After reading a bit from Dubois and Washington,
where do you come down on their disagreements regarding the best way to educate
African-Americans in the post-civil War U.S.?
Does their debate have any relevance today (for African-Americans or
other marginalized groups)?
Rachel Bennett:
ReplyDeleteBoth Washington and Dubois felt strongly about education of African Americans post-civil war. Although they disagreed with how to approach education, they both had valid arguments on the topic. Washington believed it was important for African Americans to educate themselves so they would become indispensible to society. Washington said it is “recognition” that will strengthen the relationship between African Americans and people of other races. It was important to Washington that people knew that no race can prosper unless they realize there is as much pride in composing literature as there is as working in a field. Washington believed it was important for African Americans to learn trade skills in order to be respected by Whites.
Dubois believed it was very important for African Americans and Whites to be totally equal and for African Americans to be educated in a way that was traditional to Whites at the time. I agree with Washington’s ideas about all jobs being beneficial, but I also agree with Dubois’ idea of academic education being very beneficial.
I believe their arguments have relevance today because there are specialty schools that focus on certain vocations. These schools can be beneficial to those students who are looking to go to a trade school. There are also schools whose main focus is education and preparing their students for higher education. It is important to keep the ideas of Dubois and Washington in mind as we are preparing our students for education in our public schools.
Washington saw education for blacks to be an opportunity where they could work their way up by attending common schools and industrial training for the workforce. Dubois argued that there needed to be more colleges, because he thought that equality would never happen on its own.
ReplyDeleteThe main difference between Washington and Dubois is how they viewed the education of blacks. In some ways Washington wanted to suppress blacks, by keeping them educated just enough to work, but not enough to contribute to politics. Whereas Dubois thought that higher education would allow them to become more involved in their own rights.
As for today, there is more than just black or white or two sides in politics. Yes, there are multiple views in education, but it is more than just how much do we educate minorities. I do think that minorities are in some ways given opportunities based on the education they receive. We also have vocational schools that prepare students for the workforce and economy.
Lindsay Meredith
ReplyDeleteI see Mr. Washington’s argument as one about bringing the social standing up of African Americans through education. With Blacks being able to be educated and hold down jobs that brought respect and greater social standing he was changing the make-up of the race. I have no indication of this, but I feel like Mr. Washington would progress his views throughout different time periods of our history.
I see Mr. Dubois is progressive right from the start. He believes in equality through and through. I believe this way too, but in 2015. Mr. Dubois saw what needed to happened and wanted it now, unfortunately, in this country we seem to respond to baby steps more.
I think both arguments are valid and do support the ultimate reality and that is that equality must happen. I think that’s what makes these important arguments to understand and appreciate today. We need to understand where we came from, and in some ways how little we have moved from that point. I think understanding and acknowledging these two arguments are important. Education in a lot of respects is still separate and not equal. The poorer schools still receive less money and produce less graduates than those schools in richer areas. We still need to work toward equality like both men wanted.
Ciara Piñero
ReplyDeleteI think that in post civil war ear AND today, Washington's arguments are diminishing to African-Americans. I see where he would be coming from, but just because you do not currently possess or cannot for see possessing full equality among the races does not mean you should not strive and work towards it, seeing that equality is a right given to all of us under the Constitution. I definitely agree with Dubois in his thoughts of education of African Americans (and all of minorities) so that they can stand a fighting chance at gaining equality and the respect of their peers. Not that it should be the choice of anyone (in this case white men) to deem someone else worthy of equal rights by their education or status, but that is infact the world we live in, and there I would see Washington's argument. But especially in today's society, giving everyone from every race a fighting chance to even be in the same playing field socially, economically, and all other ways as the rich white man is important and necessary to truly gain equality across all racial, ethnic, etc backgrounds.
Erin Casey
ReplyDeleteAs I read the viewpoints of each, I see similarities in the shared view of education as a necessity for African Americans. Both Washington and Dubois had differing views and purposes of education. Washington seemed to value more of a practical education for an industrialized society, whereas Dubois appeared to push for higher education as a priority. Dubois argued that higher education was the key to putting African Americans on the same level as their white counterparts. Additionally, Washington had a more subtle and gentle approach to education. Dubois had a more drastic vision for equal education of African Americans.
