Introduction
Booker T. Washington was one of the most influential leaders of ethnic minorities in the United States of the nineteenth century. He was also a researcher who proposed a row of practical actions to resolve the issues of these population groups, mostly of economic nature (Tozer et al., 2020). Therefore, this activist’s suggestions were distinct from other proposals regarding the matter by the orientation of specific measures, which should be taken to improve the lives of African American citizens (Washington, 2018). Hence, this paper aims to consider his ideas related to the problems of Blacks, their origin and impact on their place in society, as well as the outcome of this leader’s activity.
Social Darwinism and Faith in the Fairness of the Free Market
The development of Washington’s thought had several directions, which represented his position regarding the methods of establishing a reasonable quality of life for all people. The first consideration was the concept of Social Darwinism he learned when attending Hampton, which applies to societal and economic aspects of human activity and means the survival of the most capable members of society (Tozer et al., 2020). However, it did not correlate with the circumstances of Blacks’ lives, and the political initiatives were not useful for ensuring their development. From Washington’s perspective, the principal area, which should be covered by the policy intended to help these people, was industrial education intended to provide them with opportunities for material prosperity (Washington, 2018). In this way, he emphasized the importance of economic security and vocational skills in contrast to politics.
His opinion was underpinned by the considerations of the fairness of the free market in business as a principal circumstance leading to African Americans’ future prosperity. Thus, Washington claimed that their acceptance by white people is possible only in the case if they are economical, not politically, equal (Tozer et al., 2020). This perspective allowed the leader to prove the importance for Blacks to work and acquire new skills instead of attempting to be more active in the political arena.
The Impact on the Place of Blacks in Society
The perceptions of Washington regarding the predominant role of economic factors not only shaped his views but also significantly affected the intention of African Americans to find their place in society. Their influence was conditional upon the fact that representatives of this population group did not have any efficient means to improve their situation at the time (Washington, 2018). On the contrary, most Black leaders were trying to attract public attention to their problems without suggesting any practical ways to solve them and gain equality (Tozer et al., 2020). From this point of view, the economic considerations of Washington based on the concept of Social Darwinism and his belief in the fairness of the free market were transmitted to Blacks. They demonstrated the appropriate course of action leading to improvements in quality of life.
The Origin and Credibility of Washington’s Ideas
The ideas of Booker T. Washington originated from his personal experience, and this fact adds credibility to them. Being born as a slave and further emancipated, he faced the challenge of the need to take responsibility for the future since freedom implied the ability to provide for himself (Washington, 2018). Washington noticed that Blacks did not possess the skills allowing them to survive in the world of white men. In his opinion, this situation could be explained by the lack of understanding of economic processes and, therefore, participation in them (Tozer et al., 2020). Nevertheless, despite the apparent logic of such thinking, his judgment seems to be naïve from the psychological perspective. The active participation of African Americans in business affairs resembles a utopia since the white population was unwilling to deal with them.
The Success of Washington’s Approach to Black Advancement
The approach of Booker T. Washington to Black advancement was quite successful in terms of initiating their economic involvement. However, his goals underlying the foundation of the National Negro Business League were not fully met (Washington, 2018). Thus, for example, the initiative to build a network of African American entrepreneurs was hindered by the civil rights movement, which came to the fore (Tozer et al., 2020). In this way, the attention of representatives of this ethnic group was focused on the actions for establishing equality rather than material prosperity as an indirect method to achieve this objective (Washington, 2018). Nevertheless, the economic movement started with the implementation of Washington’s ideas and marked the beginning of Black’s progress in this area.
Conclusion
To summarize, the political thought of Booker T. Washington based on the concept of Social Darwinism and the free market contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of African Americans had positive results. It allowed promoting their economic rights as a principal condition of future equality with the white population and, therefore, finding their place in society. The origin of Washington’s ideas related to his personal experience and struggles adds to the reasonability of his initiatives regarding the Blacks’ participation in business. Even though his perceptions were naïve from the perspective of all citizens’ acceptance of their intervention in this field, it can be concluded that they still significantly affected their wellbeing. Thus, Black advancement was a successful endeavor in terms of promoting the rights of African Americans throughout the country.
References
Tozer, S., Senese, G., & Violas, P. (2020). School and society: Historical and contemporary perspectives (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Washington, B. T. (2018). The future of the American Negro. Outlook Verlag GmbH.