiography. Fortunately, Washington didn’t take the negative view on what could have been a life changer for him. When you look behind the description that Washington gives, you can find a deeper emotion within the “victim.” When they experienced poverty, and mistreatment, and slavery, did they feel anger, pity for themselves or nothing at all? At the point when Washington became successful, he gained the much respect from Caucasians, as well as African Americans. However as Abraham Lincoln once said, “If you want to see a mans true character, give him power.” This you can see that Booker T. Washington did not take revenge upon the people who opposed him when he became higher in class than them. Surely it was a possibility that he could have done so seeing as how he was a Harvard Graduate, and had the smarts to think of something that could be diabolical. However he did not do so. He continued to make the world a greater place, and helped thousands of people and in the process, became a historic icon.
Finally we can look at what exactly can we draw from this autobiography. Well as you can see that slavery obviously a good thing. However through any situation even slavery, you can overcome and be successful. A KEY icon and prime example is no other than Frederick Douglass. Douglass was a slave from the early 1800’s, who was a firm believer in equality of all people. No one would have guessed, that an African American slave would someday be the very first African American nominated as a Vice-Presidential candidate in the U.S. running on the Equal Rights Party ticket with Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States .It just goes to show us that no matter what the obstacle we are facing in our lives, there is always a way to overcome it and use it in someway to better our lives as individuals.
So next time you take a look at an autobiography similar to “The Awakening of the Negro,” remember that although it may seem impossible, there is always a way to triumph over it. That’s what my friend Sarah did in her struggle against discrimination against almost the entire school including her teachers. So why can’t you?
So when looking at the autobiography of Booker T. Washington, “The Awakening of the Negro,” we can understand this autobiography, by looking at three aspects. First we can look at the positive aspects, secondly the negative aspects, and finally, what we can draw from this nonfiction story of Booker T. Washington to better us as a country.
First let’s look at the positive. In the autobiography, Washington tells about the struggle African Americans had to go through mainly him, to get an education. He also tells how it was not allowed for Negros to learn anything especially read and write. He describes how hard times were and how the only thing to do to lesson this harsh reality, was to get an education. Within the story you can see a lot an appeal to pathos by him being very descriptive. As stated in the autobiography, “By walking, begging rides, and paying for a portion of the journey on the steam-cars, I finally succeeded in reaching the city of Richmond.” This let the reader know that there was a hard time of poverty typically for Negros without an education. Now you may ask what could be positive about that. The answer lies in the struggle. An old proverb once said, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” As the story progresses, Washington becomes educated, and more knowledgeable of the world around him. Because of his dedication, determination, and perseverance, he was able to become an educator, orator, author, and leader of the African American community. So you can see that because he endured through all of the struggles, he became an overall stronger individual than what he would have been had he stayed in an ignorant state of mind. That is a positive quality that we all can learn from.
Secondly, we can look at the negative outlook on this autobiography. Fortunately, Washington didn’t take the negative view on what could have been a life changer for him. When you look behind the description that Washington gives, you can find a deeper emotion within the “victim.” When they experienced poverty, and mistreatment, and slavery, did they feel anger, pity for themselves or nothing at all? At the point when Washington became successful, he gained the much respect from Caucasians, as well as African Americans. However as Abraham Lincoln once said, “If you want to see a mans true character, give him power.” This you can see that Booker T. Washington did not take revenge upon the people who opposed him when he became higher in class than them. Surely it was a possibility that he could have done so seeing as how he was a Harvard Graduate, and had the smarts to think of something that could be diabolical. However he did not do so. He continued to make the world a greater place, and helped thousands of people and in the process, became a historic icon.
Finally we can look at what exactly can we draw from this autobiography. Well as you can see that slavery obviously a good thing. However through any situation even slavery, you can overcome and be successful. A KEY icon and prime example is no other than Frederick Douglass. Douglass was a slave from the early 1800’s, who was a firm believer in equality of all people. No one would have guessed, that an African American slave would someday be the very first African American nominated as a Vice-Presidential candidate in the U.S. running on the Equal Rights Party ticket with Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States .It just goes to show us that no matter what the obstacle we are facing in our lives, there is always a way to overcome it and use it in someway to better our lives as individuals.
So next time you take a look at an autobiography similar to “The Awakening of the Negro,” remember that although it may seem impossible, there is always a way to triumph over it. That’s what my friend Sarah did in her struggle against discrimination against almost the entire school including her teachers. So why can’t you?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Edger Allen Poe 2 page lit response
Edger Allen Poe has written many stories in his lifetime. The stories that he has written has made the reader dig deep to find a more profound meaning. The story “The Pit and the Pendulum” came off a bit disturbing to say the least. The apocalyptic view of this story arose many people to voice there opinions on precisely what the pendulum was meant to signify. When first looking at this, I couldn’t help but to find it challenging and difficult to understand. However, by having other people’s views on this, I was able to understand more thoroughly the argument being discussed in the apocalyptic view. Reading all of the peoples inputs on this, I would have to say that Marie Bonaparte was the one I would have to agree with. .
