Two historically great leaders with two opposite views, both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du Bois have made their voices heard on topics related to black social and fiscal advancement. Booker T. Washington encouraged African Americans to accept discrimination, while focusing on self-gains. W.E.B Du Bois on the other hand, pushed for African Americans to take a stand and petition for what they wanted. These two pronounced leaders’ claims were based on several assumptions, in which they supported with evidence in trying to reach and touch the listening ears. Booker T. Washington’s philosophy towards African Americans and the way they should deal with racism and discrimination may too many seem a morsel unorthodox. Washington advocated …show more content…
Washington’s main points was to cooperate with some of the southern white ideals. One of his most famous quotes was “In all things purely social we can be as separate as the five fingers, and yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress” from his Atlanta Compromise. Meaning that the United States could operate while having discrimination, as long as at some point we come together. This statement by Washington was perceived in many different ways. It was opposed by many intellectual African Americans, including W.E.B Du Bois. Southern white radicals saw the address as a waving of the white flag. While, southern white conservatives viewed it as mutual working situation with the understanding of everyone’s feelings. He also gained support in the North. Washington’s stance on vocational education for African Americans and slow progression to economic prosperity ultimately leading to equality was widely accepted by whites. Many people in the white community regarded Washington as the primary spokesman for African Americans. W.E.B Du Bois on the other hand did not receives as much support as did Washington from the whites. He continued his staunchly that full and equivalent social equality were the claim of each American and requesting that full political rights be allowed to all blacks. He imagined a world class corps of African American pioneers, through advanced education, would be arranged to further the welfare of their race. In fact, Du Bois was imperiled to grossing governmental restrictions and harassment. Although, he did have support from many African