The Souls of Black Folks 1 & 3: W.E.B. DuBoisCH. 1:
1. What does it mean to be a “problem”? Explain the circumstances under which Du Bois first realized that he was a “problem.”
2. Discuss and describe the concept of “the Veil.” What is it?
3. According to Du Bois, why is prejudice such a problem?
CH. 3:
4. According to Du Bois in Chapter III, what two kinds of groups oppose Washington’s philosophy?
5. What is the “triple paradox” of Washington’s career, and why does it exist, according to Du Bois in Chapter III?
6. Du Bois originally published his writing in 1903. In the text he states: To-day even the attitude of the Southern whites toward the blacks is not, as so many assume, in all case the same; the ignorant Southerner hates the Negro, the workingmen fear his competition, the moneymakers wish to use him as a laborer, some of the educated see a menace in his upward development, while others—usually the sons of masters—wish to help him to rise.” Explain how applicable this statement is today and why you feel that way.
What did W.E.B DuBois mean by this quote:
“An American, a Negro… two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.”