W.E.B. Du Bois criticized Booker T. Washington for his accommodationist approach to racial issues, which Du Bois felt undermined the fight for civil rights and equality. Du Bois believed that Washington’s emphasis on vocational education and economic self-reliance failed to address systemic injustices and allowed white supremacy to persist unchallenged. He argued that Washington's "Atlanta Compromise" restricted African Americans to a subservient social status and discouraged political activism. Another point of contention was Washington’s perceived submission to the demands of white institutions, which Du Bois saw as a betrayal of the black struggle for full citizenship and higher education. In contrast, Du Bois advocated for the "Talented Tenth," promoting the development of an educated elite who could lead the charge for social justice and civil rights. This historical debate mirrors today’s discussions within Black advocacy, where different factions—be it proponents of systemic reform or those prioritizing grassroots activism—continue to diverge on strategies for achieving equality and justice.
Explain in six sentences
What are some of the criticisms Du Bois has of Booker T. Washington? Explain at least two examples of ways that Du Bois finds fault with Washington’s philosophies and/or actions at the time. How does this debate between two American black leaders compare to differing perspectives within black advocacy in our current time? You may use your own sources for comparison or read this article comparing and contrasting the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
1 answer
1 answer