The Souls of Black Folk Response

By no means in society has oppression ever stood as acceptable. For those who dominate, they see themselves as gods of the new world and seek nothing more than to do what is right and just. However, no where can it be found that these oppressors do not seek what is best and justified for those of their own kind. Any means of hindrance and exclusion of those who subjugate others reflects cowardliness as they fear what those outside of their world have come to take what is theirs. Realizing this, sometimes it is best to keep to keep the community of oppressed ignorant. What they do not know cannot be a threat to their master’s and those who reign as dominant figures over their lives. The oppressed always stands with limited options towards their liberation. Despite this small ideal of breaking free from bondage, the fact is that hope still stands. In a scenario presented patience can be exercised and coming out to say enough is enough is also a preference. This speculation can be proven true when it comes to the days where African Americans were submissive to those of a superior race.

In W.E.B Du Bois’ selection, “Soul’s of a Black Folk”, the author makes it clear when he states to his audience that enough is enough when it comes to being submissive to the Caucasian community. His tone demonstrates impatience towards waiting for change to come to African Americans. He prefers his fellow brothers set out and claim what is already theirs. Readers can identify themselves with this established tone based on the author’s lack of detail throughout his selection. Du Bois goes straight to his points without sugar coating anything; not for his black or white audience. On the other hand, figures such as Booker T. Washington believe that humility is the only key to gain a voice among the white race. His ideal subdues African Americans to vocational duties and encourages them to continue their hard work, for one day it will be recognized. However, there are times when humility is no longer enough. The time comes when the choice to remain silent can determine the balance between repression and deliverance. Du Bois stands as a character who believes in this concept. Booker T. Washington continues to encourage patience, but he stated himself that more than thirty years have passed and though progress is taking place, it is only slight and has only occurred in the northern region. Past generations are gone, and yet the future generation continues to dwell in the poisonous mind set of racism. Du Bois conflicts with Washington in the perspective that patience is no longer a remedy for change. The past generation of Caucasians that have passed, passed on their beliefs, traditions and concepts onto their children. Du. Bois is not concerned with patience and humility which has already been rooted in white children. “Then it dawned upon me with certain suddenness that I was different from the others. A white child was one who refused Du Bois’ card, not only is she white but is nonetheless a girl. Even in the Caucasian community those in the white race have no dominant power. The author’s lack of detail when recalling this memory, illustrates how vivid it felt to be different for the first time. “Their youth shrunk onto tasteless sycophancy, into silent hate. Racism is a contamination. Waiting for the future will have benefit if the problem is not tackled now. The child who refused the author’s card would not have refused it, if she was not thought that those of color held less significance. Though young, she already knows and understands this concept. A child can refuse a colored man. Though there is an age difference, it matters not as long as the skin color is different. Scenarios such as these present a clear reason why Du. Bois lacks detail. Lack of detail demonstrates to his audience and African American community that change needs to happen and it needs to happen soon. Otherwise, those to come will not be any different from those who have already passed. Therefore, tackling the past no longer holds a ground, however, fighting for the future is the only alternative left. To accomplish this impression, being blunt is the only way to gain independence.