Premium Essay

Du Bois

In:

Submitted By regaloo
Words 507
Pages 3
“The worker must work for the glory of his handiwork, not simply for pay; the thinker must think for the truth, not for fame. And all this is gained…by ceaseless training and education” (Du Bois 7).
I. In The Souls of Black Folk (Of the Wings of Atalanta), W. E. B. Du Bois expounds on the city of Atlanta, and how the black and white people are beginning to coexist. In addition, he relates the city of Atlanta with the tale of the Greek goddess—Atalanta. As the text continues, Du Bois elaborates on society’s obsession with wealth as well as the importance and crucial need of education. However, according to Du Bois, society chooses to be educated for the wrong reasons, which is where the quote comes in to play. Du Bois believes that one should not desire education for wealth or fame etc., but for the sake of becoming a richer and more prosperous character. In addition to this, Du Bois concentrates on the education of the black people in society and how the black people need to recognize their worth and that they are able. As a result, Du Bois presents his concept, the veil, which shows the black people’s insight. Overall, their skin color is obviously a major, obvious difference from the whites, but also they are taught to have a double consciousness. This means that the black people are taught to have the conceptual framework of a white person. However, it is difficult for them to view through the eyes of a white person when they hate the blacks.
II. In response to Du Bois’s overall opinion on education, I could not agree more. As Du Bois states that “the thinker must think for the truth, not for fame,” this makes me think about our modern culture. Especially in today’s society, we are taught from birth to be greedy and hungry for wealth because that is all that surrounds us. Look at our media nowadays; Kardashians, Donald Trump, Drake—the list can go on for

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Du Dubois Du Bois Analysis

...Throughout this story Du Bois, the set the narrative of his story life of facing these two separated worlds that he lives in. He shows us the claims of being the problem that he’s affecting of whites folks. And the downheartedness that he received from the life as not being the same as like the others. The first Claim, Du explained, that he was being a problem throughout these two worlds from being different from the whites. This shows why he stated: ‘’They Said, I know an excellent colored man in my town; or I thought at Mechanicsville; or, do not these southern outrages make your blood boil?’’ (Lines 4-6) It shows that he was being controlled on what to do and trying not to show resistant towards these people. Meanwhile, he thought that...

Words: 536 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Biography, Race Theory and Conflicts of W.E.B. Du Bois

...Theory and Conflict of W.E.B. Du Bois” Eric Anderson Paine College Abstract From the late 1890s through the 1940s, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the leading black theorists and a major factor of equal rights for blacks in the United States. At a time when many black Americans sought to improve their status by adapting to the ideals of white society and tolerating discrimination and segregation, W.E.B. Du Bois was a constant proponent of unconditional equal and civil rights for all blacks. As a social scientist, he was also a pioneer in documenting historical and social truths about blacks in the United States . W.E.B. Du Bois introduce the idea of double consciousness, an ideology that defines African Americans seeking to reconcile two different cultures that create their modern identity. Although Du Bois spoke of double consciousness in early twentieth century, the problem continues to affect many African Americans today. This research will give analyze the biography, race theory and conflicts of W.E.B. Du Bois. W. E. B. Du Bois 1868–1963 “Social Scientist, Political Activist, Author, Editor, and Educator” From the late 1890s through the 1940s, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the leading black theorists and a major factor of equal rights for blacks in the United States. At a time when many black Americans sought to improve their status by adapting to the ideals of white society and tolerating discrimination and segregation, W.E.B. Du Bois was a constant proponent of unconditional...

Words: 1402 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Du Bois

...Du Bois wrote more like an accomplished novelist than a sociologist. Each year in between 1896 and 1914 Du Bois pu8blished a book on relations between African Americans and whites and that’s how he started with publications. Some of his well-known and famous books or major autobiographies are “The Philadelphia Negro” (1899), “The Souls of Black Folk” (1903), “Black Reconstruction” (19350) and “Then and Now” (1939). He still went on to wrote so many influential books which had impact in the black communities and population before his death. • Sociology as scientific method Sociological research is the scientific means of acquiring information about various aspects of society and social behavior. So in general sociology bases some of its fact through science. Sociology as a scientific method can be described as an accurate and unbiased collection and analysis of social data, using systematic observation, conducting experiments and also exhibit skepticism. • Micro and Macro and Sociological perspective There are two types of sociological theories: macro and micro. Macro theories focus on the society as a whole and aim at establishing the general characteristics of the society. It is basically looking at the society as a whole and looking at a bigger picture. It aims to answer three basic questions: • What holds the societies together? • What are the sources of conflict in a society? • How do societies change? There are two branches of macro-sociological theories:...

