Critical Essay on "Mis-Education of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson

Introduction

According to the author of "Mis-education of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson, the Negro should be engaged to a critical inspection of the essentials of literature, religion, education and philosophy. It is relevant to enlighten them as they will be aware of the relevance of these forces and whether they are a form of approval or tyranny. After they have been educated, Woodson also raised inquiries on the function of these Negros depicting that they have limited opportunities. For them to earn a living, it has been observed that they mostly go back to the Black community to teach what they learnt. However, education has taught them to despise almost everything that is African and thus, their function towards their society becomes quite suspicious. On the other hand, it has been depicted that African Americans should be educated in diverse methods that would ensure they develop their abilities and in the end, positively build up their communities (Woodson, 2006).

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There is also the aspect of Whites thinking they are more superior to Blacks due to their cultural influences throughout history. , and this should be maintained. Moreover, there is a link between the capability to raise a family successfully, work and even attain one's goals. The author determines it through the presentation of educational chances that one has and how they will transform their lives. As such, education is a tool that should be used well to lead to positive change for the individual and society (Woodson, 2006).

On the other hand, there is an indication of Black's inability to create their jobs due to education. It is an expectation for them to be consumers as Whites are producers. It is relevant to ensure that African Americans practice what they have been taught and even go beyond what they have told they cannot undertake successfully. There is an emphasis on the need for service instead of leadership in the Black community. In most cases, Negroes have been observed to offer decent support and money to numerous individuals and organizations that have been perceived to impact their race in the wrong manner. As such, it is important to have workers instead of leaders among them who will efficiently solve their problems (Woodson, 2006).

There is also the theory of hirelings that has been supported instead of public servants. A hireling works to be paid and thus will deliver more as opposed to a public servant. A real servant according to the author is one who interacts with people and understands what they are experiencing. Consequently, they should be selected from the community and be one who comprehends all their struggles. On the other hand, the relevance of studying Black history has also been pointed out since it not well valued and promoted like the European history. It is essential to learn about the Negro just as much as other people. In this way, people will have a high value and appreciation for their culture or history (Woodson, 2006).

Radicalism should be promoted among African Americans for there to be social and economic change. The enhancement of the social lives of African Americans means that the same will be observed in the entire society. Therefore, the book has widely depicted the relevance of studying and especially comprehending one's culture. Blacks should be taught to love their culture and at the same time respect that of others. In this way, the need for transformation will be attained among them, and they will no longer be perceived as inferior to Whites (Woodson, 2006).

References

Woodson, C. (2006). The mis-education of the Negro. KHALIFAH'S BOOKSELLERS & ASSOCIATES.