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 The transition from the ninetieth century to the twentieth centurygives birth to two of these leaders, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Thesetwo men are both working to achieve a common goal, but the roads on which theyreeach traveling to get there differ significantly. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois offer different strategies for dealing with the problems of poverty and discriminationfacing Black Americans. Booker T. Washingtons gradualism stance gives him widespread appeal among both blacks and whites, although W.E.B. Du Bois has the upperhand when it comes to ideology dealing with economic prosperity and education amidstBlacks.Product of slavery, Reconstruction, and Black codes (Roark, et al p.616),Washington favors the humble - ask nicely; appreciate what youre given; and say thankyou - approach to obtaining social equality. Washington addresses the issue withmeticulous caution, in doing so he not only comes across as an advocate of Blacksgaining all privileges of the law(D), but also of Blacks being prepared for the exercisesof these privileges. By taking this approach Washington is gaining the appeal within theBlack audience as well as the white community. In contrast to this seemingly effectivestance, Du Bois stands on the platform of ask, but ask incessantly with a loud and firmvoice. Du Bois even goes as far as to say that if the Black community wants socialequality they must simply complain. Ceaseless agitation(F) he feels will do more in thefight for equality than voluntarily throwing away(E) the reasonable rights they areentitled 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 areintentionally attacking each other, one ...
