Amy Gilbert Green Block 10/5/2013 Booker T. Washington and W.E.B.

DuBois Essay The necessity of social equality is the differentiating factor between the views of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois on the matter of race. Booker T. Washington believed segregation was acceptable and that African Americans should instead aim primarily for economic equality. W.E.B. DuBois, however, believed that African Americans must achieve social equality, but only after they were politically equal to whites. While Washington and DuBois shared views on certain aspects of racial equality, their views differed on how to attain it. Booker T. Washington believed, in regards to racial equality, that In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress (Booker T. Washington). He thought achieving a higher economic status was the key to equality: At the bottom of education, at the bottom of politics, even at the bottom of religion, there must be for our race economic independence. This means that the African Americans must work to be economically equal before they can be equal in other respects. Washington thought a lack of education and motivation to work was the greatest impediment to racial equality. Since the thought African Americans could climb the ranks on their own, he did not believe the government played an important role in racial equality. W.E.B. DuBois believed in a hands-on approach to racial equality. He did not accept the gradual status-building in which Washington put his trust; he believed in action. DuBois thought political action was essential to equality, and part of that political action was voting: The power of the ballot we need in sheer defense, else what shall save us from a second slavery? He maintained this belief in his criticism of Washingtons Atlanta Compromise Speech: The question then comes: Is it possible, and probable, that nine millions of men can

Amy Gilbert Green Block 10/5/2013 make effective progress in economic lines if they are deprived of political rights, made a servile caste, and allowed only the most meagre chance for developing their exceptional men? If history and reason give any distinct answer to these questions, it is an emphatic No (W.E.B. DuBois). DuBois also believed that social equality must be attained-unlike Washington, who accepted segregation. From DuBois point of view, a lack of political involvement among African

Americans was the greatest impediment to racial equality. Since his perspective was more political, he believed the government played an important role in racial equality. Even today, it is difficult to ascertain whether Washington had more valid views than DuBois or vice-versa. Washington had a more realistic view of the situation- he knew

establishing racial equality would take time. However, he was much less proactive than DuBois, and contemporary America as a whole disagrees with his views on segregation. DuBois, on the other hand, was very motivated and proactive. He understood the necessity of social equality and the power of politics. At the same time, he lacked understanding of the time it takes to create change. They both had some respectable views, though nowadays most Americans would agree more with DuBois. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois advocated for different methods of achieving racial equality. Washington favored increasing economic power while DuBois favored

increasing social and political power. Despite this, they did share some views. It is hard to say whose views were more valid, as the status of racial equality in America is still debated today.

Amy Gilbert Green Block 10/5/2013 Works Cited "Booker T. Washington Delivers the 1895 Atlanta Compromise Speech." History Matters. American Social History Productions, n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2013.

<http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/>. "W.E.B. DuBois Critiques Booker T. Washington." History Matters. American Social History Productions, n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2013. <http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/40/>.