"Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet deprecate agitation are men who want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the roar of its many waters." (Frederick Douglass)
Douglass expresses the necessity for agitation in a democratic society.Does this advice, given during the troubled times of the civil War, still apply to us today, and if so, how can we best implement his advice?
Answer:
In the pursuit of freedom, the need for agitation never ceases to exist until the freedom is attained. However, agitation does not have to be physical. Physical agitation was probably the only method available during the time of the Civil War. In today's world, the battleground has been shifted to the economic front. We need to use our economic leverage - our collective purchasing power to effect change.
Question 2
"Any man that says I am (for colonization or going back to Africa) behind my back is an assasin and a liar and I stamp the infamous charge upon his forehead." (Henry Highland Garnet)
This quote shows Mr. Garnet's strong opinion during the time of the "Back to Africa" movement. What do you think Africa reprsents to African-Americans of today?
Answer:
Ideally, Africa should be to African-Americans what Israel is to Jewish-Americans. Afica should represent a spiritual homeland to African-Americans; a place where they can visit, live and work without being considered "foreign". Regrettably, the image that Africaconjures in America is a very negative one, cultivated over generations by people who knew little about the history and culture of the continent. Negative stereotypes of Africa have become so embedded in the African-American psyche that it is nearly impossible to make them proud of Africa. We need a systematic, long-range program to exorcise those thoughts from the minds of young African-Americans. Only then can Africa become the true homeland for African-Americans.
Question 3
"No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music." (Billie Holiday)
Why is it that we celebrate and enjoy originality of expression in the arts and yet are troubled by diversity in society?
Answer:
Inherent in the human instinct of survival and self-preservation is the tendency to want to be in familiar, predictable situations. This is a powerful force that tends to promote homgeneity, and discourage diversity. The barriers to achieving true diversity in society can be overcome only by educatioin - specifically becoming knowledgeable about the history, culture and values of people who are different from us. In a sense, then, only the ignorant are troubled by diveristy in society.
Question 4
What advice would you give to the youth about achievement?
Answer:
First, believe in yourself: Confidence is the "sine qua non" to success. It is nearly impossible to succeed at anything meaningful unless one is willing to believe that it is achievable. Confidence is gained from prior successes. Aim for excellence at small tasks. Do not settle for second best. This does not mean that we should try to win at all costs. The end never justifies the means. Above all, never stop dreaming. Aim so high that even if you fall a bit short, you will end up with a respectable result. Work as hard as you can and then do a little more. Chance truly favors the prepared mind. You will find that the harder you work, the luckier you get. Finally, have fun doing whatever you do. Life can be a terrific adventure.
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