Just thought that I'd post this here since I put the effort in to write it: In the early days of the Civil rights movement, there were two very prominent men who each had their own ideas about civil rights. One of these men, W.B. Dubois, believed that colored people should be equal to whites. The other man, Booker T. Washington, believed that blacks should earn their place, and should act as partners to white people. Dubois and washington both gave speeches on their points of view about black rights.
W.B. Dubois’s speech and Booker T Washington's speeches had a few similarities. One of these similarities was that they could be targeted at both whites and blacks. This is backed by the demands stated in lines 28 through 63 in Dubois’s speech. They call out to blacks to fight for these demands, and at whites so that they know that equality among races is being fought for. It is also proven in lines 40 through 42 of Washington's speech, where he states, “...were I permitted I would repeat what I say to my own race, ‘Cast down your bucket where you are.’ Cast it down among the eight millions of Negroes whose habits you know...” Another similarity between these speeches is that they are both aiming for the betterment of the quality of life of blacks. This is evidenced in Dubois’s speech in lines 17-18 where it is stated, “We will not be satisfied to take one jot or tittle [a small amount] less than our full manhood rights.” The movement won't stop until the quality of life is equal to that of whites. They are determined to make the 20th century a century of change. The aim for improvement is also backed in lines 8-10 where it is stated that, “One-third of the population of the south is of the Negro race. No enterprise seeking the material, civil, or moral welfare of this section can disregard this element of our population and reach the highest success.” He hopes to make businesses and governments understand the potential of blacks in order to further their quality of life.
Dubois and Washington's speeches have differences as well. One of these differences is that Dubois is more bold and Washington is more conservative in his approach to civil rights. This is evidenced in the demands already mentioned in Dubois’s speech. “In detail our demands are clear and unequivocal. ” this shows that Dubois is bold and means what he says. He isn't going to back down. Evidence for Washington comes in lines 10-13 where it is stated “I but convey to you, Mr. President and Directors, the sentiment of the masses of my race when I say to you in no way have the value and manhood of the American Negro been more fittingly and generously recognized than by the managers of this magnificent exposition at every state of it's progress.” Washington is trying to please the directors, president, and white people. He wanted to gain progress through talking pleasingly. Another difference is that Dubois wants more than Washington when it comes to rights. This is proven in lines 17-18 as previously quoted, “We will not be satisfied to take one jot or tittle [a small amount] less than our full manhood rights.”Dubois wants blacks to have the same rights as whites. Washington can be proven to not want as much because in lines 13-14 he states that he wants a friendship, rather than having the races be equal and as one. “It is a recognition that will do more to cement the friendship of the two races than any occurrence since the dawn of our freedom…”
In conclusion, Washington and Dubois have similarities in their speeches, as well as differences. They share a common goal in the advancement of civil rights, but have different ideas on what that means