I felt that Washington’s views were still setting white men at a higher position than African American men, which is not in line with reaching true equality. It was mentioned in one of the articles that “white” institutions basically prepared the students better, with more highly trained teachers with the best training. This issue can be argued for being relevant in today’s educational system, with particular regard to racial minorities and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The inner city and East end schools are claimed to have less competent teachers and inadequate funding, compared to other, predominantly white, schools. I feel that it is important to understand the educational efforts from the past as a way to ensure we are truly improving, and equalizing, education for all today.
Marci Bennett
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubois come from similar yet very different backgrounds. Washington grew up a slave in Virginia and when emancipated he choose a education focused on industrial skills rather than liberal arts. He later founded Tuskegee Institute. His goals as far as uplifting his race were rooted in gaining sympathy and cooperation.
Dubois grew up in Massachusetts were he was free. He believed that blacks should receive education in the same way that whites do. He was the first African American to receive a Phd from Harvard.
I think that regardless of how you spin it Washington's views are diminishing and limiting to African Americans. I think that today it is more than just race that effects a persons education but more their overall social economic status. Unfortunately if we look at the educational opportunities and resources available to low socio-economic groups they are not aways equal to those of higher social-economic status. This can even be seen simply in the districting of school.
Lindsy Wyatt
ReplyDeleteBoth Washington and Dubois saw education as an important part of the lives of African Americans. However, they both had differing opinions on the type of education that they should receive. Washington's ideas were more primitive, he felt that agriculture and education in the blue collar industry should be enough. Dubois saw higher education for African Americans just as much a priority as it is for other races. I personally believe that there should be no distinguishing of education based primarily on race. As future educators we need to look at education of the past and use it as a way to make improvements. It is crucial for all students to receive the same type of education regardless of skin color. We should all want the best for our society and strive for the education of all members.
Washington and DuBois seemed to disagree on the way in which they approach African-American education: Washington placed more importance on career preparation and learning trade skills, while DuBois tried to focus on traditional academic education. Despite their differences, they were able to come to the agreement that no matter what color, a man deserves the same education as their neighbor.
ReplyDeleteTheir basic ideals are recurring in the German education system, which functions in a way where students are asked to choose a vocational school or continue a traditional education/university route. I tend to promote a more traditional education because I believe that a basic understanding of the core subjects (i.e. Language Arts, Math, etc.) is essential before entering a career, but I recognize that not all students are comfortable in that type of environment. These ideals are relevant to today’s educational system because there are vocational schools that exist to benefit those students who don’t necessarily excel in a traditional setting, but excel at a specific trade. Their debate also effects student ability and motivation, as some students are not motivated to learn in an academic setting.
It is beneficial to future teachers to keep Washington and DuBois’s ideals in mind when entering the public school system so that they may better support students.
Erika Morck:
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting to read about both Washington and Dubois and their different ways of advocating for education. I empathize with Washington in that perhaps it was impossible to imagine a society of equality between the races. Which, to be honest is a battle we (Americans) are still fighting hundreds of years later. Do I find his points of view limiting? Sure, but I also see his efforts as honest and sincere. I believe that Washington had a more industrialized approach in achieving equality or a temporary band-aid on the bigger problem. Dubios recognized that white education was progressing - meaning equality would become more out of reach if education in the African American community did not progress parallel to white education. Dubios recognized the need for educational equality and civil rights, not just economic equality.
To me it seemed like Washington valued African American’s as economic assets, which being born a slave is more than likely how he was raised to think. Dubios on the other hand valued African Americans as people, as equal members of society - a value he was fortunate enough to have been raised to believe. Between these two men it is apparent how the purpose of African American education evolved just over a few decades. I think this evolution or progress had a lot to do with the Civil Rights movement and a shift in culture in American Society and in the African American community.
