Question
I pity from the bottom of my heart any nation or body of people that is so unfortunate as to get entangled in the net of slavery. I have long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness against the Southern white people on account of the enslavement of my race. No one section of our country was wholly responsible for its introduction, and, besides, it was recognized and protected for years by the General Government. Having once got its tentacles fastened on to the economic and social life of the Republic, it was no easy matter for the country to relieve itself of the institution. Then, when we rid ourselves of prejudice, or racial feeling, and look facts in the face, we must acknowledge that, notwithstanding the cruelty and moral wrong of slavery, the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country, who themselves or whose ancestors went through the school of American slavery, are in a stronger and more hopeful condition, materially, intellectually, morally, and religiously, than is true of an equal number of black people in any other portion of the globe.
—Booker T. Washington, Up From Slavery (1901)
Read this excerpt from Booker T. Washington’s Up From Slavery. Look for clues that express his attitude toward slavery.
—Booker T. Washington, Up From Slavery (1901)
Read this excerpt from Booker T. Washington’s Up From Slavery. Look for clues that express his attitude toward slavery.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the excerpt from Booker T. Washington's "Up From Slavery," his attitude toward slavery can be discerned through several key phrases and the overall tone of the passage:
1. **Pity for nations entangled in slavery**: Washington begins by expressing deep pity for any nation that experiences slavery, indicating his understanding of the profound suffering it causes. This statement reflects his empathy and awareness of the broader implications of slavery.
2. **Lack of bitterness**: He explicitly states that he has "long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness" against Southern white people regarding the enslavement of his race. This suggests a perspective of reconciliation and moving beyond grievances, emphasizing forgiveness rather than resentment.
3. **Shared responsibility**: Washington acknowledges that no single region can be wholly blamed for the introduction of slavery and points out that the institution was "recognized and protected for years by the General Government." This statement implies a nuanced understanding that slavery was a complex, systemic issue rather than solely a moral failing of individuals or a specific group.
4. **Recognition of progress**: He contrasts the historical reality of slavery with the current status of African Americans, noting that "the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country...are in a stronger and more hopeful condition" than black people elsewhere. This suggests a focus on upliftment and the positive developments that arose from a painful past, reflecting a belief in the potential for progress despite historical injustices.
5. **Acknowledgment of facts**: Washington encourages looking "facts in the face," indicating a pragmatic approach to the history of slavery. This phrase suggests that he values honesty and realism in discussing the past, as well as an understanding of the paths forward.
6. **Mixed feelings on the moral wrong of slavery**: While he acknowledges the "cruelty and moral wrong of slavery," he balances this recognition with a focus on the current state and potential of African Americans, pointing to the resilience and strength that can emerge from adversity.
Overall, Washington's attitude reflects a blend of empathy and a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing healing, progress, and a recognition of complex historical realities rather than solely focusing on past atrocities.
1. **Pity for nations entangled in slavery**: Washington begins by expressing deep pity for any nation that experiences slavery, indicating his understanding of the profound suffering it causes. This statement reflects his empathy and awareness of the broader implications of slavery.
2. **Lack of bitterness**: He explicitly states that he has "long since ceased to cherish any spirit of bitterness" against Southern white people regarding the enslavement of his race. This suggests a perspective of reconciliation and moving beyond grievances, emphasizing forgiveness rather than resentment.
3. **Shared responsibility**: Washington acknowledges that no single region can be wholly blamed for the introduction of slavery and points out that the institution was "recognized and protected for years by the General Government." This statement implies a nuanced understanding that slavery was a complex, systemic issue rather than solely a moral failing of individuals or a specific group.
4. **Recognition of progress**: He contrasts the historical reality of slavery with the current status of African Americans, noting that "the ten million Negroes inhabiting this country...are in a stronger and more hopeful condition" than black people elsewhere. This suggests a focus on upliftment and the positive developments that arose from a painful past, reflecting a belief in the potential for progress despite historical injustices.
5. **Acknowledgment of facts**: Washington encourages looking "facts in the face," indicating a pragmatic approach to the history of slavery. This phrase suggests that he values honesty and realism in discussing the past, as well as an understanding of the paths forward.
6. **Mixed feelings on the moral wrong of slavery**: While he acknowledges the "cruelty and moral wrong of slavery," he balances this recognition with a focus on the current state and potential of African Americans, pointing to the resilience and strength that can emerge from adversity.
Overall, Washington's attitude reflects a blend of empathy and a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing healing, progress, and a recognition of complex historical realities rather than solely focusing on past atrocities.