Web Dubois Verse Booker T. Washington

At a time when the Black community is being afforded a free status, but not one of equality, many leaders arise out of the woodwork to appeal to the white governing body for social equality. The transition from the ninetieth century to the twentieth century gives birth to two of these leaders, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. These two men are both working to achieve a common goal, but the roads on which they're each traveling to get there differ significantly. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois offer different strategies for dealing with the problems of poverty and discrimination facing Black Americans. Booker T. Washington's gradualism stance gives him wide spread appeal among both blacks and whites, although W.E.B. Du Bois has the upper hand when it comes to ideology dealing with economic prosperity and education amidst Blacks. Product of slavery, Reconstruction, and Black codes (Roark, et al p.616), Washington favors the humble - ask nicely; appreciate what you're given; and say "thank you" - approach to obtaining social equality. Washington addresses the issue with meticulous caution, in doing so he not only comes across as an advocate of Blacks gaining "all privileges of the law"(D), but also of Blacks being prepared "for the exercises of these privileges." By taking this approach Washington is gaining the appeal within the Black audience as well as the white community. In contrast to this seemingly effective stance, Du Bois stands on the platform of ask, but ask incessantly with a loud and firm voice. Du Bois even goes as far as to say that if the Black community wants social equality they must simply complain. "Ceaseless agitation"(F) he feels will do more in the fight for equality than "voluntarily throwing away"(E) the reasonable rights they are entitled to. The opposing approaches of Washington and Du Bois are far from unnoticeable, and receive recognition from both sides. Whether or not these two dynamic leaders are intentionally attacking