The Difference in Views on Race Relations in America Between W.e.b. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington

The post-reconstruction era in America witnessed the emergence of two prominent figures, W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, who proposed divergent strategies for addressing racial issues. Du Bois championed what can be deemed "radical" ideas, advocating for political engagement, persistent activism, and academic empowerment as the means to attain full citizenship rights for African Americans. His three primary objectives were voting rights, education for African American youth, and civic equality. In contrast, Booker T. Washington's approach can be characterized as "conservative" as he urged white America to provide employment opportunities and industrial-agricultural education for African Americans, with the understanding that African Americans would forgo civil rights and social equality. His message emphasized economic respectability and independence over political and social equality, contending that by proving their utility and contribution to the nation, African Americans would eventually gain equal treatment and rights in the United States.

Although Du Bois and Washington held divergent views, they shared common ground in certain aspects. Both recognized the significance of economic progress for African Americans, ranking it higher in priority than universal suffrage. They both placed a strong emphasis on racial solidarity and economic cooperation, as well as on self-help and moral development. Despite his disagreements with Washington, Du Bois held a profound respect for him, as evidenced by his statement: "One hesitates, therefore, to criticize a life which beginning with so little, has done so much. And yet the time is come when one may speak in all sincerity and utter courtesy of the mistakes of Mr. Washington's career as well as of his achievements, without being captious or envious, and without forgetting that it is easier to do ill than well in the world."

Booker T. Washington: The Advocate of Accommodation and Economic Advancement

Born into slavery in Virginia in 1856, Booker T. Washington played a pivotal role as an educator and leader for African Americans. He founded and served as the principal of Tuskegee Institute, a vocational and industrial school in Alabama. Between 1895 and 1915, he emerged as one of the most influential figures for African Americans. Washington's primary belief was that African Americans should accommodate white Americans by accepting segregation and disenfranchisement, focusing on acquiring farming and industrial skills to attain economic freedom. He contended that African Americans needed to demonstrate their usefulness to the nation to gain equal treatment. He called upon white Americans to work toward reducing racial violence and supporting African American success in agriculture, industry, and business.

Notably, in 1901, Booker T. Washington's visit to the White House for dinner with President Teddy Roosevelt sparked national attention and scrutiny. The meeting between a former slave and the President stirred controversy and highlighted the prevailing racial tensions in America. Washington's philosophy emphasized education, employment, and individual betterment as the path to racial equality.

W.E.B. Du Bois: The Advocate of Civil Rights and Political Activism

Born in Massachusetts in 1868, W.E.B. Du Bois attended Fisk University in Nashville, a historically African American institution. In 1897, he began working for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, where he conducted studies on black Southern households, revealing the lingering impact of slavery on the lives of African Americans. Du Bois underwent a transformation in his philosophy between 1901 and 1903. While initially not opposed to Washington's agenda, he gradually found it unsustainable. Du Bois published a collection of essays in 1903 titled "The Souls of Black Folk," critiquing Washington's approach. He initiated a "radical" protest movement for civil rights, advocating political action, sustained agitation, and education as the means to secure full citizenship rights for African Americans. He emphasized the importance of liberal arts education and college-trained black leadership. Despite their differences, Du Bois and Washington ultimately shared a common goal: securing full rights and equality for African Americans, albeit through distinct strategies.

Contemporary Relevance

The ideological clash between Du Bois and Washington remains relevant in contemporary American politics. Recent Democratic debates have underscored the ongoing struggle to rectify social injustices rooted in racism. Issues such as racial disparities in the criminal justice system and police misconduct continue to plague the United States, particularly affecting impoverished African American communities. The legacy of Du Bois serves as a reminder that strong voices are necessary to combat racism and achieve equality. While the approaches of Du Bois and Washington diverged, their shared vision of full rights and equality for African Americans remains a common goal, even in modern America.

In conclusion, W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington advocated distinct strategies for advancing race relations in America, with Du Bois favoring civil rights and political activism and Washington promoting accommodation and economic advancement. Their differing philosophies reflect the ongoing debates and struggles for racial equality in contemporary America, highlighting the enduring significance of their ideas.

Works Cited

1. “The Debate Between W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington.” PBS, Public Broadcasting dtService, 1998, www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/debate-w-e-b-du-bois-and-booker-t-washington/.
2. Gibson, Robert A. “Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois: The Problem of Negro Leadership.” 78.02.02: Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois: The Problem of Negro Leadership, 2018, teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1978/2/78.02.02.x.html
3. “Booker T. Washington.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 9 July 2019, www.biography.com/activist/booker-t-washington.
4. “W.E.B. Du Bois.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 10 Sept. 2019, www.biography.com/activist/web-du-bois.
5. Staff, NPR. “Teddy Roosevelt's 'Shocking' Dinner With Washington.” NPR, NPR, 14 May 2012, www.npr.org/2012/05/14/152684575/teddy-roosevelts-shocking-dinner-with-washington.