Chapter 3 (2 page lit response)

In this chapter, I feel that both men wanted to steer the African-American family in a direction of prosperity, self-respect, higher learning, and of course equability. The tension that became the problem for these two influential black man to stand on both sides was that they had completely two different vision to seeing and going about in making their caused a reality.For instance, Booker T. Washington felt the power of industry and the working labor of the black man could provide extraordinary advancement in life of the then freed slaves. However, W.E.B. Du Bois was passionate on the development of the black man mentality to higher intellect in order to require and obtain the greatest fruits of life. These powerful men clashed idealism and purpose for a better tomorrow of the then freed slaves and both men passionately acquire the equal share of supporters in their quest to present their message across and to be heard effectively.

Du Bois clearly describes his cause for his position against Booker T. Washington stating:
“Mr. Washington represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment and submission; but adjustment at such a peculiar time as to make his program unique. This is an age of unusual economic development, and Mr. Washington’s program naturally takes an economic cast, becoming a gospel of Work and Money to such an extent as apparently almost completely to overshadow the higher aims of life.
Moreover, this is an age when the more advance races are coming in closer contact with the less developed races and the race-feeling is therefore intensified; and Mr. Washington’s program practically accepts the alleged inferiority of the Negro races.”In my viewpoint of the issues raised by W.E.B. Du Bois is recalling the different approaches by black leaders during my lifetime. Although, times have somewhat changed from the era of Du Bois and Booker T. Washington that outlined their mission to direct the then freed slaves in the right direction. I fully understand Du Bois position and preferred his way of addressing the issue of education verses the development of skilled labor in industry.A person must develop the mind to a higher level of understanding in order for one to successfully choose wisely. There was a time that trying to obtain education was forbidden and truly hinders any soul wishing to prosper greatly in the unknown world. In addition, Booker T. Washington approach seemed to understand the tension of those times of much violence; therefore, looking at his way of addressing the advancement of black folks is understood ; the objective for the freed slaves to focus on land and property in order to claim their rightful stake of opportunity.

Finally, I think both black men were correct because both of them wanted the same result…the very best for black folks. They just had two different mapped out paths in getting there. But I truly loved them both for making history and standing up to speak on the injustices and most importantly writing so superbly in powerful essays that I can enjoy the importance of their higher understanding.