1.) Read lines 15-30. What is Washington encouraging white Southerners to do? And why?
2.) Why might Washington have fought inequality privately instead of openly calling for an end to legal discrimination?
1.) Washington is encouraging white Southerners to uplift and assist their African American neighbors, particularly in the areas of education and employment. He emphasizes that this is essential for the progress and prosperity of the entire community.
2.) Washington might have fought inequality privately instead of openly calling for an end to legal discrimination due to the political and social climate of the time. Openly advocating for the end of legal discrimination could have been met with strong resistance and backlash, potentially hindering any progress towards racial equality. By working behind the scenes and privately influencing individuals, Washington may have believed that gradual change could be achieved without causing significant unrest or backlash.
1 Mr. Washington asks that black people give up, at least for the present, three things—
2 First, political power; Second, insistence on civil rights; Third, higher education of Negro
3 youth—and concentrate all their energies on industrial education, the accumulation of
4 wealth, and the conciliation of the South. . . . What has been the return? . . .
5 1. The disfranchisement of the Negro.
6 2. The legal creation of a distinct status of civil inferiority for the Negro.
7 3. The steady withdrawal of aid from institutions for the higher training of the Negro.
8 These movements are not . . . direct results of Mr. Washington’s teachings; but his
9 propaganda has, without a shadow of doubt, helped their speedier accomplishment. Is it
Read lines 1-9. Based on this passage, what is Du Bois’s main critique of Washington’s approach to civil rights and education?
Du Bois's main critique of Washington's approach to civil rights and education is that it ultimately leads to the disfranchisement of African Americans, the legal creation of inferior status for them, and the withdrawal of support for higher education institutions for black individuals. Du Bois argues that while these outcomes may not be direct results of Washington's teachings, his propaganda has undoubtedly accelerated their realization.
12 exceptional men? . . . [The] answer. . . is an emphatic No. . . .
13 So far as Mr. Washington apologizes for injustice, . . . does not value the privilege and
14 duty of voting, . . . and opposes the higher training and ambition of our brighter minds,
15 we must firmly oppose them. . . . We must strive for the rights . . . which the sons of the
Read lines 12-15. What is Du Bois saying about Washington’s emphasis on pursuing economic advancement for African Americans before pushing for political or social equality?
Du Bois is criticizing Washington's emphasis on pursuing economic advancement for African Americans before pushing for political or social equality. He argues that this approach is not sufficient and that it is necessary to oppose Washington's stance on apologizing for injustice, devaluing the privilege and duty of voting, and opposing the higher training and ambition of those African Americans who are academically talented. Du Bois suggests that economic advancement alone is not enough and that it is important to strive for political and social rights alongside economic progress.
1.) How might have Du Bois’s background and experiences influenced his perspective on Washington’s philosophy?
Du Bois's background and experiences undoubtedly influenced his perspective on Washington's philosophy. As an African American scholar and activist, Du Bois faced firsthand the systemic racism and discrimination prevalent at the time. Du Bois, who had graduated from Harvard University and was a strong advocate for equality and civil rights, believed in the importance of education and intellectual advancement for African Americans. His experiences and achievements in academia gave him a different viewpoint compared to Washington's emphasis on vocational training and economic advancement for African Americans. Du Bois's background and experiences likely contributed to his critique of Washington's philosophy as he was invested in pushing for political and social equality, while also valuing education and intellectual development.
What are 3 similarities between Booker T Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois and what were 3 differences between Booker T Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.
Three similarities between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois:
1. Both were prominent African American leaders and intellectuals who played essential roles in the civil rights movement.
2. Both recognized the importance of education for African Americans and advocated for increased access to education in their respective philosophies.
3. Both were committed to the progress and upliftment of the African American community, although their approaches differed.
Three differences between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois:
1. While Washington believed in prioritizing economic advancement and vocational training for African Americans, Du Bois emphasized the importance of political and social equality alongside education.
2. Washington focused on conciliation and cooperation with white Southern leaders, while Du Bois advocated for more direct political action and confrontational tactics to challenge racial injustice.
3. Washington was more willing to compromise and accept some level of racial inequality and segregation in the short term, while Du Bois demanded immediate and complete civil rights for African Americans.