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
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