Question

Now, write one or two paragraphs that compare how Washington and Du Bois felt about the legacy of slavery. Use examples from the text and the lesson to support your comparisons.

Answer 1

Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois offered contrasting perspectives on the legacy of slavery and its implications for African Americans. Washington, in his philosophy articulated in works like "Up from Slavery," emphasized a gradual approach to achieving racial equality. He believed that the legacy of slavery could be overcome through industrial education, vocational training, and economic self-reliance. His famous Atlanta Compromise speech reflected this stance, suggesting that African Americans should accept social segregation temporarily while focusing on self-improvement and proving their value to society, thus fostering a sense of dignity and self-worth.

In contrast, Du Bois, known for his work "The Souls of Black Folk," took a more assertive approach, arguing that the legacy of slavery demanded immediate political and social rights for African Americans. He was critical of Washington's compromise, advocating for what he called the "Talented Tenth"—the idea that the most educated and capable African Americans should lead the fight for civil rights. Du Bois believed that true progress could only be achieved through active resistance against oppression and the demand for equality, viewing the legacy of slavery as a continual source of injustice that could not simply be worked around. This fundamental disagreement between Washington's focus on accommodation and Du Bois's emphasis on activism highlights the diverse responses within the African American community to the enduring impact of slavery on American society.