DuBois’ faith in the youth was impressive. Although he later decided that exposing young blacks to the horrors that awaited them was a bit much, his initial decision to do so was a complicated one. The idea of kids educating their parents seems counterproductive until the school rates are taken into consideration. With that said, my guess is that parents feared having young children teaching them. During the lecture this morning we discussed the issue of protectionism in regards to DuBois’ later decision. It’s hard to imagine that this same issue didn’t take place within the home. How can a parent protect a child when he or she is smarter than the parent in question? A simple response would be that the alternative was worse? If the future is to be in the minds and actions of the young, they must be prepared. Right? Not sure.
Earlier I mentioned how complicated and multilayered DuBois’ first decision was. Yes, this information will serve as an introduction to life for these “embryonic adults.” Yes, the sooner they mobilize and become active, the sooner things will become better for their children. What about the side effects of a severely stunted childhood? What about the children becoming traumatized? What about the mortality rate of children significantly increasing due to their becoming more active? I think DuBois’ decision to create the Brownies Book was a good one. While he remained consistent with the political agenda, he also created a space for a child to remain a child. Although situations are extremely different today, one could argue that the “babying” of the youth still exists. Whether in the classroom or living room, should we expose our children to the ills of the world? I like to believe so…to a certain extent.
The old adage “a child is like a sponge” echoes DuBois’ “your child is wiser than you think.” This intelligence is comparable to an appetite. While it’s important to be fed, overeating isn’t beneficial to anyone. The age and maturity of each child should be taken into consideration while he or she is being exposed to the world. While barely a week into the seminar, there has been enough information for me to not only apply to my institution, but to my personal circle of influence as well.
--Anthony McKinley
