Saturday, February 6, 2010
W.E.B. Du Bois view of an American struggle
In his essay “Of Our Spiritual Strivings” Du Bois lays down an outline for the history of the African American. He opens with a story from his childhood and how it transforms his view on life; wanting to be the best and live above it all in a “region of blue sky.” After some time and growth that view slowly fades. Through Du Bois’ travels and schoolings he gains an understanding of why the African American faces the struggles they do. He objectively explains with deep insight the path that has taken them from pre-Emancipation to post voting rights. He does not seem to argue about who is best, or who is right or wrong, only the struggle to simply “be both a Negro and an American.” Before reading this essay I had only seen W.E.B. Du Bois' name in print and never read anything of his. I am now encouraged to read more of his works
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My Thoughts About W.E.B. DuBois's
ReplyDelete"Of Our Spiritual Strivings"
This was a very powerful story of one black mans struggle to open the nations and the worlds eyes to the unfairness of 'freedom to all' in Ameirca, of that time. He came from Europe with a double vision, a vast veil he called it. The difference to see the awards that awaited the educated and trained work force and society of America.And the poverty and disrespect and turmoil that awaited the poorer newly freed slave families of early 1900's and late 1800's America. He taught in great schools such as Atlanta University and studied around the world. He even travelled to Germany to speak up for the unfair treatment of the Jewish community. He opened peoples hearts and minds. He was clever with his scholar and views and used his views to broaden others. Thank you for your time to listen. By; Marshall Robinson
In the beginning, did anyone else get a sense that he liked the idea that he was different? He looked forward to beating the other children and felt better because someone different, an underdog if you will, beat everyone else. But then he realizes that because he is different, no matter how good he is at something, he is never going to have the opportunity. That was probably my favorite part because I have felt like that, and I know a lot of people that feel that way. But it only makes us try harder.
ReplyDeleteThrough historical facts and depression of African Americans, W.E.B. DuBois' talks of how difficult it is for the them to strive in American society. In his personal endeavor, Du Bois' asks the question of "how does it feel to be a problem?" He lists lack of Education and self awareness to be of significant importance in succeeding. I was very intrigued at how he talked about being viewed through the eyes of outsiders and having two consciousness. This opened my eyes to see what he meant to be an African American at the time and what it took to for them to strive. His ability to give insight on this meticulous subject should be greatly useful and appreciated by his readers.
ReplyDeleteW.E.B. Du Bois gives a great description of the conflicts that African Americans went through while searching for freedom and equality. Even though they were free, there was still the feeling that they were not equal. Du Bois states this very powerfully when he says '...shut out from their world by a vast veil'. This statement really opened my eyes in what a struggle it must have been for an African American to be free, but not to have an opportunity to be successful.
ReplyDeleteestrada... that was my favorite part of the story as well.
ReplyDeleteW.E.B. Du Bois' story just shows no matter your struggles and road blocks you can become what you want to become. This story is encouraging, it tells of the struggles African Americans encountered but from a successful educated African American. His story shows how he and others overcame the horrible times for African Americans. Although racism still exists this story can encourage those dealing with it in today's society to push forward and let nothing stop them.
ReplyDeleteDu Bois
ReplyDeleteDu Bois had to work very hard to become a very prominent writer. His books mostly concentrated African Americans as either slavery or freed people. He wanted to prove the world how difficult it is to be Slavery and then to be freed people, when there is a very less opportunity for growth.
I liked the way he compared the freed people with little opportunity and little chance to succeed with wealthy, trained and well established people. And I also liked the way he created a very good example to support the above comparison by saying, “handicapped people not to be asked to race with the world, but rather allowed to give time to its own problem”.
W.E.B Du Bois was strong person in general because he stuck with everything and it got him to be the person he became. He had many support from people that helped him through the difficult time. He continue to go to school and graduated from high school, then went to college and got his Ph.D in history. Even thought the time was difficult being African Americans because the was dealing with racism, prejudice and etc., but Du Bois was still encourage to get his education. This was a good story because it showed the problems that the African Americans was going through before. He knew it was hard but it never stop him to stop, but it gave him more courage to go forward and become a better person.
ReplyDeleteReading about W.E.B Du Bois gives me a better outlook,on how he felt being a African American man,during the late 1800's,to mid 1900's.Being Black myself in socity today,I was very impressed to know that W.E.B Du Bois,was one of the founder of the NAACP.It also tells me,that besides his top Education and Political background,he was very opinionated.He was considered a "Preceptor" to the African American Community,during that time.Why? Because he took sides in every major debate.Given that its Black History Month,this story really falls into place for me.I like that fact that W.E.B Du Bois"Insisted that Blacks should strive for full social and political equality." To fast foward to today, a good example of that is President Obama being in the White House.
ReplyDeleteReading What W.E.B has to say about how African Americans were not given the same freedoms as white people in this country at the time of the 1800's really did open my eyes. Du Bois truly focues on the fact that their needs to be social change in this country but the thing that I noticed is that he doesnt cry about it he just says what is the problem among the black community and he wants change. As you read on in this passage he hints at the fact that he wants both white people and black people to get along and share common soil among America. I still think that we still havent reached that point yet what do you think?
ReplyDeleteThe double-consciousness Du Bois speaks of is true for many. The desire to merge the double self into a true self while keeping the old identity intact.
ReplyDelete