Question

Click on it tp see it please

Answer 1

Does anyone know I what else i could add to this its a dialogue

First let’s see who the characters are:

First up is Mark Twain- Obviously he is the ant- imperialist and he has stated that in much in his interviews and a quotes. He was not happy about what happened in the Philippines, for example, and he believed the US should not have interfered in the affairs of others countries and instead he thought they should stand up for their beliefs in representing themselves.


Next, is Keith C. – Alright he was not against the imperialism, he was also a businessman through his actions eventually led to the United Fruit Company, his real passion was railroads – particularly those in Costa Rica. Long story short, the Costa Ricans couldn't pay for the railroad they took loans out for, so Keith took over the project and ended up owning a huge amount of land (along with the railroad). Because of him, and his interest in growing bananas as a cash crop, he changed the economy of Costa Rica turning it into a giant plantation that was dependent on his businesses.

The Conversation—


Twain- “Isn’t it more important to help a person stand on their two feet if they have not the means to do so with wisdom and patience?


Keith- “But means can often be expensive, and if a person cannot raise themselves up from the ground, the world would not wait for them to do so. In business, time is money, and all I have done is to pave the way with my railroad and the fruits that their labor will bring to the world.”


Twain- “But at the same time, you enslave the people through the pockets of them, and make them dependent on what you can only provide.” You are teaching them nothing, other than exploit them for what they can do for your business. Through they cannot see above the banana groves you have planted, it is not for lack of trying.”



Keith: "But even you yourself thought that it would be a fine thing for the US to spread its wings over the Pacific, such as over the Philippines. If one has the power to make change, then what does it matter the means?"





Twain: "I did, once. I'll freely admit that. But no one man knows everything at any one moment in time. Their minds do not idle and I have learned how much of a tragedy such a view has become. It would have been better to support the Filipinos, but instead, what we have done is conquer them. The means do not always justify the ends."


Keith- Maybe we have conquered them but who knows

Answer 2

quick question: when is this happening (ie when did Keith C take over the rail roads in costa rica)?

Answer 3

im not sure but the time is 1890–1920

Answer 4

so definitely after the period of slavery in the US

Answer 5

Mark Twain can point out more parallels with slavery and with the treatment of the costa rican people to strengthen his argument

Answer 6

soo what does that mean

Answer 7

well he can point out that costa ricans are human beings that should be treated fairly and decently (even though they aren't US citizens) because it's the right thing to do (morally and ethically)

The whole idea of pursuing the max profit at the expense of the worker is kinda similar to slavery in the US (maybe not as bad, but idk) and if Twain brought it up and made this parallel, then Keith C may change his mind.

Answer 8

but how would that fit in with the conversation

Answer 9

hmm not sure

Answer 10

well thats my question for this :)

Answer 11

maybe say "I thought expansion was good, but after seeing what imperialism does to people and how it enslaves them -- similar to what the freed slaves experienced -- I now think its a horrible idea. We should focus on what we have at home and not try to exploit people abroad. If we must go abroad, then we should trade fairly and treat the people we meet fairly and justly as well."

Answer 12

who would that be for kieth or mark

Answer 13

twain

Answer 14

you can also have twain mention religion (if he's religious, then this argument will work)

Answer 15

eg: say he mentions Christianity

he could then say that it's the duty of all Christians to be loving and just to all people regardless of race, nationality, faith, etc etc

so what Keith C is doing is un-christian like (assuming he is a Christian of course)

Answer 16

how would i mention his christianty

Answer 17

well first find out if he is a Christian

Answer 18

then you can have twain bring it up in connection to the treatment of the people as slaves

Answer 19

look im brain dead right now i need help from what I have now how will that fit in

Answer 20

then take a short break and come back

Answer 21

the basic outline is

* Talk about the treatment of the people (connect it to slavery)

* Connect it with religion (and how hypocritical it is to be religious and treat people like this at the same time)

Answer 22

can you give a short exapmle

Answer 23

Twain: "You're treating these people like we treated the slaves. Both is morally and ethically wrong. You cannot claim to be a good upstanding Christian if you hold to the belief that making money takes precedent over the basic treatment of the people you exploit to make that money."

Answer 24

okay thanks

Answer 25

np