I believe African American education is definitely still evolving. I have been conducting research with African American youth from a Richmond City school and their experience with the STEM subjects. A big theme I am finding is the negative or non-existent culture around the STEM subjects. The students very seldom see African Americans in the STEM fields; whether it be on TV or out in the world. Most STEM professionals these children see are white. It appears that there could be a learned self-doubt or low-self-efficacy in the STEM subjects because of the culture surrounding this youth. Additionally, African Americans have the highest poverty rate in America. In a society where communities with the most money provide the best education, how are we not putting our African American children that live in majority African American communities at a disadvantage?
Is this a culture that can be changed? Absolutely! But what will it take to change it? Will society take a ‘Washington’ approach and remain content with the lack of African American professionals in the STEM fields or the low percentage of African Americans in college or the large percentage of African Americans in poverty? Or will society take a Dubios approach and advocate endlessly for change?
Sarah Lisk
ReplyDeleteWhile reading Washington’s speech, I couldn’t help but pause frequently, re-reading parts and feeling like I was hearing the results of a brainwashed individual. So many of his statements, such as, “that progress in the enjoyment of all the privileges that will come to us must be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing,” and “it is at the bottom of life we must begin” were appalling to me; in a way, it Washington seemed to oppress himself, his race, and their individual liberties in favor of appeasing their white Southern neighbors. Granted, he also encourages the white Southern folk to reach out to those men and women who have worked long and hard for them; yet, he concludes this thought by expressing the negroes’ unwavering devotion and pledging “the patient, sympathetic help of my race,” a sentiment which I would believe many others would protest. When Washington talks about his experiences with Grover Cleveland and his visits to the Negro Building at the Atlanta Exposition, once again his speech is demeaning towards his race, expressing surprise that such a refined (white) man would take interest in a tattered woman of color.
Dubois is much aware of the strategies applied by Washington, and even goes on to call him out on his actions. Whereas Washington saw his speech as an olive branch to work towards mutuality, Dubois saw the Atlanta Exposition as a surrender of equality to the whites. Dubois refuted this position, alluding to different social/civil outcomes had the American Negroes selected their own group of leaders. Throughout his writings, Dubois criticizes and critiques Washington’s words and actions in the most polite manner, always considerate to acknowledge his contributions, but never lacking the opportunity to draw attention to its misguided nature.
Washington’s statement, “Just as soon as the South gets over the old feeling that it is being forced by "foreigners," or "aliens," to do something which it does not want to do, I believe that the change in the direction that I have indicated is going to begin” continues to ring true today, I would even say in much of the same area, just this time focused on a different race of people. Many Americans feel threatened to undergo change or adaptation to the norms to which we have long been conditioned as a society. However, examining Washington and observing that such struggles still remain illustrates that though we are able to change, there’s always another group to marginalize.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read about Dubois and Washington’s views on African American education. Although both believed that education was pertinent to all African Americans, their views differed greatly on what would constitute an adequate education.
ReplyDeleteWashington argued that African Americans must educate themselves by learning useful trades and investing in their own businesses. He believed that by working hard and showing economic progress, African Americans could prove their value to the larger community (read: Whites). It appears that Washington was trying a certain “foot in the door approach” with society. This approach forced African Americans to set aside topics such as political power and civil rights, and focused primarily on easing society into the idea of African Americans obtaining an education. He believed that this approach would be more appealing to the White majority, and that African American progress in society would be more plausible. He thought that equal political and civil rights would come with time, since the “Negro college” would function mainly to “maintain standards of popular education, seek social regeneration, help in solution of problems of race contact and cooperation, and most importantly develop men.”
Dubois, on the other hand, strongly disagreed with Washington’s approach. He could not accept racial segregation by any means, as Washington had, and believed that Washington’s approach undermined black pride and progress. Dubois believed that education should be more formal, and that African Americans should be educated in the same manner as Whites.
