Comments on: Booker T. Washington In Petticoat Lane

By: Catriona

Catriona — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 18:23:23 +0000

Thank you very much for this and for the link to Mr. Washington’s book. So far I’ve only read the first three chapters, about London and the UK, and the last, but am already recommending it to others.

It’s sadly very sobering though to read now his last chapter, in which he talks so positively, despite all he saw, about the spirit of progress he felt or was being told about while he was in Europe at that time, and to reflect on our current situation. It really feels like confirmation that we are going backwards at speed.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 13:29:04 +0000

Thank you, GA. As I read this, my mind flipped the script and I thought of the song by Sting:

“See me walking down Fifth Avenue
A walking cane here by my side
Take it everywhere I walk
I’m an Englishman in New York”

Not to mention: “a gentleman will walk but never run”.

I can feature the notable personage of Booker T. Washington with his crisp collar, watch chain, and impressive profile…….. walking through the aisles of the market, glancing into the
bars, observing the hectic commerce, overhearing the huckstering dialog. Did anyone glance up and take notice of HIM, I wonder?

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 11:06:29 +0000

My late sister-in-law came from Canning Town and was totally ashamed of her beginnings. She became a very good Tailoress and moved elsewhere, even though her parents remained there until the end of their days. I did a degree many years ago and my first year of study covered 26 years of the Victorian period, and I learned so much about the East End and its immigrants during that time. It was absolutely fascinating, history, architecture, literature, art and culture etc, knowledge of which I treasure to this day.

By: Mathilde Grange

Mathilde Grange — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:13:46 +0000

Thank you.

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 08:11:13 +0000

A very plain speaking forthright article and credit going out to Booker T Washington for observing the divide . Now there is a divide and gated properties and costly flats and houses juggle alongside the poor of the East End .

No child has a right to grow up poor or face the brutality and snobbery of the rich . No child has the right to face the anger and remonstration because of their religion or skin colour .
When will there be equality ?