The conversation that Beneatha and George have when they get back from their date is a further explanation of Beneatha's division from the white culture of the time period. Their conversation show Beneatha's and George's very different values when it comes to education. This is the first moment where a division is sensed between the two. Beneatha sees education as way to love yourself and be proud. George sees education as a way to get money and impress people with what you have. Beneatha wants to educate society through knowledge of herself and her culture, however, George wants education to earn money so he can be judged by his economic status. Beneatha sees how George has no problem giving up his culture to give in to white culture so she kicks him out, describing him as a "fool".
Beneatha and her mother's use of the word "fool" shows and allusion to Booker T. Washington and his role in the division of black and white culture. Mama calls Washington a "fool" when talking to Mrs. Johnson. The same word is also used by Beneatha to describe George when he kicks her out. Using the same word to describe both of them shows a connection between the two. Washington was historically a hero to many in the black community while he assimilation to America at the time. By the 1950s, may African-Americans had turned against him and his ideas. They saw his idea of "mainstream America" as "white America". The African-Americans of the time were not ready to give up their culture for white people.
Booker T. Washington
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