Writing assignment. Write 100 words on this topic: “Was Washington’s program for gaining social acceptance for blacks an elitist program?”
When asked this question, the possible answer of “yes” did come to mind. Elitist means “the belief that some groups deserve more power or status than others.” A program only for blacks to further help themselves in society, that definitely sounds like an elitist program. But this program was not for achieving more equality; it was for achieving the same amount. So my answer is NO.
Washington did talk about doing better than others, but all he meant was doing better in your job so you can earn respect. Elitist was the last thing Washington thought. He believed that respect came through hard work, being good at your job, and equal opportunity. Washington was a big supporter of equal rights for everyone. He always thought one race should not be above the other.
Washington did something that is far from elitist in his school. He told his students that manual labor should not be looked down on. He knew that manual labor was very important because without it, nothing would work. There would be no buildings, food, or houses. Washington instead taught his students the value of manual labor. They had to farm food and help build the school. This work helped students understand respect. It also showed them useful skills they could use to get jobs after graduating.
Although some people might have thought that Washington’s ideas were elitist, that was not his goal with his program. He showed this by making the students do manual labor. Overall, Washington’s program supported hard work, education, and equality rather than a one-race elitist program.
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