Intergenerational Problem

The problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line -- W.E.B. DuBois -- The Souls of Black Folk

The same can be said about the 21st. In reviewing and assessing Bro. William Edward Burghardt DuBois' work, "The Talented Tenth," I must say that I do not agree with portions of it. I do subscribe to the school of thought that there is a portion of persons in the world (not just the black race, but mankind as a whole) in each generation who are equipped with the tools to lead us toward change. These tools are not necessarily wealth, education or social standing. Were those the requirements to truly be a member of the Talented Tenth, how would change ever come about? Having those tools implies that one would be comfortable in their position in life and thus would not be inclined to prioritize the view that a change that needs to come.

I offer an alternative to this school of thought. I believe that those who will be on the front lines leading change are those who are less fortunate. This does not restrict that population to only the uneducated but instead is inclusive of them, during this generation. During DuBois’ time, I must say that the majority of those African-Americans who were educated were elitists and were not concerned with rectifying the ills of Black America. In contemporary society, because the majority of us are socially conscious, being educated enhances our ability to cure the social ills of today. During the time of DuBois, it was in the best interest of the black elite to remain in “power” with their mouths closed in order to protect their families. Thus, I return to the point that, those who are less fortunate will be the true leaders.

Coming from a working class/sometimes-working class family and having the opportunity to go to school, I can say that, I am more motivated to succeed and bring up those who come from my beginnings than someone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. It is not that they don’t care. I just believe it is hard to address the source of social ills without having ever experienced them. Too often, upper class persons of every race look down upon the lower class and criticize but never step into the situation. Without knowing the numerous intricate factors affecting ones social situation, it is hard to suggest solutions that will lead to positive change. What talent is it to do well when it is handed to you? The true talent comes from those who have fought to get everything they have and then excel and do well.

In conclusion, today’s Talented Tenth are those who came from low and lower-middle class households. Those who have the intellect to fight through the fact that they didn’t have the resources. Those with the Booker T. Washington backgrounds and the Marcus Garvey backgrounds and the Clarence Thomas backgrounds. Those who took a handout and made it a handful. Without these people, true change would never come because the necessity for such change would rarely be seen.


Litera scripta manet. - Unknown