When finishing Not Only War, the concept of the Model Minority was brought up in relation to the text and the racial dynamics that Montie and his friends experience in America. This concept goes hand-in hand with the “Talented Tenth” school of thought during the period- in the Black community. W.E.B. Du Bois supported the belief; that education could pioneer a way to combat racial discrimination and uplift the Black community. By being the educated exception and rare “10%” of the community, the superior proportion could be the “shepards” (so to speak) and herd the rest of the race to civil rights.
Montie, with Roscoe and Teddy, says that maybe White people would respect them more if they (Black men), contribute to the cause and show loyalty to the US (Model Minority). Though, this optimism is shot down by Roscoe and Teddy, as they feel they will never be respected by White people, nor can win their respect, even if they are expectional on the front lines. They claim when you get back from war, and if, you’ll be subjected to Jim Crow, harrased, and lynched-even. Further, these young men are in school too, placing education behind their name during a time when education provides status and more opportunities (Talented Tenth). Roscoe and Teddy want to “leave it to the white folk”, and focus on their betterment, like the ideology suggests.
What I found ironic is how there are excerpts from The Crisis (Oldest African American publication, Du Bois helped create) right after this book. Just a thought- really interesting read. Its great to see/hear people that look like me reflected in the readings.
