Marian Anderson Vs. W. E. B. Du Bois

Two of the many American influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance and Civil Rights

Movement are Marian Anderson and W. E. B. Du Bois. In contrasting ways, they each made a

difference in their time. Here are reviews of two articles on Anderson and Du Bois respectively.

The first written by Terry Teachout discusses the professional career of Marian Anderson an

African American contralto. The second article written by Paul T. Miller explores the scholarly

work of W. E. B. Du Bois a historian, author, activist and sociologist.

ANDERSON AND DU BOIS Page !3

Marian Anderson

The first article called The Soul of Marian Anderson was written by Terry Teachout. In this

article Teachout explores the life and music of Marian Anderson, a Black American

contralto. As
a music critic and contributor to Time magazine, Teachout focuses on Anderson’s vocal abilities
more than her personal life, but still writes about some of the motivations and emotions
Anderson had and how they affected her life and music. Overall, Teachout’s view of Anderson’s
abilities is that she was a legitimate talent in her own right, who's artistry could be judged
without a double standard though she had musical strengths and weaknesses.

Teachout thought

that Anderson was in some ways restrained by her phlegmatic temperament that made her

unsuited for more emotional opera. However, there were other areas that Anderson was

especially suited to. In recently rereleased early recordings Teachout wrote, “It is possible to hear

that she was a supremely gifted artist, blessed with a resplendent voice that she used with

intelligence and sensitivity.” (2000, p. 1) Teachout discusses Anderson’s musical abilities based

on recordings as well as reviews by music critics of the day. Teachout’s references and quotes

Anderson’s original sanctioned biographer Allan Keiler on details of her personal life. Teachout

wrote that Anderson’s intense privacy and reserved manner was “a perfectly understandable

response to the refusal of many whites to treat any black, however talented, with respect.” (2000,

p. 1) Because of this trait, Anderson underemphasized her role in the Civil Rights Movement, but

Teachout wrote that regardless of her apparent disinterest she became, “an icon of racial

equality.” (2000, p. 1) Teachout does a nice job presenting a balanced view of Anderson

both
personally and professionally. I am in accord with Teachout’s view of Anderson that, “By all
rights she should be remembered as among the very first American-born classical singers to have
ANDERSON AND DU BOIS Page !4
had major international careers.” (2000, p.

1) In addition, I believe that Anderson’s role in

promoting equality of the races was invaluable regardless of her disregard of that aspect of her

career.

W. E. B. Du Bois

The second article written by Paul T. Miller is called W. E. B. Du Bois: education, race and

economics from 1903-1961. In this article, Miller focuses on Du Bois’ scholarly work with a

minimal discussion of his personal life. Miller wrote that Du Bois, was known primarily for his

exploration of the race issue, but also for his passion for education and his ardent anti-capitalism

in his later life. He boldly stated what he believed and became famous not only for his activism

but also for his authorship including his most well-known book The Souls of Black Folk. Miller

wrote, “By the beginning of the twentieth century, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the preeminent

public intellectuals of the world.” (2006, p. 1) Miller considered Du Bois both a brilliant

sociologist and a historian who was a clear thinker on race, class, peace and justice issues.

Miller’s perspective also was that Du Bois’ thoughts on these topics are just as insightful today

as they were a century ago. Miller came to these conclusions by closely examining Du

Bois
work, and he quotes The Souls Of Black Folk and other of Du Bois’ writings throughout the. I
read The Souls Of Black Folk a few years ago and know that what Miller’s opinions about Du
Bois are in accord with Du Bois own writing. I think that Miller clearly showed how relevant Du
Bois work was both in his own time and today. Race issues in America are still sadly, far too
prevalent and Du Bois’ wisdom and keen mind would be of great service today. I have read other
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articles about other great Harlem Renaissance era activists like Marcus Garvey and Philip
Randolph, but none of them have had the long-term impact or perspicacity Du Bois did. From
my previous contact with Du Bois I agree with Miller’s estimation of him. He was indeed one of
the most extraordinary minds of American and global history.