Assignment/Activity Title— Washington DuBois Essay
By: Max Foley-Keene
Year—2012
Skill— Research and Writing
Portfolio Category—Critical Reason
The Brooker T. Washington/ WEB Dubois essay, assigned by Mr. Grossman, was both an introduction to the type of critical thinking, researching, and writing that would be expected in the CAP program, and a mind opening experience that has changed my view on the path a people should take when trying to achieve change. When I received the assignment, I wasn’t extremely worried about the work it would take to get done. I had written many essays while at the Eastern Magnet Program, and had also written many with a much shorter time frame to finish than for this one. I came to CAP with a sort of arrogance that I believe that many graduates of the Eastern Magnet Program felt. I thought I could research and write a profoundly good essay on any topic. I felt I could write a simple five paragraph, compare-contrast, essay in my sleep. This one was different. I am very glad that I was responsible, and started working on the essay a few days before it was due. I did a little research on both of the men, and got a general impression of their beliefs. After the research, I began to write my opening paragraph. That’s where I got stuck. I had too much to say, too much to cover in an opening paragraph. I wasn’t sure how much information I should put in the intro; if I should leave a full analysis of the beliefs of Washington and DuBois for my later paragraphs, or if I should have a basic analysis of their beliefs in the opening. I couldn’t tell how much was too much, and I definitely wasn’t sure how to bring my own beliefs into the essay. I knew it was best to do it in the opening paragraph, but it was hard to find the best way to go about that. After re-writing the opening paragraph way to many times, I got into the meat of the essay, and found it much easier to complete. Now, I have an easier time organizing my ideas throughout a piece of expository writing.
The other main effect this piece had on me was how it affected my own beliefs. When Mr. Grossman assigned the essay he told us that most of us would probably take the side of WEB DuBois (probably knowing that he was in a room full of students that grew up in Silver Spring and Takoma Park), but we should think about defending Washington’s side of the issue. I, looking for some sympathy from Mr.Grossman, decided to take Washington’s side. Washington and DuBois had differing opinions on how to achieve equalities for the African American race. Washington believed in programs designed to allow blacks economic independence, and WEB DuBois believed in working through government to achieve the vote for blacks, and then pursuing other civil rights reform through the government. As a hard-core progressive, and a strong believer in government as a power of good, initially completely agreed with DuBois and dismissed Washington’s views as shortsighted and foolish. I thought that working with the government was the only way to achieve permanent change, and economic independence wasn’t possible without government help. I still believe in some of these things now. But what the essay did for me was allow me to see a completely different side of an issue and recognize, and agree with, it’s merits. During the course of writing the essay, I came to recognize Washington’s views as I was supporting them. I recognized the consequences of stuffing legislation down an angry white population’s throat that would completely change their way of life, and the violence that could follow. I recognized the respect and power someone that is working for the good of the society can achieve. I realized that top-down policies aren’t always the best option, that allowing a group of elites the power to decide the best wishes of an entire race is foolish. I still believe a lot of the things I used to believe. I still believe that asking a pretty unwilling white population to accept blacks as new co-workers is shortsighted. I still believe that the right to vote is the most important achievement in a democracy, and the powers the vote can bring are enormous. I still believe in the government’s power to bring about real and permanent change, but the assignment was able to open my mind to more ideas. The Washington/DuBois Essay was a very important essay, both for my critical reasoning skills I gained from it and it’s ability to open my mind to new ideas.
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