Discussion Starter - DuBois

While DuBois acknowledges the importance of economic progress for African Americans, he is concerned that striving for it will result in less material issues, like the right to vote and social inclusion, to be neglected. He expresses this concern in his discussions of both Booker T. Washington and of the city of Atlanta. 

As outlined by DuBois, Booker T. Washington’s agenda involves forgoing “political power,” “civil rights,” and “higher education for Negro youth” in order to focus on vocational training (41). Dubois rejects Washington’s platform for a couple of reasons. First, DuBois sees Washington’s goals as impossible to achieve without the things that Washington is willing to give up. Washington wants Negroes to become successful workers and property owners, but “it is utterly impossible, under modern competitive methods, for workingmen and property-owners to defend their rights and exist without the right of suffrage” (41). Thus from a practical standpoint, DuBois sees focusing on economic before social gain as impossible. He also argues that Washington “insists on thrift and self-respect, but at the same time consoles a silent submission to civic inferiority such as is bound to sap the manhood of any race” (41). DuBois also notes the opposition which Washington faces from other Negroes: “there is among educated and thoughtful colored men… a feeling of deep regret, sorrow, and apprehension at the wide currency and ascendency which some of Mr. Washington’s theories have gained” (36). 

In addition to Washington’s policies themselves, DuBois seems to be troubled by the fact that Washington doesn’t taken into account the beliefs of his black critics, writing “the hushing of the criticism of honest opponents is a dangerous thing” (37).

The problems that DuBois sees in Atlanta seem parallel to some of those he finds in Washington’s doctrine. On the one hand he praises Atlanta’s striving for success: “they of Atlanta turned resolutely toward the future” (55). Yet he worries “Atlanta must not lead the South to dream of material prosperity as the touchstone of all success” (56). This is similar to the way in which he admires Washington’s resolve and desire to make change, but questions his methods. DuBois argues that only the universities of Atlanta can lead the city “past the temptation of golden fruit” (60). That is, only education can teach young Negroes the true values of life so that they don’t just pursue economic gain, but the civil rights and also self respect that Washington leaves out of his doctrine.