I think that the Washington v. Dubois debate has relevance today. Even though Washington’s views faced harsh (and appropriate) criticism, they are still being played out today. One view that I have heard personally (and this is just my opinion) is that if everyone were to “work hard, and just pull themselves up by their bootstraps” than they will succeed. According to Washington, if everyone (including minorities) were to just work hard than equality would be possible; this has not worked in the past and I doubt that it has the ability to work in the future. I say this because of the economic and social inequalities between Whites and minority groups that exist in society today. There are too many systemic issues within society for “hard work” to equal success. Dubois’s views are also at play, as talks about equality in education are still happening. African American leaders, and other leaders in general, are still fighting to ensure equal access to education. Although we seem far away from the time in which Washington and Dubois were establishing their views on education, their ideas remain applicable today.
Leily Geng
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubois seem to have contrasting views on the reasons for educating of African Americans post-civil war. Washington felt that, for African Americans, education was a way for them to gain social status and obtain well-respected jobs. On the other hand, Dubois saw African Americans as people and was determined to see everyone treated equally.
I believe that their debate does have relevance today. Today, many African Americans hold well-respected jobs and occupy every level of American society. But I don’t think being an economic asset guarantees that others won’t look down at you because of race. There are plenty of people out there still possessing negative thoughts about other people simply because of the color of their skin.
I’m not sure if I believe that it is possible for everyone to be treated equally. However idealistic it is, I think, realistically, there is no possible way for every person to have the same chance at a successful future, or for everyone to not judge others based on appearances. When people are involved, there is no such thing as perfection.
Worod Hamill
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubois both saw education important for African Americans but had different views. Washington saw education as a way for career preparation and trade skills, while Dubois saw education as more traditional and academic. He believed that African Americans should receive the same education as Whites. However, even though they differed in views on education, they both agreed that education should be equal to everyone no matter what their race. It was definitely interesting reading their views on education. I believe this debate does have some relevance today. There are many schools available today. Some prepare students for the workforce and others prepare students for higher education. Education is still not equal and probably won’t ever be. There are lower income schools that don’t receive the same resources as the higher income schools. There are private schools and public schools. As much as we try to make education equal, it is difficult but not impossible. As future educators, it is our responsibility to try to bring this gap closer and make education equal to everyone regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
Madison here,
ReplyDeleteI feel Washington’s main purpose and goal was to encourage African Americans to assimilate, and prosper through some education and mainly work force goals, into white culture. Dubois however, seems to stress the difficulty in overcoming such anger and distrust, and how this can affect the work and education goals of the African-American race. Instead of ignoring the differences between races culturally and historically, Dubois suggest education and active citizenship (voting), will lead us to a place where a man (OR woman! Though this isn’t mentioned) receives merit and recognition not because of race, but because of the profound things he or she has done or said.
I think these views certainly still conflict today. If all African Americans had agreed and followed Washington’s ideas, I don’t know that there would be children of all races represented in testing booklets or textbooks. I too think there is still relevance to Dubois’ idea that in order to move forward, we cannot ignore the histories and the feelings that still remain amongst African-Americans and other marginalized groups. But, I think today we do a better, not perfect but better, job in the education system of recognizing attitudes and historical adversities that have shaped the way students respond and relate to public education. I don’t know however, if Dubois idea of persons gaining merit and attention is yet solely based on triumphs and ideas, I think there is still progress to be made to separate race from success. And that this change has to start with our education availability, cost, approach and policy.
Catherine Condrey
ReplyDeleteI found Booker T. Washington's approach to be one that seemed very practical to him and focused on improving the present, through improved relations with whites in the South and a focus on industrial education. However, as DuBois explained, Washington failed to take into account several things which would impede his goals (such as African Americans not having the right to vote- and therefore being unable to defend their property). DuBois criticized Washington for having a "narrow" stance towards the advancement and education of African Americans, and I feel that DuBois was correct. Although Washington's approach had some merit, I do believe that it was too narrow and lacked a focus on civil rights and higher education for those who desired it.
While education in the US has greatly changed since this debate, I believe that this debate still holds relevance. Students entering higher education have more choices now, as some of my peers have mentioned the availability of vocational education programs and higher education.
Washington and DuBois were both strong advocates for African American education. Washington however, believed that they needed to focus on being educated enough to hold real life jobs. DuBois took it one step further than Washington. Instead of just being "educated enough" he felt that African Americans should be just as smart and have just as many opportunities as whites. He believed that African Americans could obtain this goal through organized and formal schooling.
