An interesting note here is that the ORIGINAL title of the text above was “The Atlanta Exposition Speech” and it is in the book (on pages 716-719 IN 9th Edition; pages 703-706). However, many versions (like Whitman) of this speech were made (both in his Autobiography, which is what is in the text) and actual CONVENTIONS (which is the selection attached here). It was re-named “Compromise” by Dubois of all people (who was NOT fond of Washington and felt he COMPROMISED to much to appease his white audience). Even though we are not reading this part of Dubois work either, it’s important to note that in his FAMOUS 1903 work The Souls of Black Folks, he has a whole chapter dedicated to BTW and his angst about BTW’s approach on the black politic (this is a theoretical phrasing). In Chapter III: Of Mr. Booker T. Washington and Others, he posits that Washington “…represents in Negro thought the old attitude of adjustment and submission…” (932) and the pages of the text are pages 927-936. Washington died, before he could respond to his critics. But, what is important to note is that BOTH were diametrically opposed in thought about who would lead (Called The Talented Tenth by Dubois and sometimes a question that pops up in the PRAXIS exam https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/who-really-invented-the-talented-tenth/) African Americans, politically, economically and socially at the turn of the century.
***When writing your DB posts, make sure that you use the terminology African-American. DO NOT USE “Negro” or other negative terminology UNLESS you are directly citing the text. In other words, I only want to see the word pop up in a QUOTE not in your words.***
1) Washington and Dubois (African-American Progress)
Discuss and analyze two statements (one from Washington’s Speech and one from Dubois essay) which offer differing viewpoints on their political stances for African American progress. This one requires different quotes from everyone. No 2 people should use the same quotes, unless they have a different interpretations for the quotes their peers chose.
2) Washington and Dubois (Language)
Examine and critique the use of language (diction) and the differences in both works.
For example, Dubois uses words like “foul”, “tainted”, “sordid” petty” etc. Washington uses words like “progress” “humble”, “devotion” Using your own examples (CITE BOTH OF THE WORKS), consider the significance of language (within speeches) and what the intent of the two authors may be with their use of language.
Helpful links:
https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/ Booker T. Washington “The Atlanta Compromise Speech”
https://www.bartleby.com/lit-hub/the-souls-of-black-folk/of-the-wings-of-atalanta/ W.E.B Dubois “Of the Wings of Atalanta
Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois: The Conflict (A quick 3-minute PBS video)
https://ny.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/bf10.socst.us.indust.bookert/booker-t-washington-and-web-du-bois-the-conflict/
The Debate Between W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/debate-w-e-b-du-bois-and-booker-t-washington/
P.S PLEASE ONLY USE THE SOURCES I HAVE PROVIDED AND NOTHING ELSE THANK YOU!