In the excerpt from "What the Black Man Wants," Frederick Douglass interprets the existence of many charitable societies that help black people as indicative of a paternalistic attitude. He suggests that these societies, while well-intentioned, perpetuate a view of black people as objects of pity rather than addressing their need for genuine justice. Douglass argues that what he seeks for the Negro is not benevolence or sympathy, but rather equal treatment and rights under the law. Thus, the correct interpretation would be: These societies view black people as objects of pity.
Read the paragraph from "What the Black Man Wants."
I look over this country at the present time, and I see Educational Societies, Sanitary Commissions, Freedmen's Associations, and the like,—all very good: but in regard to the colored people there is always more that is benevolent, I perceive, than just, manifested towards us. What I ask for the Negro is not benevolence, not pity, not sympathy, but simply justice.
How does Douglass interpret the existence of many charitable societies that help black people?
Excerpt from "What the Black Man Wants"
Responses
These societies view black people as objects of pity.
These societies view black people as objects of pity.
These societies mean well toward black people.
These societies mean well toward black people.
These societies need to coordinate their charitable efforts toward black people.
These societies need to coordinate their charitable efforts toward black people.
These societies use charity to distract black people from fighting for justice.
These societies use charity to distract black people from fighting for justice.
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