ReplyDeleteI think their arguments are valid today. While it may not be black or white, there are many people that do not have the opportunities that are presented to others when it comes to higher education. There are also tech schools available now for those who are looking to specialize in a trade for the work force. We now live in a country where we are free to make the choice about our own higher education or work force that we choose to be in.
Hi again! I forgot to mention that this is Alex Hall
DeleteDavid Reams
ReplyDeleteBoth Washington and Dubois saw education as a means of raising the status of black Americans in the postwar era. Where they differed appears to be in what forms of education they felt could best accomplish that goal. Washington's outlook seemed to be that for equality to become a reality and for America to prosper, blacks and whites would have to work together towards common goals. He likely saw most of the newly freed black southerners living in poverty, and believed that teaching them job skills was the best way to ensure their advancement.
While Washington had more of a "first you must crawl before you can walk" attitude, Dubois seemed to believe that it was important to aim much higher to truly reach the goal of equality. He felt that Washington was somewhat of an appeaser, and that following his prescribed course of action was a surefire way to ensure blacks remained second-class citizens. Dubois believed that the only course for true advancement was to have high expectations for oneself and others, and that there should be no difference whatsoever between the higher education goals of black and white youth.
The disagreement between Washington and Dubois seems to boil right back down to Labaree's purposes of schooling. I think Washington would say that the function of education is social efficiency, while Dubois would argue that the goal is social mobility. This debate still has relevance today for all people, and particularly for marginalized groups, because it hits at the core of what direction we as people want our lives and our nation to head. Of course for me as an elementary school teacher, my job will be to maintain consistently high expectations for all of my students all of the time, and I truly believe that is the best way to help children reach their full potential.
Elise Matsuura
ReplyDeleteDubois and Washington, both advocates for the education of African-Americans in postbellum America, disagreed on their views of education. W.E.B. Du Bois argued that strong political action and civil rights led by a very small minority of college educated African American men would combat the oppression that they faced from White males. Booker T. Washington on the other hand was an advocate for accommodation and self-help. He believed that African American men should focus on making themselves artisans and merchants. This way, they could slowly gain respect from White people by being models of patience, hard work, and respect.
I believe that their debates have a very strong relevance today. African-Americans and other marginalized groups face a very tough decision in this day and age. Do we fight for our race or do we sit back and adhere to the conditions of our society today, hoping that one day the majority will give a voice to the minority? A recent example is Charles Barkley’s comments regarding the Ferguson protests. Barkley, an African-American male and former NBA star, was very critical about the way the Ferguson protestors handled the situation. Despite being an African-American male and potential advocate for other African-American males, he chose to contradict the way most of his race felt towards the issue. In my opinion, he took the side of Booker T. Washington, hoping to be exemplary for his race in order to gain respect of his White colleagues. While Washington and Du Bois are both deceased, their debate is still highly relevant in the present day.
Charissa Friske
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubois did not see eye to eye when it came to the approach to education for African Americans. They both thought that education was very important, but not exactly the same. Washington thought that African Americans should focus enough on education to learn and prepare for the workforce, but not too much education so that they couldn’t become a politician. Dubois wanted to focus more on more traditional academic education and to have more higher education out there because he thought it was just as important for them as it is any other race. Dubois thought that this would help African Americans be more involved in their own rights, whereas Washington wanted them to only be educated enough to work. I think that this could have relevance today. It may not be focused so much on just black or white but there are many people in today’s world that are not given the opportunities for education the way some others are. Students are able to choose their own higher education and what they want to study in the workforce as well as many trade schools that are available as well as high education.
Erin Luhmann
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Booker T. Washington’s views towards African American’s educational rights at that time were very realistic. He discussed the fact that progress was in fact taking place in the world during that time between blacks and whites but that improvement was still needed. In regards to schooling, Washington argued that African Americans must work for their education and that one of the main reasons of schooling was for vocational purposes. I completely understand how some people may argue that Washington’s arguments were not very strong for the African Americans during this time but I think he was making realistic strides for that time period.
