W.E.B. Du Bois's criticism of Booker T. Washington's "Atlanta Exposition Address," which he termed the "Atlanta Compromise," reflects his disapproval of Washington's approach to racial issues and civil rights for African Americans in the early 20th century. In the speech, Washington advocated for a focus on vocational training, economic self-reliance, and gradual progress within the framework of segregation, suggesting that African Americans should accept disenfranchisement and social inequality in exchange for economic opportunities.
Du Bois, on the other hand, believed this compromise was dangerously accommodating and fundamentally insufficient. He felt that Washington's approach conceded too much to white supremacy and failed to demand the civil rights and higher education that he believed were essential for the advancement of African Americans. Du Bois championed the idea of the "Talented Tenth," advocating for leadership development among the most educated and capable Black individuals to uplift the entire community.
By calling it the "Atlanta Compromise," Du Bois highlighted what he saw as a betrayal of the struggle for civil rights and equality, suggesting that Washington's strategy prioritized economic advancement over immediate demands for social justice and basic human rights. Du Bois's perspective represented a more militant and assertive approach to advocating for equality, reflecting a broader debate within the African American community about the best strategies for achieving social and political rights.
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