Argumentation #4: Anyone Can Be Successful

Henry Lyman Morehouse first coined the term "Talented Tenth" in 1896, just before the concept became popularized by W.E.B. Dubois. He defined the term as follows: “In the discussion concerning Negro education we should not forget the talented tenth man. An ordinary education may answer for the nine men of mediocrity; but if this is all we offer the talented tenth man, we make a prodigious mistake. The tenth man, with superior natural endowments, symmetrically trained and highly developed, may become a mightier influence, a greater inspiration to others than all the other nine, or nine times nine like them.” Write an response in which you support, refute, or qualify Morehouse's claim that the future success of the African American race in this country is dependent on the higher education (skill, ethics, culture, politics, art, etc.) of the top 10% of the African American population.  Use examples from your readings, experiences, or knowledge to support your argument.

   Morehouse claims that only 10% of the African American population will be successful in the future.  No one can predict the future. No one can one hundred percent know that a certain person will be successful. The most unexpected person, can be the most successful. Not everyone blooms early. One can guess but not know for sure if someone can be successful. No one knows for sure. Therefore, Morehouse's claim that only 10% of African Americans will be successful, is incorrect.
   Morehouse cannot claim that only 10% will be successful because he doesn't have evidence. Everyone has the opportunity to become successful. Everyone can become successful, meaning that it is highly possible that more than 10% can be successful. How can someone judge the talent of the other, without even letting them have an opportunity to bloom. One can never know for sure that the other 9 can't be just as smart as the "talented tenth." Until there can be evidence to prove Morehouse's point, people should refrain from excluding African Americans from a good education.
   All African Americans can become successful if they are given the opportunity. Forget the talented tenth, for all ten can achieve high goals, if they are given all equal opportunities. We are taught to take the opportunities that are right in front of us, if all African Americans are given the chance they can all succeed. The 54th Massachusetts Regiment, was given the chance to become the first African American regiment. They had the same teachings as any other white soldier, and were able to become great soldiers. If African Americans are given the opportunity, they can succeed just as well as any white man.
     All "Negros" can succeed, anyone can succeed, and Morehouse is just shooting down all of African Americans dreams to be successful in life.