“How does it feel to be a problem?” shows that Dubois considers him and the black race to be a problem, which is similar to Washington calling the black race a crime and implies a misconception of the black race as evil. Washington's "Cast Down Your Bucket" is referenced in Ellison's speech. However, Washington's quote is the majority and Ellison does not express his opinion as much. He literally repeats what Washington says, that the society of that time does not allow a person of color to express strong opinions about social equality. It is supported by looking at the situation where Ellison says the word equality. Washington's "Cast down your bucket" is about a life-saving story for the black race to be welcomed into the society of the white race and the trust of African Americans. This also includes racial stereotypes of African American. As Washington and Dubois express racial stereotypes, Ellison also shows situations in which he and other African Americans are victims of racial prejudice. It involves how they were treated and where the black, bottom race belonged at that time