The Souls of Black Folk by Du Bois Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Souls of Black Folk by Du Bois - Term Paper ExampleHe says in the book, One hesitates, therefore, to criticize a life which branch with so little, has d whizz so much. And yet the time is come when one may speak in all sincerity and utter courtesy of the mistakes and shortcomings of Mr. Washingtons career as well as of his triumphs, without being faultfinding or envious and without forgetting that it is easier to do ill than well in the world (Documenting the American South). Starting with the publicize of education, Washington had given the proposal of providing industrial education to blacks in order to alleviate their position in the union. Du Bois, however, held different views and criticized this proposal by saying that the education provided to blacks should non be industrial rather, it should be one which would form consorters and educators in the black community. He believed that this would prove to be beneficial in the enormous run and I believe he is right in sta ting this. The black community needed deal from among them who would continue to act for the rights of the blacks, rather than people who would only benefit their own surroundings. Education for African Americans would non only wee the social position of people better but also improve the views that others held roughly blacks. As Du Bois believed, educating the African American would also remove any misconceptions about the black race and would abet people recognize the contribution they were making to the society. Du Bois is also critical of Washington as he seems to abet the idea of submissiveness of blacks to the whites system. He does this by recommending that blacks give up three major privileges that stimulate them a earthshaking part of the society political power, i.e. the right to vote, civil rights and higher education. Without these things, it is non possible for African Americans to make economic progress and grow as a society. Without such rights, African Amer icans would not be able-bodied to look at themselves in a respectful way, let alone having others do so. Without an identity of their own, they would not be able to break out of their own shell and move higher up in the society rather, they will remain submissive all their lives. Washington was focused more on peacefully co-existing in a society dominated by the whites while Du Bois wanted to break this dominance and lead the African American community towards social, political and economic advancement. The policies of Washington seemed that he appeased the white status quo, kind of of improving that of the blacks. This was evident through the fact that he believed that the African Americans should retain their status as farmers, work on cash crops and continue living in the south. He discouraged them from moving up northerly and demanding civil rights. This makes us doubtful of his ability as a leader, as he did not sweat to improve the position of his people but rather helped them adjust to their circumstances. Du Bois criticized his views as he believed that blacks needed education, not economics, to prosper. With higher education, there would be higher paying jobs and hence a stronger position in the society coupled with economic equality and parity. This was put into words by Du Bois in the following quote If we make money the object of maintaining, we shall develop