Devan Nelson
Dr. Michele Ware
English 3320, Section 01
28 November 2017
Men of Reason
Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois are two very well-known men with very distinct ways of reasoning, whether it be education or seeking to improve the lives of African Americans. Booker T. Washington gave us a unique narrative, Up from Slavery, in which he discusses the background of his life, his stand on education, and the educated. W.E.B DuBois gave us the outspoken, The Souls of Black Folk, which proves why he is one of the most emblematic activists of all time. Although they weren’t both born as slaves, both fight for one goal, which is African American advancement. They take two different paths in the hopes of accomplishing this goal. The first …show more content…
Washington’s excerpt from Up from Slavery (Chapter XIV “The Atlanta Exposition Address”), gives his stand on equality and acts “as a representative of the Negro race…” (516). Before he gives his speech, he wants to form a bond with both the black and white race in the audience. “As I remember it now, the thing that was uppermost in my mind was the desire to say something that would cement the friendship of the races and bring about a hearty cooperation between them” (516). Despite the oppression that African Americans face, Washington wants both white and blacks to come together as one and forget the evil that was manifested upon them and create equality “… in a determination to administer absolute justice, in a willing obedience among all classes to the mandates of the law” (519). Obedience and keeping quiet “will bring into our beloved South a new heaven and a new earth” (519). This can best be described as hard work and skill leaving room for the development of racial equality and success. “Our greatest danger is that in the great leap from slavery to freedom we may overlook the fact that the masses of us are to live by the productions of our hands, and fail to keep our mind that we shall prosper in proportion as we learn to dignify and glorify common labour and put brains and skill into the common occupations of life…” (517). Educated African Americans generally do not agree with Washington’s stand on education or equality because he is a modern day “Uncle Tom” who aimlessly seeks to please the white community. Poorer African American’s side with him because of the assumption that they have a lower level of intellect. “In all things that are purely social we can be separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress” (518). Washington’s route for African Americans to be successful and run successful businesses is black-run educational institutes. With this education, African Americans can learn how to run their own
Dr. Michele Ware
English 3320, Section 01
28 November 2017
Men of Reason
Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois are two very well-known men with very distinct ways of reasoning, whether it be education or seeking to improve the lives of African Americans. Booker T. Washington gave us a unique narrative, Up from Slavery, in which he discusses the background of his life, his stand on education, and the educated. W.E.B DuBois gave us the outspoken, The Souls of Black Folk, which proves why he is one of the most emblematic activists of all time. Although they weren’t both born as slaves, both fight for one goal, which is African American advancement. They take two different paths in the hopes of accomplishing this goal. The first …show more content…
Washington’s excerpt from Up from Slavery (Chapter XIV “The Atlanta Exposition Address”), gives his stand on equality and acts “as a representative of the Negro race…” (516). Before he gives his speech, he wants to form a bond with both the black and white race in the audience. “As I remember it now, the thing that was uppermost in my mind was the desire to say something that would cement the friendship of the races and bring about a hearty cooperation between them” (516). Despite the oppression that African Americans face, Washington wants both white and blacks to come together as one and forget the evil that was manifested upon them and create equality “… in a determination to administer absolute justice, in a willing obedience among all classes to the mandates of the law” (519). Obedience and keeping quiet “will bring into our beloved South a new heaven and a new earth” (519). This can best be described as hard work and skill leaving room for the development of racial equality and success. “Our greatest danger is that in the great leap from slavery to freedom we may overlook the fact that the masses of us are to live by the productions of our hands, and fail to keep our mind that we shall prosper in proportion as we learn to dignify and glorify common labour and put brains and skill into the common occupations of life…” (517). Educated African Americans generally do not agree with Washington’s stand on education or equality because he is a modern day “Uncle Tom” who aimlessly seeks to please the white community. Poorer African American’s side with him because of the assumption that they have a lower level of intellect. “In all things that are purely social we can be separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress” (518). Washington’s route for African Americans to be successful and run successful businesses is black-run educational institutes. With this education, African Americans can learn how to run their own