description The Talented Tenth Overview
The Talented Tenth is a 1903 essay by W. E. B. Du Bois advocating advanced education for a portion of the Black population whose members could provide intellectual, cultural, and civic leadership.
Du Bois presents this educated group as an instrument for advancing racial equality and opposing discrimination. The essay is an important statement in debates about Black education, leadership, and social progress in the United States.
help The Talented Tenth FAQ
Who wrote "The Talented Tenth" and in what year was it published?
The essay was written by W. E. B. Du Bois and published in 1903. It remains one of his most famous and debated pieces of sociological and political writing.
What is the main argument of "The Talented Tenth" essay?
Du Bois advocated that advanced education should be provided to a specific portion of the Black population. He believed this educated group could then serve as intellectual, cultural, and civic leaders to help advance the broader cause of racial equality.
Did W. E. B. Du Bois's views on "The Talented Tenth" change later in life?
Yes, while he initially focused on a highly educated intellectual elite, Du Bois later revised his views. In his later years, he broadened his focus to emphasize mass organizing and the economic empowerment of the working class.
What social context led to the writing of "The Talented Tenth"?
Du Bois wrote the essay as a direct counter-argument to the educational philosophies of Booker T. Washington, who heavily prioritized industrial and vocational training over higher education for Black Americans in the early 20th century.
explore Explore More
Similar to The Talented Tenth
compare_arrows Compare: Letter from Birmingham Jail See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