On the other hand, W. E. B. Dubois was striving for full equal rights for everyone straight from the start. He differed from Washington in the fact that he believed there should be no hesitation in providing the same rights for both African Americans and Whites no matter what the circumstance. As I fully agree with this notation I do not believe it was very realistic for that time period. If we look back at our history’s past, it took decades for everyone to receive “equal” rights. I think that Booker T. Washington did a better job at setting realistic expectations for the changes that could be made during that time, but W. E. B. Dubois’ goals were worth noting.
Certainly both of these debates have relevance in our society today and where we stand with equal rights and in focus education. Our country is still the melting pot it once was and is continuously growing home to numerous cultural backgrounds. Our focus in many of our education classes is the growing diversity in classrooms and how we are required to successfully meet every student’s needs. Whether the minority is white, black, Asian or Hispanic our duty as a teacher is to reach whichever student in any possible to successful teach.
Shane Perry
ReplyDeleteWashington's idea was one borne of high trust in the economic opportunities afforded to blacks in the post-Civil War years; he saw the opportunity for a sort of prosperity within the context of Jim Crow laws and lack of voting rights, and, as WEB DuBois stated, this was popular because it offered something to both Northern and Southern whites as well as black people. His trust was much more in industry than in an educational system. His argument certainly had merit at the time; even in a place so deeply founded on racism and slavery as Richmond there were prosperous businessmen and a good amount of social well-being in Jackson Ward (arguably more so than today in that neighborhood) amongst blacks who were struggling with segregation and prejudice. However, I think that I fall much more in line with WEB DuBois's view of education that it is needed because it exposes Black people to both the ideal and the practical, and can be used as a social panacea for the ailments caused by slavery and post-war prejudice and racism; his view is not imbued with the messages of Black inferiority that run throughout Washington's message, and it addresses more than an economic idealism because it aims at constructing a strong culture and attaining civil and social equality with whites.
I think that the debate still has relevance; for one, there is still great economic inequality along racial lines. As well, there are still levels of damaging social segregation/separation and tinges of black inferiority in the beliefs of some; those who believe this latter piece likely use it to silence the argument that the socioeconomic system is biased by saying, “You didn't work hard enough,” or, more relevantly, “It's okay that black people earn significantly less than their counterparts, because they didn't try as hard in school.” The reality of an unfair socioeconomic system is ignored in statements such as this; it is more of a Washington-like idea. The educational system is seen, incorrectly, as the determinate of social position, where there are more destructive dynamics at play.
Julianna Lopez
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubois both hoped for more education for people of color, but they had very different approaches and timelines. Washington wanted education that helped Black people enter the work force, and hopefully by this process they would mingle and rise in society. Overall, Washington believed this would be a lengthy process that would help work towards equality, but that it would "be the result of severe and constant struggle rather than of artificial forcing". His plans focused on general education, rather than the higher education that Dubois stressed.
Dubois seemed a little more impatient waiting for change. Dubois wanted every educational opportunity possible for Black people and his ideals were very progressive for his time. I really appreciated his points and I overall agree with his notion that all people should received equal educational opportunities, but unlike Washington, Dubois failed to realize that the change he wanted would definitely take time. Washington made a plan he saw beginning in his lifetime and extending far past it. While I definitely understand Dubois' urgency, it isn't realistic to think that change would come so quickly. I definitely think this is a relevant topic today because not only are we still dealing with impacts of racism from that time period, but we have many other groups of minorities in the US that face marginalization and inequities in education.
Olivia Horne
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubois’s stance on education was similar in the sense that they both saw it as a solution to many of the struggles found in the post-Civil War era. They both thought that through education African Americans would be equipped with the skills needed to thrive in society. However, their view -points also differed in many ways as well. Washington believed that the type of schooling that would be most beneficial to African Americans was an Industrial Education, which taught the skills needed in order to become workers in the industrial era. This curriculum would help African Americans hold jobs in order to support themselves. In contrast Dubois felt that although the common schools were helpful, African Americans should not be limited to an education solely based on becoming an industrial worker and instead should be provided with opportunities to seek higher education that would cultivate character and culture.
