W.E.B. Du Bois

Melanie Freeman
English 48B
January 15, 2009
W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B Du Bois is historically remembered as a radical, African American activist, a well educated scholar, writer and founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Du Bois is responsible for the creating the idea of "double consciousness" to explain the struggle the black race feels when attempting to partake in white society. In his book, Souls of Black Folk, Du Bois explains this idea and how it has shaped his identity.

"It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by a tape of a world that looks on in with comtempt and pity." (896)

Summary:
W.E.B. Du Bois explains this concept of double-consciousness both as a gift and as a burden. To Du Bois, understanding how he is percieved by white society has allowed him to understand himself and the world he lives in better. He has developed this exaggerated level of insight as a byproduct of discrimmination and is thankful for it. He explains how he has used this double-consciouness as a tool to understand the American world almost as an observer rather than a participant. However, in developing this ability to see himself through the eyes of others he has become more aware of the injustice he exists in. Du Bois uses his deep insight to argue that blacks should not be black people living in America, but true Americans themselves.

Response:
Upon reading Du Bois' thoughts on the gift of double-consciousness, I clearly see similarities to Booker T. Washington's opinions reguarding how blacks benefitted from their struggles. In his book, Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington states that it is "out of the hard and unusual struggle through which he is compelled to pass, he gets stregnth, a confidence, that one misses whose pathway is comparitively smooth by reason of birth and race" (679). Athough both writers claim different benefits are gained through struggle, they both agree that they would not have liked to have lived life without it. Both Washington and Du Bois directly contribute their reaction to opression to have given them the motivation and qualities that have brought them success.
The main difference between the ideas of these two scholars is the goals each wish to achieve by utilizing their gains. Du Bois wishes to advance the black race through equal rights, higher education for blacks and the notion that a black man will be percieved as a white man's equal. Alternatively, Washington wishes to advance the black race in a moderate manner, focusing on role of the black race in the economy. He doesn't strive for the same rights as Du Bois and content with the idea that change has to occur slowly.
Du Bois and Washington are often portrayed in constant oppostion; two polar sides of an issue who share no common ideals. However, this assumption is not completely true. One must not overlook the clear connection these men share. Both are active in the advancement of black race and neither look for pity for their situation. Both are proud to be who they are and are grateful for the years of struggling that created two passionate leaders.