W. E. B. Du Bois's Philosophy On Criticism

W.E.B. Du Bois’s philosophy on criticism implies that the education system is inadequate for much of the country. Du Bois states that hushing criticism of honest opponents “leads some of the best of the critics to unfortunate silence and paralysis of effort, and others to burst into speech so passionately and intemperately as to lose listeners.” Within schools, especially public schools, it is common to see students who disagree with their teachers being hushed because of the rigidity of the lesson plan as well as the rules of the school. A student may feel discouraged from bringing up their input again, or they may be punished as a result of acting out. Lack of criticism does not make for a productive environment because “criticism of writers by readers, of government by those governed, of leaders by those led—this is the soul of democracy and the safeguard of modern
society.” Students are the people being affected by the policies put in place for their school, and yet students have little say in what the policies should be. According to Du Boi’s philosophy, educators should openly accept criticism from their students to improve the system for everyone. W.E.B.
Du Bois’s philosophy on criticism implies that silencing fair criticism is detrimental to inclusion. “Unfortunate silence and paralysis of effort” stemming from hushed criticism leaves important opinions and perspectives unheard, especially from marginalized groups. Their unique ideas and input connected to their identities aren’t included in discussions that affect them, and their peers end up speaking over them. If no criticism is accepted in a discussion, then only a select few with specific opinions are allowed to participate. People with important contributions feel unwelcome. Fair and democratic discussions, according to Du Bois, require “Honest and earnest criticism from those whose interests are most nearly touched.” Anything about a group, without the group, is not for the group. Within the discussion of topics relating to marginalized groups, thoughtless limitations directed towards the ideas of those affected by the topic suppresses the criticism that makes contributions to finding solutions. As a result, inclusion is best supported when honest criticism is accepted from
everyone. W.E.B. Du Bois’s philosophy on criticism implies that silencing opponents leads to the downfall of democracy. Du Bois claims that “Honest and earnest criticism from those whose interests are most nearly touched,— criticism of writers by readers, of government by those governed, of leaders by those led,— this is the soul of democracy and the safeguard of modern society.” Criticism is necessary for a functioning democracy because the input of those governed is needed to improve upon the government. Similar to how a reader can give input on how a writer can write better, the governed can tell the government how to govern better. The needs of the people are understood best by the people themselves, and not just their government. The suppression of honest criticism leads some “to burst into speech so passionately and intemperately as to lose listeners.” Radical ideas spring up from people who don’t feel that they’re being paid attention to, and they attempt to take matters into their own hands. The soul of democracy is found in the criticism of those who want to make the government better for themselves and others.