W. E. B Dubois Persuasive Analysis

Persuasion Paragraph “We have no right to sit silently by while the inevitable seeds are sown for a harvest of disaster to our children, black and white” (DuBois 1087). This statement from W.E.B. DuBois shows that he is a man of action, which makes him so captivatingly persuasive in his ways. Initially, what makes DuBois so persuasive is his utter opposition to Booker T. Washington, a fellow civil rights activist. One may have thought that as civil rights activists, both men would be in agreement with one another. However, this is not the case. DuBois clarifies his opposition on many occasions, but especially when it comes to Washington’s “plan of submission,” otherwise known as the “Atlanta Compromise” (DuBois 1086). DuBois’ interpretation of the “Atlanta Compromise” is quite compelling. He explains how Washington is essentially asking black people to give up their political power, insistence on civil rights, and higher education of Negro …show more content…
His plan of action is not one of “policy” alone (DuBois 1089). Instead, it is a plan of forward movement for black men to oppose a part of the work of their greatest leader, Washington (DuBois 1089). DuBois compels others to rise against Washington with the idea that, “it is wrong to aid and abet a national crime simply because it is unpopular not to do so” (DuBois 1087). DuBois asks that other black people stand up for their rights, and not to simply give in because it is easier. After all that the black community has gone through so far, DuBois does not want any more privileges to slip through their grasps. He wholly believes that, “by every civilized and peaceful method we must strive for the rights which the world accords to men...that all men are created equal” (DuBois 1089). The passion in DuBois’ plan of action is what persuades others that they need to fight too. For the greater good of their people, they must not submit like Washington