In his address, Washington encourages people to “Cast down [their] bucket where they are” meaning find your place in society at it currently exists. When reading this I took it as him saying that while injustices exist in their society African Americans should simply find a way to live with this rather than seek out change. Casting down their buckets would mean earning skills that would lead to jobs in order to maintain a living. He states that patience is what’s needed in regards to social change and that equality for all in society will eventually happen. Dubois on the other hand, felt that by simply educating African Americans to become breadwinners was only perpetuating the existence of segregation and inequality. Therefore, higher education is needed in order to overcome and solve the injustices present in society. I think that essentially Dubois was saying that change and reform of society must be actively pursued and that one can accomplish this with the attainment of education that goes beyond work skills.
The different stances of Washington and Dubois reminded me of the discussion we had last class regarding the questions a teacher must answer when Teaching in America. The third question posed encouraged teachers to decide whether they wanted to be a “transmitter or a transformer of society’s values”. To me Washington’s stance fell more in line as being a transmitter of society’s values. He took a passive approach to reform by encouraging individuals to cast down their buckets and let change occur on it’s own. Dubois however is more of a transformer of society because he promoted the need for higher education in order to elicit change towards social equality. Choosing to be a transmitter or a transformer is still a relevant conflict today not only for teachers but in general for members of society, especially those of marginalized groups. Individuals can choose to either accept the status quo and injustices that still exist by learning to be “successful” in our communities or they can choose to advocate for change and pursue the abolishment of these injustices.
Amy Callaway:
ReplyDeleteDubois believes that education is the one solution to stamp out unjust prejudices and encourage that which builds a greater society, and which will allow people not to ignore the injustices of slavery. That it is no longer just for high society, but for all, training for life, that it’s needed in order for men and women of different races to live together. He believed that blacks needed to catch up, needed to have equally good colleges and universities, to train men and women, not just in the areas physical labor and trades because they have seen what this is about and would not be satisfied for anything less than the quality of higher education available to whites. He calls for something to keep blacks from heavily focusing on the wrongs done to them in the past, and to develop a partnership between the white and black communities, to put them on equal footing, which trade and common schools are working to do, but these alone are not enough. He calls for the black colleges to have the same standards as the educational institutions in the rest of country, which sadly when you look at primarily black high schools in the inner city now, more than a century later, in many places they still are not up to the same standards.
Then there are Washington’s ideas about education, and I love what he says at the beginning of his address, “No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem.” I think there is a lot of power and value in this sentence, and I think Dubois would do well to recognize that, as he seems to somewhat undervalue the importance of education in industrial and manual labor. Washington is advocating for industrial education and focusing on educating blacks in ways they have already proven their talent, in farming and manual labor. He’s saying that blacks must work their way up, must recognize and be grateful for the privileges they currently have, and realize that any privilege and equality will come with a struggle over time. While I understand what he’s getting at here, I don’t completely agree with him when he says that the “agitation of questions of social equality” is foolish. I think while societies take time to change, and perhaps it takes time to go from being considered less than human to having equality and status with the majority culture in places of high power, the basic rights and freedoms should not take so long to be given as they have in our country, and the struggle should not be as difficult and severe as Washington is describing. I do think though the way he is going about sharing his ideas, and his suggestions are what brings so much applause from people of both races throughout the country. I think we can agree that blacks deserved much more than they were getting at this point in terms of education and basic rights, but what method is going to produce more change, and build greater rapport between the white or black community; complaining and demanding change, or slowing advocating for change, proving the value in it, and being patient while building relationship with those that you have so long been in conflict with?
Amy:
ReplyDeleteI think today there is some relevance in their debate, although less so for the patience and constant struggle that Washington argues for. Somehow there are still huge inequalities in schools mainly composed of minority populations, but today it's also a matter class, and is not as simple as purely racial inequalities. I think both DuBois and Washington's ideas for education are important, since we need to recognize the absolute necessity to give all races, both the majority and minorities full equality in education, and freedom to choose between getting a PhD, and running farm. However we also need to recognize how much our society devalues those jobs and the education leading to manual labor and blue collar work, in order begin to change the way we think about these educational institutions, so as to work just as hard to raise up good trade schools and educators for them so that they do not continue to fall into disrepair and thus continue to be viewed as the "bottom of the barrel," last resort options for those that do not have the social standing or means to go elsewhere.
