Asked by TIFFANY GRANT on May 15, 2024

verifed

Verified

Analyze the theories of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois as each applies to the story of Jack Johnson.

Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was an influential African American educator, author, orator, and advisor to presidents of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who advocated for African American advancement through education and entrepreneurship.

W.E.B DuBois

An American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist who was a leading figure in the fight for African American rights and co-founder of the NAACP.

Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson was the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion, known for his groundbreaking career and challenges to racial barriers in the early 20th century.

  • Comprehend the philosophical distinctions and impacts of principal individuals and movements within the Progressive Era, such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and the feminist movement.
verifed

Verified Answer

ZK
Zybrea KnightMay 21, 2024
Final Answer :
Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois were two prominent African American leaders and thinkers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their theories and approaches to addressing racial inequality in America differed significantly, and their ideas can be applied to the story of Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion.

Booker T. Washington believed in a gradual approach to achieving racial equality. He emphasized vocational education and economic self-sufficiency for African Americans, believing that by proving their worth through hard work and economic success, they could eventually gain social and political equality. This approach can be seen in Jack Johnson's story, as he achieved success and fame through his boxing career, becoming a wealthy and influential figure in American society. Washington's emphasis on economic empowerment and individual achievement aligns with Johnson's personal success in the face of racial discrimination.

On the other hand, W.E.B. Du Bois advocated for immediate and full civil rights for African Americans. He believed in the importance of higher education and intellectual advancement for the black community, as well as the need for political and social activism to combat racial injustice. Du Bois' theory can be applied to Jack Johnson's story in the sense that Johnson faced significant racial discrimination and backlash from white society, particularly due to his relationships with white women. Du Bois would have likely seen Johnson's defiance of racial norms and his refusal to conform to societal expectations as a form of resistance against racial oppression.

In conclusion, the theories of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois offer different perspectives on how to address racial inequality, and both can be applied to the story of Jack Johnson. Washington's emphasis on economic empowerment and individual success aligns with Johnson's personal achievements, while Du Bois' focus on immediate civil rights and resistance to racial oppression can be seen in Johnson's defiance of societal norms.