lucas211 wrote:Hello BTG

Would appreciate a little help on the following, and particularly why the correct answer is C and NOT E.




Thanks in advance

Take a look at the text of the key parts of the first paragraph:

Some historians contend that conditions in the United States during the Second World War gave rise to a dynamic wartime alliance between trade unions and the African American community, an alliance that advanced the cause of civil rights.

Other scholars, however, have portrayed organized labor as defending all along the relatively privileged position of White workers relative to African American workers.

These are two very different perspectives on the relationship between trade unions and the African American community. (This is captured in answer choice C.) There isn't a dispute about how much the African American community benefited from social and political change after the war. (Answer choice E.)

Hi lucas211,

Jot down a few broad points only about the first paragraph since the question is asking for an evaluation only about the 2 highlighted bits in the first part:

1. Some historians - during WW-II alliance between trade unions and African Americans - advanced the cause of civil rights. This alliance ended after the war and civil rights movement lost the opportunity
2. Other scholars - organised labour has always protected relatively privileged position of White Americans vis-a-vis African Americans

Now evaluate each option while checking on the 2 broad points above:

A. the two sets of scholars are clearly discussing relative position of White Americans vis-a-vis African Americans and progress of the African American community during WW-II. Incorrect
B. This option talks nothing about the progress of African Americans during WW-II. Incorrect
C. Again, nothing about the progress of African Americans. Incorrect
D. The passage is not about the influence of trade unions. Incorrect
E. This clearly showcases the tension between the two view points - the first set says that WW-II did lead to progress for the African American work force whereas according to the second group the organised workforce has ALWAYS been protective of the privileged position of the White American workers. This will include the WW-II period. Correct.

So, the answer is E.