Question

Du Bois quotes a famous line from Booker T. Washington: “In all things purely social we can be as separate as the five fingers, and yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.” What do you think this phrase means? Feel free to look at other sources to better understand it, but make sure to cite those sources in your answer (and make sure they are good sources).

Answer 1

The quote from Booker T. Washington highlights the tension between social separation and collective progress within the African American community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To understand this phrase, we can break it down into its key components.

"When he says, 'In all things purely social we can be as separate as the five fingers,'" Washington acknowledges the idea that African Americans and white Americans can function in segregated social spaces. This assertion reflects the context of the post-Reconstruction era, where Jim Crow laws institutionalized racial segregation and defined social interactions across racial lines.

The second part of the quote, "and yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress," suggests that despite social segregation, there is a fundamental unity in the goals of progress and advancement. Washington emphasized that individuals of different races should find common ground when it comes to education, economic development, and overall progress in society. He believed that African Americans should focus on vocational training and economic self-sufficiency, which would ultimately lead to mutual benefits for both races.

Overall, Washington's metaphor illustrates a pragmatic approach to race relations: acknowledging the reality of social separation while advocating for unity in striving for mutual advancement.

Du Bois, on the other hand, criticized Washington's approach, arguing that it compromised the political rights and higher education necessary for African Americans to challenge inequality and achieve true progress. Du Bois' perspective reflects the contrasting view within the African American community at that time, advocating for immediate civil rights and a less conciliatory stance towards the dominant racial ideologies.

In summary, this quote embodies the complex dialogue surrounding race relations, emphasizing the need for cooperation towards common goals while recognizing the division imposed by society. For further insights, you can refer to The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois and Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington, which provide critical perspectives on these themes.