Alex Largin

Chad Ostler
History 1700

Dueling Documents The Problem of the Color Line

In the 1920s in America, there was racism and segregation. They seem like the same
thing but the details are what matter. Not only did some whites hate African Americans, but they
acted upon that hate which led to segregation. Even after the civil rights amendments had been
passed, the racism and segregation continued which effects are still seen now. The 13
th

amendment, 14
th
amendment, and the civil rights act of 1866 were all put in place to help to raise
up African Americans into society but sadly, what resulted was even more hate from some racist
whites because of jealousy and extreme disagreement because some didnt believe that African
Americans should be equal to whites. Extremist leaders came out on both sides, and on the side
of the African Americans, we saw two kinds. The leaders who fought for equality in a peaceful
manner such as W. E. B. Du Bois and the others who were violent and also believed in
segregation such as Marcus Garvey. Views of African Americans on society in the 1920s were
completely opposite when it came to viewing the Color Line in America.
Marcus Garvey was a highly respected political leader in the early 1900s who led race
movements in the United States. One of the most famous was his Back to Africa movement.
As shown in the document given, he quickly jumps into the movement of African descent back
to Africa. A very interesting statement given was that not all of the negro race is fit to go back to
Africa. He said they will die here within 50 years because they are weak. This is very important
and persuasive because by saying this, he implies that all who want to stay in America are weak
and will die within 50 years. I believe this is a very strong tactic to gain more followers. As the
document continues, it tells us that white and black races will only respect each other when they
no longer live together. He goes as far to say that it is by the laws of nature. He believes that
there should be separation between the races because that is the only way that they can function.
He wants to be separate and govern themselves in their own territory. This is why he wanted to
create the movement to move Back to Africa.
The second document is completely opposite on how to deal with the race issue of the
Color Line. W. E. B. Du Bois starts by showing us that his grandfather was trained in a Negro
picnic to become more like the whites. Then he tells us that Marcus Garvey promoted racial
pride by saying that they should feel superior like the whites because they are black just seventy
years later. He shows us this to make a point that black culture can either blend or stay separated
from the white culture depending on pride or giving in. Du Bois uses a very strong way to phrase
giving in by saying racial suicide. So the point that is made by Du Bois is that the current time
is for Negros to accept the white culture because it is more of a spiritual and psychic
amalgamation than physical. He believes that being patient will return the best results as
opposed to Garvey who wanted to get out as soon as possible. Du Bois wanted to go with a
longer smarter approach by blending in with whites. He wanted them to oppose all segregation
and racial patriotism and join in with the whites and gain their sympathy to unite. He even goes
farther as to say that they must take another step after and learn and educate themselves. He
believed that this would give them a better living and a have support from agencies that would
help them stop racial patriotism. The document ends by showing us that racial pride is different
than racial patriotism. He wanted them to join in but not be taken advantage of. He knew that
there needed to be efforts and they needed to force their way in to this blended society. The last
resort for them would be revolt, revenge, and war to gain their equality even.
These documents are very significant because even today there is racism and segregated
minds in the American society. Even after the 14
th
amendment that was passed back in the
middle 1800s we still have problems with race. I dont know how much longer there will be
segregation in society, but it is better than it was 50 years ago and also better than 150 years ago.
Its a good thing all blacks didnt leave for Africa or die off because they are a huge part of
society today. African Americans have definitely blended in and we are definitely a more
equal society currently.