Washington Vs. Dubois: Two Leaders, one Goal

Washington vs. Dubois: Two Leaders, One Goal

Growing up in the South in the 1890s, "many African Americans concluded that self reliance and racial solidarity were their last hopes for a decent life in the United States." (570) The Blacks were left at the mercy of the ex-slaveholders in desperate need of Freedom and equality. Until the time of Dubois, Washington was amongst the premier of the Black Activists. Washington, born a slave in 1856, had grown to believe that Blacks should have a practical education which involved shoemaking, printing, carpentry, among other things. He also believed that blacks needed to prove their loyalty by working hard before being granted political rights. Now Dubois, on the other hand, he was not born into slavery; he began to differ with Washington over the importance of education because his program produced little real gain for the race. Dubois wanted the blacks to have the opportunities as well as being equal to the whites. The major spokesman for the gradualist economical strategy was Washington and falling behind him would be Dubois. Both wanted the same thing for blacks however they had different methods for obtaining it.

Comment:

"Du Bois saw the underlying flaws in portions of Booker T. Washington's philosophies. Washington wanted skills to be taught. White America didn't want black America to be properly educated. Even though skills may be acquired, the lack of education was still a way that white America had a hold on blacks." (Whitney)

My Response:

In this case, I would agree with Whitney. Southern Whites were totally against the education of African Americans. Washington did not have any underlying flaws of philosophy. He knew that if he succeeded by continuing his education, other blacks can do the same. Washington wanted the blacks to work just as hard as he did.

Dubois approach was more of a political approach. He wanted the blacks to be educated as well, but he wanted them to be taught just as well as the whites were taught. Whereas Washington felt that political and social equality were less important as immediate goals for economic independence. He believed they should be educated as well, but on a different level, not looking for handouts from the whites, for hard work will show they have earned their rights.

Comment:

"The white community did not believe that the black community had the knowledge, skills or intelligence to achieve anything for themselves and Mr. Washington felt that taking this approach, proving that black people could become productive members of society, it would lead the white community to respect the black community without the need for violence and protests." (Kyna)

My Response:

Booker T. Washington wanted the good to show in all black people. He wanted to train them for real life situations and focusing on equality was not going to help get them there.