Question

Discuss the most important differences between the racial philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois. Were their differences as substantial as the friction between Bookerites and Niagarites would suggest, or were their goals more alike than antagonistic? How might one account for the mutual antagonism between the followers of the two men? Were one man’s views more suited to the temper of the times than the others?

Answer 1

Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois were two important leaders of the Black community in the United States. However, they each had very different opinions about the role of the African community, and on how equality could be achieved.

Booker T. Washington believed that the Black community needed to adopt a philosophy of self-help, racial solidarity and accomodation. He believed that African Americans had the duty to educate themselves and improve their livelihood in order to be taken seriously by white Americans. On the other hand, W.E.B. DuBois believed that this approach only put an extra burden on black people, while ignoring the responsibilities of whites. He argued that social change had to come through political change, and advocated political action.

I believe that their differences were as substantial as the friction between their followers. The two men had very different opinions about race and advancement. Moreover, I believe that the opinions of Booker T. Washington were more suited to the temper of the times as he took a more positive view of white people and a more negative view of conflict and political activism.