Booker T Washington Vs Dubois Analysis
African-American History,
Spring 2012 Weekender
Analytical Essay #2
Question: Compare and contrast the evolving philosophies and organizational approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Viewing them in the context of the times their individual programs were advanced, what were the merits and drawbacks of each individual’s program? And, which (if any) aspect of these programs are useful and/or detrimental in the current struggles of black Americans?
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in the south, and W. E. B. Dubois was born free in the North. Their different births and upbringings would set the controversial stage for two men who were great leaders of the black community in the 19th and 20th centuries. They both …show more content…
Washington was the nation’s most influential black leader. He had access to the most powerful political and business leaders in the United States. He would even become an advisor to the President. Washington was a former slave with no money who, with help; taught himself to read; was a very religious person; always the top student in his class; worked his way through school, and people admired him. Washington soothed white people and reassured black Americans as he counseled conciliation, patience, and agricultural and mechanical training as the most effective means to bridge the racial divide. His 1895 speech at the Cotton States Exposition in Atlanta elicited praise from both white and black listeners. (Darlene Clark Hine, et al., The African-American Odyssey, p. 443) Washington cleverly spoke in a way to raise up black aspirations without making white people fearful enough to kill and change laws. The south was only three decades out of the Civil War, and one of every three people was black. Many blacks in the south were kept illiterate and impoverished. Washington told whites that if they kept this up they will also be down. But, if they help lift blacks up, they and their community will also be lifted. He advised blacks to not be so distressed where they could not see the opportunity around them, and that their destiny was in the south. He also stated to cast down their buckets where they were in areas of trades and mechanics to live by production with their hands. During this time, black white collar workers such as lawyers could not find much work. Washington thought being a doctor was great, but stated; don't miss the opportunity in front of you right now. Washington also expressed to whites that black people have never treated them wrong and since their destiny rest in blacks, stop brutalizing them and help blacks get an education. Whites, at this time, feared blacks would vote and take over. Washington told whites
Spring 2012 Weekender
Analytical Essay #2
Question: Compare and contrast the evolving philosophies and organizational approaches of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Viewing them in the context of the times their individual programs were advanced, what were the merits and drawbacks of each individual’s program? And, which (if any) aspect of these programs are useful and/or detrimental in the current struggles of black Americans?
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in the south, and W. E. B. Dubois was born free in the North. Their different births and upbringings would set the controversial stage for two men who were great leaders of the black community in the 19th and 20th centuries. They both …show more content…
Washington was the nation’s most influential black leader. He had access to the most powerful political and business leaders in the United States. He would even become an advisor to the President. Washington was a former slave with no money who, with help; taught himself to read; was a very religious person; always the top student in his class; worked his way through school, and people admired him. Washington soothed white people and reassured black Americans as he counseled conciliation, patience, and agricultural and mechanical training as the most effective means to bridge the racial divide. His 1895 speech at the Cotton States Exposition in Atlanta elicited praise from both white and black listeners. (Darlene Clark Hine, et al., The African-American Odyssey, p. 443) Washington cleverly spoke in a way to raise up black aspirations without making white people fearful enough to kill and change laws. The south was only three decades out of the Civil War, and one of every three people was black. Many blacks in the south were kept illiterate and impoverished. Washington told whites that if they kept this up they will also be down. But, if they help lift blacks up, they and their community will also be lifted. He advised blacks to not be so distressed where they could not see the opportunity around them, and that their destiny was in the south. He also stated to cast down their buckets where they were in areas of trades and mechanics to live by production with their hands. During this time, black white collar workers such as lawyers could not find much work. Washington thought being a doctor was great, but stated; don't miss the opportunity in front of you right now. Washington also expressed to whites that black people have never treated them wrong and since their destiny rest in blacks, stop brutalizing them and help blacks get an education. Whites, at this time, feared blacks would vote and take over. Washington told whites