Although William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was a well educated, clever, and intelligent man, many individuals may not have discerned his point of view and all of his thoughts with clarity. In “Criteria of Negro Art” Du Bois shares his opinion on art in the African-American community. Essentially Du Bois wishes for individuals to understand that African-Americans resorted to using their art as propaganda to obtain a place in society. Du Bois believed that art should be used only for propaganda. To understand Du Bois’ argument, the key term “propaganda” must be understood. In the way Du Bois uses the term in his essay, propaganda can be described as a term that promotes a certain attitude or belief. In this case, certain beliefs will be held
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Du Bois states “We want to be Americans, full-fledged Americans, with all the rights of other American citizens” (870). Du Bois symbolizes many African-American voices crying out for equality. To Du Bois, it seems as if using natural art is the last resort to receive attention from the world who chooses to ignore African-Americans. Du Bois states “I stand in utter shamelessness and say that whatever art I have for writing has been used always for propaganda for gaining the right of black folk to love and enjoy” (875). Du Bois used his own art for propaganda to open the doors for others. Nevertheless, he believes this had to be done. Du Bois’ argument might be useful in the analysis of Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in the Attic. As Du Bois wants Americans to understand that the African-American community just wants to be accepted for who they are, Otsuka wants this as well. Otsuka wrote her novel to educate readers on how much the Japanese wanted to be a part of the “American Dream”. Nonetheless, from the start, Americans were very unaccepting and judgmental towards the Japanese. Otsuka may not want the Japanese to use their art as propaganda, yet she wants their voice to be
Du Bois states “We want to be Americans, full-fledged Americans, with all the rights of other American citizens” (870). Du Bois symbolizes many African-American voices crying out for equality. To Du Bois, it seems as if using natural art is the last resort to receive attention from the world who chooses to ignore African-Americans. Du Bois states “I stand in utter shamelessness and say that whatever art I have for writing has been used always for propaganda for gaining the right of black folk to love and enjoy” (875). Du Bois used his own art for propaganda to open the doors for others. Nevertheless, he believes this had to be done. Du Bois’ argument might be useful in the analysis of Julie Otsuka’s The Buddha in the Attic. As Du Bois wants Americans to understand that the African-American community just wants to be accepted for who they are, Otsuka wants this as well. Otsuka wrote her novel to educate readers on how much the Japanese wanted to be a part of the “American Dream”. Nonetheless, from the start, Americans were very unaccepting and judgmental towards the Japanese. Otsuka may not want the Japanese to use their art as propaganda, yet she wants their voice to be