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The Struggle for Identity and Equality in Du Bois’ and Washington’s Writings Essay

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The Focus of Chapters I–III of Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk

In “The Souls of Black Folk,” W.E.B. Du Bois explores the experience of African Americans in the early 20th century, focusing on the concept of “double-consciousness,” the sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of others. In Chapters I and III, Du Bois addresses African Americans’ historical and sociopolitical context post-slavery, examining emancipation’s effects and the subsequent quest for progress. He argues that African Americans have a unique perspective, a “double-consciousness,” which involves reconciling their African heritage with the European American culture imposed upon them. Du Bois writes, “One ever feels his twoness—an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body” (Du Bois, Chapter I).

Differences Between DuBois’s and Booker T. Washington’s Philosophy

Du Bois’s philosophy is markedly different from Booker T. Washington’s, who advocated for African Americans to focus on vocational training and accept segregation in the short term as they worked toward economic stability. Washington believed economic progress would naturally lead to improved social and political rights. In his Atlanta Compromise speech, Washington stated, “In all things that are purely social, we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress” (Washington, Atlanta Compromise).

On the other hand, Du Bois believed in the necessity of higher education and political action to achieve full civil rights. They criticized Washington for his willingness to compromise on these issues. He describes Washington’s program by saying, “Mr. Washington represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment and submission… He asks that black people give up, at least for the present, three things—First, political power; Second, insistence on civil rights; third, higher education of Negro youth” (Du Bois, Chapter III).

Reference

Du Bois, W. E. B. “.” Yale University Press eBooks, 2020. Web.

Washington, Booker T. Atlanta Compromise. CreateSpace, 2014.

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