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Souls of Black Folk

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Submitted By coritsidisg
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George Coritsidis
History 210/AAS 290
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 should exist between "standards of lower training" and the "standards of human culture and lofty ideals of life." Unlike Washington’s desire for black to independently rise separate from white culture, Du Bois aspires for the ultimate abolition of the social color-line which is a more contemporary and idealistic thought. “The problem of the

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