Summary Of Double Consciousness By W. E. B Dubois

In 1903 Profound sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer and editor W.E.B DuBois once proclaimed the biggest problem of the twentieth century was the problem of the color line in his critically acclaimed book The Souls of Black Folk Dubois dissects several themes as it relates to the Negro position in America. Although what DuBois describes as the “color line” was not the only problem that pervaded during his time and beyond in The Souls of Black Flock DuBois promotes the following ideas of slavery vs freedom, education, exclusion vs belonging, and material vs. psychological Racism as pivotal themes thought the book. Over the course of the book, DuBois coins the following terms “Double Consciousness” and

Washington emerged advocating on the behalf of blacks. Although a greater leader some such as DuBois speak out against Washington stance on blacks in America because Washington accepted black inferiority. Instead of providing accolades to the black community for their efforts, Washington stated that he wanted blacks to focus on industrial education, accumulation of wealth, and the conciliation of the South. Many could argue Dubois position regarding Washington is accurate when considering Washington asks blacks for to rid themselves of political power instead of focusing on political power, Washington believed that the African-American needed to focus on personal development. Secondly, Washington had asked for African-Americans to give up their civil rights. Instead of focusing on gaining equality and civil rights, the black American needed to strengthen his own position in society and not focus on his position in relation to others. Finally, the African-American needed to give up higher education. Instead of focusing on higher education, they would instead focus on industrial education and become better workers. Although Washington wasn’t to fully blame for the regression of black’s status in society his public position didn’t necessarily help because he was an advocate for blacks. Dubois and Washington although opposites when concerning black suffrage in terms of voting. DuBois believed that agitating for the ballot was necessary, but opposed giving the vote to the uneducated blacks. He believed that economic gains were not secure unless there was political power to safeguard them. DuBois asserts the following claim regarding Washington: "He (Washington) is striving nobly to make Negro artisans business men 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