Ian Wheeler
ReplyDeleteAmerican slavery was a holocaust that left the entirety of the Black race heinously disadvantaged, severely uneducated, incredibly unprepared, and rightfully embittered. After combing through Booker T. Washington’s beautiful prose, I was outraged at the suggestions he considered beneficial for the progress of African-Americans. The idea that Blacks, who were crucial in the building of America, would only get a portion of their due diligence after hundreds of years of subjugation seems unfathomable to me. However, if I put myself in the context of the time period in which the article was written, I’m not gonna lie, it did sound pretty good to me. Washington’s ideas align with Labaree’s ideas of education as social efficiency where schooling is used to produce more workers to further the economy and if I were trying to argue why African-Americans should receive education to wealthy White folks in the 1800’s, I think it’s a smart one to take. In a sense, everyone wins. Black people begin to receive education, own land (even if only the meager portions), begin to make money for themselves, and raise their self-worth and dignity and White people can continue to reap the benefits of a plentiful, agrarian-based economy and no longer have to feel bad about slavery because everyone is free. But is everyone really free if everyone doesn’t have the same opportunities? DuBois further elaborates on the problems with Washington’s proposal.
Though President Cleveland was enamored with what Washington proposed, DuBois believed that Black people would be giving up their political power, civil rights, and aspirations for higher education of Black youth which would lead to further disenfranchisement of Black people. DuBois makes a really interesting point where he presents a paradox in Washington’s argument. Washington does want to Blacks to be trained in vocational schools and shuns college learning for Blacks but those vocational schools could not last very long if it were not for those Blacks educated at college.
Because I am Black and have been to college and I know what a good education can do to make you feel empowered, I have to lean towards DuBois’ positions and assertions. However, I think the debate between DuBois and Washington speaks to issues that deal not just with African-Americans but also with a notion of superiority amongst those educated in universities versus vocational or trade schools. In educating all people, I think Jefferson was onto something in providing all with foundations that can help them to navigate the world. I think much of this could superiority could be eliminated if more tradesmen articulated the importance of their work and the intelligence needed to complete their tasks to the world at large like we discussed when we talked about Matthew Crawford’s Shop Class as Soulcraft in class.
I have been talking a lot and I don’t really have a clear end to my thoughts so in conclusion:
1. Education is important for everyone and in looking to educate Black people, educators should all make strides to provide foundations to all of their students so that they can appreciate or at least try to appreciate the pretentious nuances of a Beethoven symphony and understand the joy of honest work with one’s hands. Educators should try to teach in a way that prepares Black students for all avenues of life while maintaining high expectations.
2. DuBois was kinda right in what he assumed would happen. A lot of these things are still problems that people are discussing today. That’s why it is important to hold everyone to high regard.
3. As a Black person navigating the murky and treacherous waters of what it means to be an American, I can’t fault Washington wholly for what he wanted to achieve because being Black in America to me has sometimes meant accepting a little progress over no progress at all.
4. Did I even answer the question posed? I’m so lost…
LeeAnna Fisher
ReplyDeleteWashington and Dubious both viewed education as a means for equality in some respect. Although they differ greatly in the means by which to obtain it. Washington saw education as a tool for training African Americans to find jobs and achieve economic equality. He believed that this way more important that to fight for civil rights and academic education. Dubois on the other hand, felt that in order to achieve equality, African Americans needed to be equal on all sides to the extent that the white people were at the time. He wanted equality in all aspects of society and he saw education as a means for achieving it. This directly contributed to the need of the presence of the African American in their political fight for civil rights.
These arguments are relevant today because there are still social injustices in our society that need to be eradicated. Everyone has their own ideas about how best to go about this, and these two ideas although seemingly antiquated do in fact help us to see where we have come from. Using ideas such as these and critiquing their views gives us perspective to derive solutions that will provide social equality. It will always be a continuous fight, but one worth fighting for.