Is it possible,
and probable, that nine millions of men can make effective progress in economic
lines if they are deprived of political rights, made a servile caste, and
allowed only the most meager chance for developing their exceptional men? W.E.B. Dubois Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others 25
In his essay Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others, W.E.B. Dubois brings to
terms the potential flaws he sees in Booker T. Washington’s ideologies. The question Dubois poses forces us to
recognize the limited nature of Washington’s teachings: if the
African-Americans in the South are limited to only learning industrial and
agricultural knowledge, how will they ever be able to advance the race beyond
the servile nature of their previous existence in the United States. Without at least the option of higher
education for those both willing and capable of its pursuit, the African
American people will never be able to develop educators, litigators, political
leaders, etc.
Furthermore, Dubois highlights the key
differences between the approach taken by Frederick Douglass and other
prominent leaders in the African-American community who emerged before Booker
T. Washington.
…they recognized the slavery of
slaves, but insisted that they themselves were freemen, and sought assimilation
and amalgamation with the nation on the same terms with other men…together as
men, they said, not as slaves; as “people of color,” not as “Negroes…” Douglass in his old age, still bravely stood
for the ideals of his early manhood,--ultimate assimilation through
self-assertion, and on no other terms…Booker T. Washington arose as essentially
the leader not of one race but of two,--a compromiser between the South, the
North, and the Negro…compromise which surrendered their civil and political
rights. 23-24
Unlike Douglass and others who fought
for equality with whites- to be seen as people and not as “Negroes,” or any
other designation determined for them by whites, Dubois contends that Booker T.
Washington concedes to this notion that the color line should exist, and people
should be designated by color as opposed to simply being recognized as “people.” Dubois argument is especially potent,
regarding Booker T. Washington’s The Atlanta
Exposition Address. “Governor Bullock introduced me with the words, ‘We
have with us to-day a representative of Negro enterprise and Negro civilization”
(Washington 146). Washington almost
states this proudly, even though the Governor views him solely in the capacity
of a “Negro,” and not another human being.
This is incredibly condescending and Washington’s acceptance of this
indicates Dubois’ assessment of his overall outlook as having merit.
Dubois also takes a number of shots at
Booker T. Washington’s ineffectiveness in asserting himself in a masculine
demeanor as well; he defines Washington’s approach as being emasculated: “Mr.
Washington’s counsels of submission overlooked certain elements of true manhood…”
(22). Considering his earlier sentiment
regarding Douglass’ “bravery” in standing for the “ideals of his early manhood,” Dubois carefully crafts
Washington’s argument and “propaganda” as lacking the strength and masculinity
of his and other renowned figures in the African-American community.
Lastly, Dubois warns against the
damaging effects of Washington’s conceding to the Southern notion that the
problem African-Americans now face lies entirely in their own hands. He claims Washington fails to understand that
slavery and prejudice are largely at fault in the current position of the
African-Americans in the South; that education was not readily available to
African-Americans upon emancipation, because it took time to develop schools
and educate their teachers; and although they are capable of advancing their
race in many ways themselves, they must still rely on the acceptance, aid and
understanding of the whites in the South if they ever hope to make any
significant strides forward. Additionally,
opportunities must be afforded to the African-American population, such as
higher education and acceptance in political and community roles if any further
advancement should be achieved.
Works Cited:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Dubois,
W.E.B. "Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others." The Souls of Black Folk. 20-29. Kindle.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->·
<!--[endif]-->Washington,
Booker T. "The Atlanta Exposition Address." Up From Slavery. Excerpts from Up
From Slavery Packet. 146.
