The Forethought : of Booker T. Washington and others, Of The Meaning of Progress.

Habibat Ogunade
Ap English III
1/09/2010
Ms Brown

The Forethought : of Booker T. Washington and others,
The Meaning of Progress.
In the third chapter of the souls of black folk , Du Bois construes his opinion about Booker T. Washington, and some other individuals, but his details and in-depth explanation were mostly centered around Booker T. Washington. Even though Washington was a highly respected individual, there were still some people who did not agree with him, and didn’t believe in his opinions and suggestions. This chapter tells us about the beliefs of Washington, how his opinions had been greatly criticized, and even leaves us in a dilemma of supporting him or opposing him.
Washington wanted people to set aside their desire for political equality and focus on building economic security, by gaining vocational skills. “Washington distinctly asks that black people give up, at least for the present three things – first political power, second insistence on civil rights, third higher education of negro youth , and concentrate all on energies on industrial education and accumulation of wealth, and the conciliation of the south” (Du Bois 51). Washington wanted African Americans to be productive and bring their intellect upon something that is needed to be done, and can be permitted to do in their residual environments, with the hope of eventually winning white acceptance if they were able to succeed economically. He believed it would be of a great advantage if the North South and the African Americans come together as one. “ Booker T. Washington arose as essentially the leader not of one race but of two – a compromiser between the south, the north and the negro. Naturally, the Negros resented, at first bitterly signs of compromise which surrendered their even though it was to be exchanged for longer chances of economic development” (Du Bois 50). Washington believed in team work . If they could reconcile and work together, then African Americans, Southerners and Northerners would be able to achieve their desired goals, but the African Americans were not a party to that idea, as they believed it would make them become submissive which they considered degradation.
They would not want to be belittled,, even though it might later be of benefit to them. Despite the fact that Washington was seen as one of the most respectable figures in the nation, not everyone agreed with his policies. Some people believed certain things should be done in a completely different way, than how Washington thought it should be done. On the other, Washington was not after all a terrible individual, even though he had various opponents, some people still understood him and realized that he had good intentions and he did everything for the benefit of the people. After all, it is said that no one can satisfy the world. Regardless of how hard you try, you will still have some people that will be against you.
In chapter four, Du Bois provides a warm passionate tale of his experience teaching in a small schoolhouse, with the hope of progressing. This chapter is a bit different from the previous chapters, because it helps readers to visualize exactly what was going on during that time. Achieving progress was not a very easy task, as it brought about various negative effects on the lives of various individuals.
“I feel the deep weariness of heart and limb, as ten eight six miles stretch relentlessly ahead, I feel my heart sink heavily as I hear again and again “ Got a teacher ? Yes” (Du Bois 61). This quote help readers imagine how difficult it had been to seek employment as a teacher and promote education back then. Readers will develop a sympathetic tone towards Du Bois, as his details let us know that he went through various difficulties in seeking for a job, which is part of progressivism. Du Bois wished things were not as hard as they were during that time. “ how shall man measure progress there where the dark-faced Josie lies? How many heartfulls of sorrow shall balance a bushel of wheat?” (Du Bois 72). This quote displays a tone of bewilderment Du Bois’ use of rhetorical questions shows that he is perplexed. He wonders why people had to go through several difficulties. He felt progressivism should be easier and more convenient to achieve, but people had to go through a large amount of hardship, in order to gain progress. This quote brings readers back to the name of this chapter “Of the meaning of progress.