Washington or dubois

Responsed to 2 post 1

I believe that Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois, both had great narratives but I would have to say that Booker T. Washington provided the narrative that was most effective during this time period. Booker T. Washington was a bit more conservative in my opinion compared to W. E. B. DuBois’s approach. I believe that Booker T. Washington wanted to take a more subtle approach regarding steps that African Americans should take to progress in American society. Washington wanted to explain the narrative of being a slave as “not that bad” in other words. Washington knew that during this time period he had to present a different approach because that is the first step in having the conversation. This approach allows the higher opportunity for individuals to listen and comprehend what is being said and get their point across in the most peaceful of ways.

From the narrative, this quote as I understood from reading that slavery is indeed wrong but can’t blame southerners for the participation in slavery. This continued to make me think why, why wouldn’t want to place the blame on the white southerners. But continued reading I know he wanted the topic to be addressed in a different matter to provide progress of peace and work together.

“One may get the idea, from what I have said, that there was bitter feeling toward the white people on the part of my race, because of the fact that most of the white population was away fighting in a war which would result in keeping the Negro in slavery if the South was successful. In the case of the slaves on our place this was not true, and it was not true of any large portion of the slave population in the South where the Negro was treated with anything like decency.”

E. B. DuBois’s approach was to explain exactly how it was for slaves during this time. I enjoyed reading W. E. B. DuBois’s narrative because he wanted to express the hardships and difficulties the slaves had to endure in this time period.I agree with W. E. B. DuBois’s approach, especially in today’s society. I believe that the truth the good, bad, and ugly parts needed to be addressed when discussing slavery. DuBois’s approach was more direct and assertive which I think is needed especially in today’s time. The truth needs to be told in its purest form, no sugarcoating or scapegoating in my own opinion, accountability needs to be taken.
post 2

Going over both Washington’s and DuBois’s narrative, I feel as though DuBois has a more effective use on the reader for this time period. Even though DuBois was not born a slave, he still experienced living the life of of a black man during the twentieth century. Reading the first chapter alone got me thinking, he states that white people have this unasked question, “To the real question, How does it feel to be a problem? I answer seldom a word.” His outtake on being black in America gave a message of aspiration, ” He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face.” The difference between Washington and DuBois is that the idea of looking at slavery and oppression through various factors, his views on Washington were surprising to read as well, “But so far as Mr. Washington apologizes for injustice, North or South, does not rightly value the privilege and duty of voting, belittles the emasculating effects of caste distinctions, and opposes the higher training and ambition of our brighter minds,—so far as he, the South, or the Nation, does this,—we must unceasingly and firmly oppose them.” It seems to me DuBois probably felt pity from Washington which caused him to shift the language into one that dives into more than one thought.

Although I believe DuBois was stronger in providing an effecting narrative, I enjoyed reading Washington’s more. I believe this because during the chapter titled, “Helping Others,” this quote stood out to me. “and I never had much patience with the multitudes of people who are always ready to explain why one cannot succeed.” This alone depicts what kind of person Washington set out to be even after slavery. I don’t think there was any pity when reading his narrative, I think it was very informative. He seemed really proud of himself for the address he spoke of, “I delivered my message, which was one of hope and cheer; and from the bottom of my heart I thanked both races for this welcome back to the state that gave me birth.” I like the question “which thinker” because both of their ideas shaped who they were as people, it shaped both of their life experiences just as you’d expect, not similar, because not everyone shares the life and there will always be different stories.

you’re going to respond to, two different post 500 words each please

“ Autobiography of ex colored man”

Post one

The narrator’s newfound pride in his identity is a beautiful yet daunting process; being proud of your heritage and race can be difficult, especially in the United States. In the case of Johnson, being biracial during that era, finding a balance to which race he identified was quite tricky. His journey of finding himself and being proud of his blackness was confusing and complex. The difficulty of coming to that conclusion during a time where society around you tells you that being black is ‘bad’ is expected. His ultimate decision of accepting himself can be due part of others who went through a similar struggle such as, DuBois hence, “From that time I looked out through other eyes, my thoughts were colored, my words dictated, my actions limited by one dominating, all-pervading idea which constantly increased in force and weight until I finally realized in it a great, tangible fact….He is forced to take his outlook on all things, not from the viewpoint of a citizen, or a man, or even a human being, but from the viewpoint of a colored man. It is wonderful to me that the race has progressed so broadly as it has, since most if it’s thought and all of its activity must run through the narrow neck of this one funnel”. As seen in the quote, Johnsons’ outlook and perspective radically changed where he can love and appreciate his blackness.

Post 2

I think the narrator’s newfound pride was very self-accomplishing to himself personally. The incident where he stood up when all white students were asked to rise, then later was asked to sit back down because he was not white. There was a bit of an identity crisis there for the narrator because he truly believed he was white. It was his old childhood friend, shiny, that inspires him to embrace his race. Only then did he feel pride and content of being black. Music has also played a big role in the narraters dilemma of his racial identity. He was a talented musician who wanted to keep the roots of African American culture in composing ragtime music. The witness of lynching has made him doublethink of his choice and reverting back to “passing” as a white man. His ultimate decision of choosing to pass as a white man was definitely a shock. He decided that being white was just the easiest route to go. I do not think he meant any harm or disrespect to his African American side, but at the time, I could understand why he would make that decision. The ending is a bit controversial. I do believe that if chose to embrace more of his black side, that he would have the same kind of fulfillment in his life.