Booker T. Washington asked the white people for help not equality. Booker T. Washington believed that they would not make it anywhere in society if they focused on just equality. Booker T. Washington wanted to have blacks trained for society and real life situations, he believed that was way more important to be street smart and learn real life situation than be book smart . He wanted the African Americans to have land and vocational skill so they are able to hold on to jobs and have income and support . He wanted job education for blacks so they could learn how to do their jobs and do it properly.
Washington’s views on "racial progress" were that offered black acquiescence in disenfranchisement and social segregation if whites would back the idea of black progress in education, agriculture, and economics. Agriculture to Washington was one of the soul ideas of his "racial progress" theory. Washington argued that the focus of African-Americans should be education on a trade so that they could be taught the skills they needed to be able to open up their own businesses. That would lead to African-Americans to create jobs for other African-Americans. Washington felt blacks shouldn’t worry about winning civil rights, but rather have some kind of economic stability first.
African Americans have the power to succeed in the classroom on their own determination. Not only do they succeed in the classroom, but it also helps them learn acceptance and tolerance for people different from themselves which will play a role in higher education and the workplace. In today’s society African Americans are employed and owners in diverse careers. Before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there were only certain jobs that African Americans were allowed to work. Many Caucasian Americans believed a completely fallacious myth
Washington preferred a gradual incline of black involvement and acceptance, whereas DuBois preferred immediate direct action. DuBois tried to get African Americans to be involved in politics for this would be the only way their freedoms would be maintained and that could gain influence in society. Carter Woodson states that without political involvement, they would “lose ground in the basic things of life,” (Doc I). DuBois says that the original democratic system does not exist anymore; a caste system replaced it with the white men on top, who try to diminish the civil liberties of those below them, the blacks (Doc F). Dubois’s solution is that African Americans must constantly fight and argue for what they desire in order to ever gain their rights (Doc E).
America is portrayed as a land with a bright future that needs the people suffering from the injustices to fight for what they deserve. It is up to those who are underprivileged to stand up and fight for their rights. Those who are living the American dream are not going to willingly give up their own freedom and rights to give it to other groups, who they see as undeserving. Contrary to their belief, all Americans are worthy of the American dream under the United States Constitution. It states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
DBQ – WASHINGTON VS DUBOIS Booker T Washington and W.E.B DuBois offered different strategies for dealing with the problems of poverty and discrimination faced by black Americans at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. Although both men hoped to eventually achieve the same goals – social, political and economic equality for blacks – their proposed methods of achieving these aims were almost contradictory. Both helped blacks to make some strides, but perhaps the times called for a more united stand. Washington’s basic philosophy was to work within the system, and gain economic strength. He urged blacks to first achieve economic power through education in industrial areas, believing that with economic equality came the power to bring social and political freedoms as well.
How far had racial equality been achieved by 1965? The Civil Rights campaign was put in place in order to end racial discrimination and to open up equality to black citizens in the United States. Campaigning tactics included non-violent protesting, civil disobedience and legal action through courts. By doing so they would be improving the lives of millions, but in order to achieve this goal they had to meet the basic needs of black American's. In order for racial equality to exist, African Americans must feel as though their needs had been met.
At the time of his speech African Americans were not free, while the Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equal. Dr. King’s vision of social health established that there is an American dream and it is achievable no matter what race, and the idea that somebody can be anything they want to be. King also points out that all men deserved life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The documents of the “Declaration of Independence” did not recognize blacks and women for 100 years prior to being signed by Abraham Lincoln . These documents were filled with broken promises and were a waste of paper, because it included rights that did not apply to every human being.
The strength of the African American culture lies within its ability to rely on itself, which, one can argue, can be a successful model (Dressler et al. 2008). However, with this reliance comes an attachment to old school mentalities of thinking. For example, if heart disease was not a problem for a previous generation, then there is no incentive to educate future generations about the dangers and risks. This mentality is very evident in the mentality of modern African American communities (Dressler et al., 2008).
Martin Luther King Jr. Analysis Discrimination between blacks and whites was a huge problem in America in the mid 1900s. The public speech, “I Have a Dream,” expressed by Martin Luther King Jr. on August 28, 1963, is recognized as one of the best speeches ever given because of its strong persuasive techniques. Its main points called for racial equality, freedom, and an end to discrimination. Martin Luther King Jr. is best known for his persuasion skills through nonviolent methods and teachings that greatly influence his audience into thinking certain ways.