Washington's Views On Freedom, By Booker T. Washington

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Booker T. Washington was one of the most influential African American writer on the issue of racial discrimination and freedom for African Americans. Washington was born in franklin county Virginia, not knowing his father. He described his growing up as the most “miserable, desolate, and discouraging surrounding” (570). In his speeches for freedom, Washington suggested that the best way to ensure progress is for white people to allow people of color to work their way upwards. After his speech, “African Americans embraced Washington as their champion and adopted his autobiography, up from slavery as their guide to better future” (570). On the other hand, there were many people who disagreed with Washington’s view on freedom. One of them was W.E.B. Du Bois who demanded immediate equality for black people. According to Du Bois, he claimed that “ideas not slogans, principles not personalities were essential to the eradication of the many forms of bigotry and inequality that had perverted what he called “the ideal of human brotherhood” in America” (686). Du bois focused on book smart as the best way for blacks to be free and also be able to earn good living like whites. Both writers have different vision on how to end racial discrimination and regain freedom for blacks. Nevertheless, both authors showed some weakness and strength in their opposition. Even though they very completely have different opinions, their choices made a great impact in black society and they will never be forgotten. First of all, Washington was born in slavery, in his book up from slave, he expressed his view on slavery is based on his life experience. To Washington, African Americans have no place in the society, in other to move upwards, he “encourages th... ... middle of paper ... ...equal: that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (708). Du Bois voice spoke what every African American wished to obtain; which is the right to be free of slavery. On the other hand, Du Bois’s weakness was that his approach came off as aggressive. He felt that blacks should not wait to be told their rights and that it’s something they deserve. He believed that blacks do not have to show that they are/can be useful in the society. In conclusion, although both men did not work through the same system of approach, they involvement and commitment had a great impact on freedom of blacks. Booker T Washington started with short term reward, which was African Americans fighting their way up whereas Du Bois was more focused on the long term reward which is encouraging education.

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