What Marie Bonaparte was arguing, is that the pendulum was signifying the birth procedure. In the fetus, it is a critical phase for the baby. In this stage the baby’s lungs are not fully mature. This relates to the story because the person in the story was in the dungeon and continued to open his/her eyes, however the character was unable to recall what was going on due to the fact he was loosing consciousness. In the wound the baby doesn’t know where he/she is really symbolizes the person in the story who did not know where he was when he woke up. Moving on in the birth process and symbolization, you can see that when Marie Bonaparte mentions in the end of “The Pit and the Pendulum” how the walls unexpectedly begin to close on the person and how it was something that was inevitable. This, you can conclude, symbolizes the actual birth of the baby. The negative aspect of this examination (of the text), is that this analysis did not discuss the other possible symbols in the story. There were things talked about that could be meant to be represented in a totally different way. The seven candles is an allusion that at the beginning of the story the character seems to be seeing. Also, only the walls are being enclosed on the character, and the unawareness of where exactly the character is, is the only symbolization that was brought from the text to the story. The pendulum does not fit into the implication.
When looking at the literary work, you can see that one of the views tells about the fall of mankind. With this, you can see how people feel about the story. Biblical stories are something that most people have heard of in one way or another. With that said, you can tell that the reader feels like it is basically a “different version” of a biblical story. When linking Marie Bonaparte’s views along with the notion of religion, they find some portion missing if you will. One of the most apparent reasons for this is that the religious story that they are trying to relate is an allegory. Therefore, the viewpoint may not be as clear. This makes to many flaws in the viewpoint which apparently needs to be corrected in order to be more believable and precise.
Through all of this, they bring out how part of life is essentially awful anguish which is something everyone can relate too in one way or another. To show this a little bit further, you can notice that there is a nameless character in this story. Not only does it show suffering, but it shows death as we know it; unable to know how or when it is coming. This taps into the psychological mind set of humans, because one thing that fears most humans is the fear of the unknown. Because this story of Poe’s is story bound, it loses its significance of being as symbolic as it probably could have been had it been factual.
When looking at the scenario that Edgar Allen Poe took the readers in, it was well established in visual imagery. It had a roller coaster ride in the mental aspect of things. Although this story did have a great connection to the audience with a mental state of mind, I would have put something to show a physical complexity as well. This would have made a more definite and mind boggling connection with the audience as well. It also may have created more opportunities for symbolization.
What Marie Bonaparte was arguing, is that the pendulum was signifying the birth procedure. In the fetus, it is a critical phase for the baby. In this stage the baby’s lungs are not fully mature. This relates to the story because the person in the story was in the dungeon and continued to open his/her eyes, however the character was unable to recall what was going on due to the fact he was loosing consciousness. In the wound the baby doesn’t know where he/she is really symbolizes the person in the story who did not know where he was when he woke up. Moving on in the birth process and symbolization, you can see that when Marie Bonaparte mentions in the end of “The Pit and the Pendulum” how the walls unexpectedly begin to close on the person and how it was something that was inevitable. This, you can conclude, symbolizes the actual birth of the baby. The negative aspect of this examination (of the text), is that this analysis did not discuss the other possible symbols in the story. There were things talked about that could be meant to be represented in a totally different way. The seven candles is an allusion that at the beginning of the story the character seems to be seeing. Also, only the walls are being enclosed on the character, and the unawareness of where exactly the character is, is the only symbolization that was brought from the text to the story. The pendulum does not fit into the implication.
When looking at the literary work, you can see that one of the views tells about the fall of mankind. With this, you can see how people feel about the story. Biblical stories are something that most people have heard of in one way or another. With that said, you can tell that the reader feels like it is basically a “different version” of a biblical story. When linking Marie Bonaparte’s views along with the notion of religion, they find some portion missing if you will. One of the most apparent reasons for this is that the religious story that they are trying to relate is an allegory. Therefore, the viewpoint may not be as clear. This makes to many flaws in the viewpoint which apparently needs to be corrected in order to be more believable and precise.
Through all of this, they bring out how part of life is essentially awful anguish which is something everyone can relate too in one way or another. To show this a little bit further, you can notice that there is a nameless character in this story. Not only does it show suffering, but it shows death as we know it; unable to know how or when it is coming. This taps into the psychological mind set of humans, because one thing that fears most humans is the fear of the unknown. Because this story of Poe’s is story bound, it loses its significance of being as symbolic as it probably could have been had it been factual.
When looking at the scenario that Edgar Allen Poe took the readers in, it was well established in visual imagery. It had a roller coaster ride in the mental aspect of things. Although this story did have a great connection to the audience with a mental state of mind, I would have put something to show a physical complexity as well. This would have made a more definite and mind boggling connection with the audience as well. It also may have created more opportunities for symbolization.
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