• Do you largely agree or disagree with this belief? Why?
  
  
• How is a good work ethic important to an individudal? a community? a society?
  
  
• What is a good work ethic? Define and give examples.
  
  
• What are the negative consequences of a poor work ethic?
  
  
• What are the characteristics of a poor work ethic?
  
  
• Can a good work ethic be taught? Why or why not? If it may be taught, how can it be taught most effectively? If it cannot be taught, how is it acquired?
  
  
• Do you personally believe you have a good worth ethic? Justify your answer. What steps, if any, are you taking to improve your work ethic?

While both W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington addressed the race problem of the early twentieth century, the men differed greatly in their approaches to the issue. Washington emphasized vocational education, saying that hard work and productivity would be the salvation of the Black people. Du Bois, however, believed that education in the arts and sciences was far more important than vocational education. In fact, he vehemently attacked Washington in The Souls of Black Folks, saying that Washington's emphasis on vocational training was equal to "industrial slavery" and "civic death."

• How could two men with the same goal--the good of the African-American people--differ so greatly in their approaches?
  
  
• Examine the backgrounds of Washington and Du Bois. How might their own life experiences have influenced their diverse views on education?
  
  
• What benefits can you see in the vocational education promoted by Washington? What are its disadvantages?
  
  
• What benefits can you see in the liberal arts education promoted by Du Bois? What are its disadvantages?
  
  
• Do you agree more with Washington's position or Du Bois's? Why?
  
  
• Is it be possible to integrate the positions of both men, providing education that emphasizes both liberal arts and marketable skills? Why or why not?