Free Article Review About What Is Wrong With Booker T. Washington’s Negro Thought?

Racial discrimination is a frustrating and cruel reality that African-Americans endured during the previous decades. The term “Negros” is the most obvious sign of a society that judges them by the color of their skin without looking at their potential and character. While some black men were courageous enough to stand for their right and challenge the institution, some black Americans believe that the only way to survive is to render their total submission to the policies and custom of a color-prejudice society. One of this black Americans is the historical Booker T. Washington, a foremost black educator who advocates the principle that his fellow Negros should relinquish their civil rights and strive for personal development. Du Bois disapproves this ideal and points out that Washington’s proposal is unjust and improbable. Through his critique of the educator’s ideals, he intends to persuade the black audience that they should not adhere to the suggestions of Mr. Washington; rather, they must show utmost defiance to America’s racial prejudice and assert themselves as citizens who deserve equal rights and privileges.
In criticizing Washington’s advocacy, Du Bois uses excellent organization of supporting evidences that explain why his position is better than Washington’s propaganda. He interchangeably employs pathos, ethos, and logos in order to gain the reader’s attention, stir their imagination and ultimately gain their sympathy and agreement. He presents his arguments with clarity and introduces his claim at the very start of his article. He claims that, “Mr. Washington represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment and submission.” (Du Bois) This short, but powerful statement ignites the readers’ interest that they would want to read the next sentences in order to know the reasons behind the author’s bold claim. Du Bois’ introductory sentence is an effective hook that invites the readers to continuously listen to his arguments.

First, political power,

Second, insistence on civil rights,
Third, higher education of Negro youth,— (Du Bois)
After stating these features, he highlights the corresponding consequences by employing cardinal numbers that start from the severe disadvantage to the most disheartening consequence of Washington’s ideals..
Du Bois also uses a lot of rhetorical questions to force the reader to think, help them see his main point and eventually direct them towards his desired answer. The most powerful rhetorical question in his article is the line that goes:
“Is it possible, and probable, that nine millions of men can make effective progress in economic lines if they are deprived of political rights, made a servile caste, and allowed only the most meager chance for developing their exceptional men?” (Du Bois)
Du Bois establishes his credibility by discussing the differing views of the two groups of Afro-Americans who, like him, were not satisfied with Mr. Washington’s paradox conceptions. Since he is a native American, he needs to prove to the readers that he is credible to discuss Negro discrimination. He attains this purpose by incorporating the opinions of African-Americans who are definitely credible to talk about their plight. He describes the two groups in a thoughtful and elaborate manner. He points out that the first group expresses their grudge loudly while the second group keep their silence, but were full of sentiments inside. Through these vivid descriptions, the author allows the readers to identify themselves with either of the two groups and urges them to reflect on their stand on the subject.
Lastly, Du Bois stirred the sympathy of the readers by using pathos or appeal to their emotions. He narrates his values and beliefs about the importance of self respect. He tells the readers that “self-respect is worth more than lands and houses.” (Du Bois) This value is strong enough to make the black Americans realize that indeed, self-respect is the most valuable thing that a man has. It is a proof that one is human; the thing that separates them from beasts. And if they will adhere to Washington’s conception about submission, they will lose their humanity. The author also recreates the war that was fueled by the mistreatment against blacks and highlights the fact that Washington’s conceptions would make the war useless because such conceptions mean civic death for the black Americans. The last part of his article calls for action. It persuades the readers to do something and he includes himself by using the pronoun “we”. He proclaims his support by telling the readers that “We have no right to sit silently by while the inevitable seeds are sown for a harvest of disaster to our children, black and white.” (Du Bois)
Indeed, Du Boi’s criticism on the teachings of Mr. Wahington have convinced the readers that its not right to fully submit to racial biases. He persuades them to stand for their right and fight for equality even if such revolutionary actions would mean defying the teachings of a respected leader like Mr. Washington.

Works Cited

Du Bois, W.E.B. “ Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others.” About.com:
Grammar & Composition. 2012. Web. 11 May 2012.