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There is another class of coloured people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs - partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do do not want to lose their jobs.

Booker T. Washington#20

RaceActivismExploitationMedia

About this quote

What does it mean?
Some individuals profit from publicizing Black grievances, motivated by sympathy and monetary gain.
In plain terms
Some exploit Black suffering for profit.
What can you take from it?
Beware of those who commercialize hardship.

Where it applies

  • activism
  • journalism
  • community organizing

Putting it to work

  • critically evaluate sources
  • support authentic voices

Questions to consider

  • How can we differentiate genuine advocacy from profit-driven narratives?
  • What safeguards protect communities from exploitation?

Another view

Generalizes a diverse group and may dismiss genuine advocacy.

More from Booker T. Washington

  1. My whole life has largely been one of surprises. I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant, unexpected encouragements of this kind if he makes…

    Permalink to quote #19
  2. I am afraid that there is a certain class of race-problem solvers who don't want the patient to get well, because as long as the disease holds out they have no…

    Permalink to quote #21
  3. No man who continues to add something to the material, intellectual, and moral well-being of the place in which he lives is long left without proper reward.

    Permalink to quote #18

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