Question

read the excerpt
the appeal to the white man’s pocket has ever been more effectual than all the appeals ever made to his conscience
—ida b. wells, southern horrors: lynch law in all its phases
in this excerpt, which point is wells making about the relationship between progressivism and business?
a. business is fundamentally opposed to progressive ideals and the two cannot work together.
b. business is usually much quicker to embrace progressive ideals than government is.
c. white men rarely embrace progressive ideas without a financial motive.
d. progressive ideals are the core of american business, though this is not always apparent.

Explanation:

The excerpt states that appealing to a white man's pocket (financial/money - related) is more effective than appealing to his conscience. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: The excerpt doesn't suggest business and progressive ideals are fundamentally opposed; it's about motivation, not opposition. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The excerpt doesn't compare business and government in terms of embracing progressive ideals. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Since appealing to the pocket (financial motive) is more effective than appealing to conscience, it implies white men are more likely to embrace progressive ideas when there's a financial motive, which matches this option.
• Option D: The excerpt doesn't say progressive ideals are the core of American business; it's about the motivation for embracing ideas. Eliminate D.

Answer:

C. White men rarely embrace progressive ideas without a financial motive.