Double Consciousness

Gustavo Quintero
English 48B
February 7, 2008
Journal #17 W.E.B. Du Bois


Quote:
"...an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder"( Du Bois 896).


Summary:
Du Bois is explaining his idea of the African American's "double consciousness". This is the idea that the black person will always have an inner struggle between his African roots and his current situation in America.



Response:
Du Bois was a strong advocator for standing up and fighting for the rights of the African Americans. Unlike Booker T. Washington he did not want to accept his place as a inferior person in the white community. I completely agree with Du Bois and his philosophy. To me it seems that Washington, although with good intentions, did not want to see any type of confrontation therefore he preached the more submissive philosophy. This type of philosophy, to me, does not seem like the type that will cause and changes to happen. It feels like he was almost saying that he agreed with the labels that were put onto blacks by the white people. In order to advance a race and to improve their situation you need a voice that will challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that are placed on them. I am not trying to bash what Washington did, but what Du Bois said and preached took more courage and bravado.Du Bois's philosophy behind race relations reminds me of the Beastie boy's song,"You've got to fight for your right to party!". In the song they advocate for speaking out against what is fair and unjust(in their case partying) so that their message is heard. Du Bois's message tried to do this. He also helped strengthen the black race by reminding them of their culture and heritage. He made sure that all his followers knew where they came from; Africa.