Journal #14 Booker T. Washington

Shirly Ong
English 48B
7 February, 2008
Journal #14 Booker T. Washington

Quote:
“When the two young masters were brought home wounded, the sympathy of the slaves was shown in many ways…this tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.”

Summary:
Booker T. Washington illustrates how the Negros show their sympathy toward their masters even though they are only working as slaves.

Response:
Booker T. Washington recalls how the slaves reacted when they learned that one of their young masters were killed and two were wounded during the Civil War. They were all very upset because some of them have nursed the killed master and some played with him when he was young. Book T. Washington asserts that there’s “no sham sorrow”. Some of them even begged for the privilege to take care of the wounded young master. He wants to bring out the good nature of the Negro. I am surprised to see the slaves showing such real sympathy on their masters when they are only considered goods that can be traded. I agree that this is probably a result of their kindly and generous nature. I wonder if the masters would develop a close relationship with their slaves from time to time, due to the same kindly and generous nature. To me, probably not all masters are cruel to their slaves. Having slaves might be a trend in the upper class in the society. At the same time, slaves could not choose their masters. Whether they suffer more or less solely depends on their luck. Slavery system is horrible. I feel sympathy for the slaves so much, especially for those who have kindly and generous nature.