Booker vs. Du Bois

I will try and blog on the topic of these documents the best that I can, though I believe that these documents require more of an extensive reading to properly analyze and decipher their meaning and relationship to one another.

In his response to Washington's The Atlanta Exposition Address, Du Bois seems at times to be jealous and perhaps even envious of Washington's successes. He portrays Washington as a man who does not believe in the freedoms of the black race. He makes strong accusations toward Washington that I could not find evidence of in the text. Accusations of his representing the , "old attitude of adjustment and submission" and that his program "practically accepts the alleged inferiority of the Negro races". I think these words (and the many others that Du Bois slanders him with) are unfounded and wreak of radicalism.

Du Bois seems to want drastic and immediate change in the acceptence and equality of blacks. In this time period I don't believe that this was a realistic goal. While Du Bois makes a good argument that is very much valid about wanting equal opportunity for all Americans I think that radical wording and phrasing likely hurt the cause more than helped.

I feel that Washington had the same passion as Du Bois but used logic and intelligence instead of passion when dealing with the matter. I feel his success was genuine and his followers plenty, unlike Du Bois' allegations that his supporters were merely a "cult". Washington's main focus at the time of the writing was to take steps in getting better lives for Black Americans, primarily by means of capital. By working toward equality in the work force resulting in better jobs and pay for blacks Washington was aiming to improve many lives. We must remember that this was a much different period in history. If I were on the streets and starving in today's world I would certainly first ask for food before demanding to be given a new apartment. This analogy seems ridiculous I am sure, but I need to somehow reflect my thoughts on this matter. Du Bois seems to want changes from the political aspects first. To him having more black Congressman would be an incredible improvement for all blacks, and he is right to believe so, but having a handful of black politicians isn't going to do squat for the millions of hungry and homeless families. Putting a check in their pockets would.

I have to take Washington's view as a more realistic and thought out view than Du Bois. While Du Bois was also correct in wanting equality for blacks, his attitude and logic were driven by passion and not realism. Using aggressive rhetoric and making demands would have less effect with the whites than compromising and beginning in steps would.