Booker T. Washington and Du Bois

Booker T. Washington and Du Bois

Booker T. Washington and Du Bois had different philosophies about how to about former slaves in the United States. These two philosophers were the great leaders of the black community. However, they had differences concerning their philosophies for the black. Booker T. Washington was the most influential leader, he believed blacks should have economic independence. He believed that when the black had economic independence, they could show themselves to the white that they were productive and they would lead. He believed it was better for the blacks to separate themselves from the blacks. “The individual who can do something that the world wants done will, in the end, make his way regardless of his race” (Washington 155).

Du Bois criticized Washington’s opinions and referred to as “The Atlanta Comprise”. he said that Washington’s opinions would not blacks free the blacks but would make the white to continue enslaving the blacks because they would know that they are capable of working and are creative. Du Bois’s opinion was that only education and civil rights would save the blacks from being slaves of the whites. He believed that the most talented race would lead them out of slavery. Du Bois believed that political action was the only way to achieve equality. He believed that blacks should educate themselves just like white do. This was to help the blacks not to be belittled by the white. Du Bois believed that economic gains were not secured to the blacks unless they had the political power to safeguard them. Washington believed that Du Bois’s opinion would irritate the whites who would in return harm the blacks in revenge.

Their rivals gave birth to the modern civil rights movement and their arguments continue today, economic prosperity vs. political rights. The two philosopher’s opinion they were both rights in the way they spoke and lead the people.