Inconsistency Of Du Bois' Feminist Position

William Edward Burghardt Du Bois,known as W.E.B.Du Bois was one of the most influential black activists in the beginning of the 20~thh century.He was the first African American who earned his doctorate at Harvard University,and devoted all his life to the cause of the emancipation of his race.An American sociologist,civil rights activist,pro-feminist,writer and editor,Du Bois voiced his support for black women's suffrage,anti-sexism and anti-economic exploitation in a time when racism and sexism were prevalent in American society.Yet,as a social being,he was influenced by the society which he was living in,he practiced patriarchal ideas in handling his relationship with his first wife and his daughter,and he also showed a male chauvinistic tone in his feminist work,“The Damnation of Women”.Finally,it will examine the“So the Girl Marries”in which his male domination will be touched.Therefore,this paper argues that there is inconsistency in Du Bois'feminism position.The first chapter investigates his feminist views based on the analysis of his political assertions and his supportive editorials of women's suffrage in The Crisis.And the second chapter focuses on his personal life,revealing his patriarchal views in the relationship with his first wife Nina and daughter Yolande.It is found that Du Bois plays a dominant role in their lives and especially in his daughter's education and marriage.By examining Du Bois'“The Damnation of Women”,the manifesto of his feminism,this part reveals the male chauvinistic tone in the work.The final chapter maintains that Du Bois preaches feminism as a means for the purpose of actualizing race uplift.Therefore,it is safe to say that Du Bois preaches and practices pragmatic feminism.