Words: 495 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Du Bois

...I enjoyed this weekly reading by Du Bois. It spoke to me, and I think that it is extremely relatable in today’s society. The idea of this veil separating black people from white people in our nation is clearly visible today. On a quick side note, I am really amazed at the progression of the materials in this course! I feel that the subject area of each week’s individual can be related to the previous week, but also brings forth a new topic. That being said, my feelings toward Du Bois’ work and the idea of the veil that separates humanity is a recurring theme in my meditations. Today’s world is a place where people of different races and ethnicities are treated different from one another, solely based upon these genetic differences. The media spotlight has been on the discrimination and racism that black people face, and has resulted in a movement promoting the equal treatment and prosperity of black individuals. From police wearing body cameras on the job to ensure ethical and fair treatment of individuals, to black people being kicked out of certain political rallies, today’s world is still in a place where racism exists. I feel that there are just more reasons and excuses for it to exist in society today, and that’s why it is still going on. Du Bois says that black individuals live two separate lives: one in the black world, and one in the white world. I do agree with this statement, but I do think that it is applicable in the reverse sense as well. Individuals always...

Words: 686 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Comparison Of W. E. B. Du Bois And Booker T. Washington

...Writers W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington can both be considered two of the greatest leaders of the 19th and the 20th century to the African American community, depending on whom you agree with. Though, these two were considered leaders they had a large disagreement for which we like to call the “great debate” for the lack of better words. This debate between the two men were over strategies for blacks as it related to social and economic progress. Many have heard that there are two ways to skin a cat. This will describe Washington’s approach to achieving the better life for blacks and W.E.B. Du Bois as well. I think they wanted similar things for African Americans, they just went about it in two different ways. In order to truly understand them we must examine the differences of the two men, as I believe the ways for which we live, what we have experienced, and how we grow up does affect our decisions, thought process, and over all beliefs and goals....

Words: 2035 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Web Du Bois Soapstone

...W.E.B. Du Bois SOAPSTone * Subject * In this text, W.E.B. Du Bois analyzes Booker T. Washington’s views on race in America. Du Bois acknowledges many of Washington’s accomplishments, such as how Washington began Tuskegee University and how Washington could cater to both the Northerners and the Southerners. On the contrary to praising him, Du Bois also subtly criticizes how Washington approaches dealing with racism. Washington believes that Blacks should be submissive rather than challenge the White people. Washington asks the Blacks to give up three things, political power, insistence on civil rights, and higher education of Negro youth. Du Bois then goes on to show the results of Washington’s ideals, such as the disenfranchisement of the Negro, civil inferiority of the Negro, and the withdrawal of aid from Negro institutions. Du bois debates that if these factors continue to be present, African Americans will not be able to make political or economic progress, and problems with race will never resolve. He also says that the Blacks cannot completely blame the South for what they have done in the past, being that some Southerners in the present day are not bad people. Du Bois encourages the Black people to stand up for their rights. Just because Washington is a well-know figure and leader in the Black community, African Americans should not let Whites devalue their race. Blacks should work hard to bring up their name, not sit aside and be subservient to the Whites...

Words: 717 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

W.E.B. Du Bois and His Image of Race

...W.E.B. Du Bois’ “Double Consciousness” How Race, Stereotypes and Prejudices influence the life of a Negro Wordcount: 3791 Table of Contents  1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 2 2. Contributing areas that lead to W.E.B. Du Bois´s “Double Consciousness”.................... 4 2.1 Race, Stereotypes and Prejudices ................................................................................ 4 2.2 Double Consciousness, the Veil and the Color-Line ................................................... 7 2.3 Du Bois´s change in use of “Double Consciousness” ................................................. 9 3. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 10    1. Introduction   W.E.B. Du Bois divides the world´s population into three groups; he distinguishes the white race, the black race and the yellow race as the bigger “families of human beings” 1 . According to Du Bois, these races cannot be solely distinguished by their scientifically proven deviances, as those incongruences do not influence the inner cohesion and the lasting duration of each racial group. Furthermore, he appoints every race a unique role which contributes to the welfare of the world. Therefore, he urges the ‘Negros’ to cut the bonds of suppression from the whites and deliver their message rightfully. 2 He argues...

