Booker T. Washington’s vision of freedom is more compelling than Dubois’, and thus preferable. Abdication of violence and riots, as well as a focus on self-improvement through work, is a better strategy for addressing segregation. Moreover, it would have offered African Americans an opportunity to improve their social and economic situation through commerce, agriculture, and industry.
The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the Thirteenth Amendment emancipated African Americans from slavery. The United States government, through General Tecumseh Sherman, made several promises to African Americans that were later revoked after the end of the Reconstruction. The promises included a 40-acre land parcel to each family, military protection, and self-government of newly-formed unities. After the Reconstruction, tensions continued and African Americans faced segregation. They were prevented from working in textile industries as the owners preferred employing white women and children (Rodriguez, 2007). By 1900, segregation was institutionalized in the South, and African Americans had largely lost their civil rights (Rodriguez, 2007). The Atlanta compromise speech was presented by the founder of Tuskegee Institute, Booker T. Washington, in response to the loss of civil rights by African Americans after the Reconstruction.
In the speech, Washington responded to the southern racial tensions and the challenge of the appalling special and economic conditions that African Americans were living in. He failed to challenge segregation as destructive to social and economic advancement. He thus said, “in all things that are purely social, we can be as separate as the fingers” (Washington, 1895). This was degrading to African Americans who were opposed to the system of segregation. Washington promoted the idea that the two races could engage each other in other matters such as business and politics without the need for social integration. He believed that the social treatment they received was inconsequential as they had an opportunity to work and improve their social and economic status. He promised to encourage his people to become proficient in agriculture, commerce, domestic service, and mechanics as common labor was dignified. He thus stated, “We shall prosper in proportion as we learn to dignify and glorify common labor, and put brains and skill into the common occupations of life.” By this, Washington was trying to encourage African Americans to embrace manual jobs because the majority of them had little or no education. Administrative jobs were reserved for the whites who were educated. Therefore, they were best suited for manual jobs that were readily available (Washington, 1895).
Washington also thanked the whites for several opportunities and urged them to provide African Americans opportunities for advancement in agriculture and industry. By saying “nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities,” Washington urged African Americans to improve themselves and avoid agitating for political justice (Washington, 1895). Engaging the whites in such wars would distract them from the most important task, which was working hard to emancipate themselves from poverty. He asked them to “cast down your bucket where you are” (Washington, 1895). He used the image of a bucket to show them that it was within their reach and power to better themselves despite their prevailing conditions. Washington was encouraging them to change their perspectives and attitudes, and make friends with the whites because they had numerous jobs to offer them as they controlled agriculture, business, and the professions. Casting down the buckets meant relinquishing the hatred and prejudices against the whites that they had held for many years and befriending them. These sentiments were criticized by Dubois who offered opposing views.
According to Dubois, Washington was asking African Americans to be submissive, accept their inferiority, and focus on work and wealth to the exclusion of higher aims in life. He urged against giving up political power, civil rights, and the education of African American youths (DuBois, 1907). Like Washington, Dubois believed that self-improvement was possible through education. However, he argued that the elimination of discrimination was paramount. He disagreed with Washington’s failure to challenge segregation because it would encourage the whites to deny African Americans their rights (DuBois, 1907). He argued that Washington was appeasing the whites by urging his people to pay little attention to the demand for civil and political equality (DuBois, 1907). Requesting African Americans to focus on commerce and agriculture, Washington was promoting the abdication of calls for political power, civil rights, and the education of youth.
Washington’s vision was more compelling because of the prevailing social and economic situation. At the time, violence and rioting was the only way of ending segregation. However, it would have been unproductive for African Americans to engage in wars with the whites. They had already won after President Lincoln abolished slavery. Washington’s vision centered on showing the whites how valuable African Americans were, and the role they would play in the social and economic development of the American society. This goal would be attained through self-improvement with education and a focus on activities that would bring economic advancement. Washington understood that at a certain point in time, it was imperative to stop rioting and work toward economic and social advancement.
This stand is relevant in contemporary society because racism is still an issue that is hotly debated. Racial equality has not yet been achieved and African Americans are fighting to prove that they are as capable and important as the whites in the social and economic development of American society. It is only through hard work, education, and success in business that African Americans have proven their invaluable role in American society. Washington’s sentiments ring true in today’s society because focusing on commerce has been a more effective strategy for fostering social and economic development than agitating for rights and justice through violence and riots.
References
DuBois, W. E. B. (1907). The Soul of Black Folk. A. C. McClurg & Company.
Rodriguez, J. P. (2007). Slavery in the United States: A social, political, and historical encyclopedia, volume 1. ABC-CLIO.
Washington, B. T. (1895). Atlanta Exposition Address.