The Souls of Black Folk by Du Bois - Essay Example

Du Bois notes of the first experience he had, which made him realize the difference between those like him, and those of a different color. It is evident that he is pissed by the fact that blacks are regarded as outcasts, yet branded citizens of the USA. What bothers him most is the double-consciousness aspect where blacks have to look at themselves through the opinions of people of a different color (Du Bois 262).

It is the will of the blacks, or Negroes to achieve their true self. He draws inspiration from stories of black men who achieved great things such as the story of Ethiopia the Shadowry (Du Bois 263). Nevertheless, the plight of blacks in America, he notes, is one filled with weakness. The time since when the blacks fought for emancipation and liberty from bondage is long gone. However, the same problem continues to eat into the society years later as he says that the country knows no peace yet from the atrocities and the freedman, the Negros, are not yet free.

The story of freedom is given from the first revolution in 1876 to the revolution of learned and intelligent blacks that led them to the so-called Canaan (Du Bois 263). Throughout the years of struggle, he notes the struggles, the defilement of black women, and the near crushing of the Negro family set by the whites (Du Bois 263). Hence, Du Bois argues that Negros should be allowed to digest the experiences and think through their own social issues. He asserts that the prejudice leveled against Negros is wrong as it brings about self-mocking and questioning along with belittlement of great ideas (Du Bois 264).

The result, faith-filled with doubt, inspiration with questionings, and the ideals of the revolution have drifted away.