Words: 4445 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Souls of Black Folk

...Professor Spivey The Souls of Black Folk Analysis II The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois is a powerful literary piece that expresses what consequences hatred and segregation can have on the black population living in the south. Du Bois makes it clear what profuse determination and inner power black people must have in order to overcome and resist the “Veil” of oppression. This Veil contributes greatly to Du Bois sense of resentment towards white society and the strong schism that exists between white and black lives in America. The power of education is a prevalent theme and message to fellow blacks throughout The Souls of Black Folk. Over time the “Negro ideal” shifts from simply desiring freedom, to a political demand for voting equality with the 15th amendment, and ultimately graduating to the push for education. “Slowly but steadily, in the following years, a new vision began gradually to replace the dream of political power, ---a powerful movement, the rise of another ideal to guide the unguided…it was the ideal of book learning.” In Du Bois’ mind, blacks educating themselves is an absolute necessity if they wished complete with the oppressive white society on an intellectual level. Education and book learning to him is far more important and effective even the Emancipation law itself. Education would help black ultimate lift “the Veil” of oppression. Blacks for Du Bois should not be taught merely to earn money and simply make a living for their family. A balance...

Words: 843 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Where Have You Been

...W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington were both black right activists. They both had received an education, they also believed in the importance of education and moving their race forward. Both being born in the U.S. they had both faced segregation and discrimination, but both had different approaches on how to go about fixing these problems.     Washington was born as a slave in Virginia. Although he had worked as a slave, he was determined to receive and education. Later in life, he was one of the most influential men for black rights and had founded Tuskegee University in Alabama. He believed that black people had to accomodate to the white people to receive respect and rights for his race; to be an accommodationist. His most famous speech "The Atlanta Compromise" had been a staple of his beliefs; 'Cast down your bucket where you are,' work behind the scenes, adjust to segregation, and abondon agitation. "It was about black people working but on white peoples terms" (Rivalry, 1:42).     One of those ways to 'accomodate' was for African Americans to get an education in agricultural farming. To learn normal farming skills rather than trying to become a doctor or lawyer. When Plessy V. Ferguson had deemed segregation constitutional the ruling "reinforced Washington's view that African Americans had best concentrate on economic progress, not legal and political equality. Frugality, intergrity, and job skills... would bring success in the only areas in which black Americans...

Words: 593 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Homwork

...During this discussion I will be discussing W.E.B. Du Bois and Little Rock Nine and how each topic he shaped African American History. W.E.B. Du Bois William Burghardt Du Bois; better known as W.E.B. Du Bois, was born on September 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts in a community which was predominately white. There were about 5,000 whites to 50 blacks. Born to Mary and Alfred Du Bois, he was raised to believe that hard work was the key to success. In 1884, he graduated from high school at the top of his class, made up of thirteen people with him being the only African American. Even though Du Bois could not attend Harvard as he always dreamed was excited to be accepted into Fisk University. It was an all-black university located in Nashville, Tennessee. His response to being accepted into Fisk was, “I was going into the South; the South of slavery, rebellion, and black folk; above all, I was going to meet colored people of my own age and education, of my own ambitions.” (Himan, 2005) Attending Fisk was a risk for Du Bois. He was not exposed to this sort of treatment and was shocked at how unrestricted whites were on how they treated African Americans. The more he discovered about the injustices African Americans suffered, the prouder he became of his own heritage. He graduated from Fisk with honors and received a scholarship to attend Harvard. During his years at Harvard he developed the theory racism was caused by ignorance. In 1895, he was the first...

Words: 998 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Argumentative Essay

...Line, part of the Back-to-Africa movement, which promoted the return of the African Migration to their ancestral lands (BBC History). William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born February 23rd, 1868 and died August 27th, 1963. He was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, and editor. Born in western Massachusetts, Du Bois grew up in a tolerant community and experienced little racism as a child. After graduating from Harvard, where he was the first African American to earn a doctorate, he became a professor of history, sociology, and economics at Atlanta University. Du Bois was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 (Bibliography.com). Booker T. Washington was born April 5th, 1856 and died November 14th, 1915. Booker Taliaferro Washington was the foremost black educator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also had a major influence on southern race relations and was the dominant figure in black public affairs from 1895 until his death in 1915 (PBS.Org). Marcus Garvey was right in wanting the Negro people of the world to concentrate upon building up for themselves a great nation in Africa but, I feel that better opportunities for advancement presented themselves in the western hemisphere. W.E.B Du Bois...

Words: 1323 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Black History

...E.B Du Bois Sociology is the study of group behavior through the use of scientific investigation and research (Vissing, 2011). This class has shown so many different views on sociology. It explains how different people see society and how they live and interact with them. My theorist of choice is W.E.B Du Bois, because he laid down the foundation for the study of black sociology and the work of scholars such as E. Franklin Frazier (Vissing, 2011). In this paper I will discuss why I feel that W.E.B Du Bois views align with my personal views. W.E.B Du Bois real name is William Edwards Burghardt and was born February 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Du bois was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor. Du Bois grew up in a tolerant community and experienced little racism as a child. He was the first African American to earn a doctorate at Harvard University. Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim were widely recognized as the trinity of sociological theory. These three were trailblazing social theorists, who enhance the study of human behavior and its relationships to social institutions. There was one more scholar that they didn’t mention by the name W.E.B Du Bois. Du Bois was a political and literary giant of the 20th century. Du Bois also published over twenty books and thousands of essay and articles throughout his life. Phil Zuckerman was the editor of The Social Theory of W.E.B Du Bois...

Words: 944 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

W. E. B. Dubois Research Paper

...William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was one of the most important people of the 1900-1940 eras. He inspired and influenced so much people, with diversity and how color doesn’t define who you truly are. Du Bois had very powerful words and thoughts. W.E.B. Du Bois was a very strong and smart educator. He was well educated. Du Bois graduated from an Ivy League College. He was the first African American to earn a doctorate. He gives us a good example and goal. Du Bois Graduated from three universities, Fisk University, Harvard University, and University of Berlin. He founded the National Association Advancement Colored People and supported Pan-Africanism. He taught students and adults worldwide lessons. Du Bois taught sociology, politics, and history. He published very famous and influential pieces in NAACP. He wrote a book called “Philadelphia Negro”. His book was the first scientific social study. The Philadelphia Negro was based on the field work Du Bois did in 1896-1897....

Words: 418 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

W. E. B Dubois Double Consciousness Analysis

...By using the term “double consciousness” W.E.B. Du Bois most almost implies that when one is in America being whatever other race than white they have this other side to them that separates them from being American. For instance, if a white individual is in America they are most almost taken a gander at as basically an American, however say somebody of Asian plunge is in America they will be given the mark "Asian American" which clarifies the twofold awareness of W.E.B. Du Bois' thought. The two sides of a man, in America who is not 100% white. In this paper he finds himself able to further clarify this thought by explaining that “this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring...

Words: 416 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Du'Bois vs Washington

...Ruston Christian Professor Smith English 2020 25 November 2014 Du Bois’ and Washington: The Rivalry Both W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington were great African American leaders and writers during the beginning of the 20th century. Booker T. Washington’s “Up from Slavery” provides a great depiction of his experience with slavery and he also expresses his views on education and ways to enhance the citizenship of blacks in society. W.E.B Dubois’ Souls of Black Folk exemplifies the contradictions of the South during that time and he also criticizes Booker T. Washington’s views on racial uplifting and education concept. Now the question stands as follows: Was W.E.B Dubois’ criticism towards Washington unfair or accurate? Well, Dubois’ criticisms towards Washington was both accurate and unfair, but mostly accurate. Up From Slavery depicts Booker T. Washington as both an accommodationist and a realist whom tries to strategize ways for blacks to make it out the struggle even though race relations were at its lowest point at the time. The autobiography also describes in detail his gradual and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the trials and tribulations he had to conquer to attain an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools such as the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and to helping black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up out of the...

Words: 1282 - Pages: 6