Question
In the second reading, W. E. B. Du Bois discusses the heritage of slavery for African Americans. Read the excerpt, then answer the questions that follow.
[T]he Negro is … always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his twoness,—an American, a Negro; two warring souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled [unbalanced] strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body… . The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife,—this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. He would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face.
—W. E. B. Du Bois,
The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
[T]he Negro is … always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his twoness,—an American, a Negro; two warring souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled [unbalanced] strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body… . The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife,—this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. He would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face.
—W. E. B. Du Bois,
The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In this excerpt from W. E. B. Du Bois's "The Souls of Black Folk," he articulates the complex identity struggle faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. Here are some questions and answers based on the text:
1. **What does Du Bois mean by "twoness"?**
- Du Bois refers to "twoness" as the dual identity experienced by African Americans, who are both American and Negro. This duality creates a struggle as they navigate their place in society, feeling torn between their racial heritage and their desire for full acceptance in American society.
2. **How does Du Bois describe the perception of African Americans by the wider society?**
- He describes the perception of African Americans by the wider society as one filled with "amused contempt and pity." This implies that the dominant society sees African Americans as inferior, evoking feelings of disdain rather than respect or equality.
3. **What does Du Bois mean by "measuring one's soul by the tape of a world"?**
- This phrase suggests that African Americans often evaluate their worth and identity based on societal standards imposed on them by a predominantly white culture. It indicates a lack of inherent self-acceptance and a need to conform to external, often prejudiced, viewpoints.
4. **What is the "message" that Du Bois refers to when he mentions "Negro blood"?**
- The "message" in "Negro blood" signifies the unique experiences, history, and cultural contributions of African Americans. Du Bois implies that their heritage holds significant value that should be recognized and appreciated, rather than suppressed or dismissed in favor of a white standard.
5. **What does Du Bois wish for African Americans regarding their identity?**
- Du Bois wishes for African Americans to be able to embrace both their identity as Negroes and as Americans without facing discrimination or barriers. He envisions a society where they can pursue opportunities and assert their identity without fear of prejudice or exclusion.
Overall, this excerpt captures the essence of Du Bois's argument about the internal and external conflicts faced by African Americans as they strive for equality and self-acceptance in a discriminative society.
1. **What does Du Bois mean by "twoness"?**
- Du Bois refers to "twoness" as the dual identity experienced by African Americans, who are both American and Negro. This duality creates a struggle as they navigate their place in society, feeling torn between their racial heritage and their desire for full acceptance in American society.
2. **How does Du Bois describe the perception of African Americans by the wider society?**
- He describes the perception of African Americans by the wider society as one filled with "amused contempt and pity." This implies that the dominant society sees African Americans as inferior, evoking feelings of disdain rather than respect or equality.
3. **What does Du Bois mean by "measuring one's soul by the tape of a world"?**
- This phrase suggests that African Americans often evaluate their worth and identity based on societal standards imposed on them by a predominantly white culture. It indicates a lack of inherent self-acceptance and a need to conform to external, often prejudiced, viewpoints.
4. **What is the "message" that Du Bois refers to when he mentions "Negro blood"?**
- The "message" in "Negro blood" signifies the unique experiences, history, and cultural contributions of African Americans. Du Bois implies that their heritage holds significant value that should be recognized and appreciated, rather than suppressed or dismissed in favor of a white standard.
5. **What does Du Bois wish for African Americans regarding their identity?**
- Du Bois wishes for African Americans to be able to embrace both their identity as Negroes and as Americans without facing discrimination or barriers. He envisions a society where they can pursue opportunities and assert their identity without fear of prejudice or exclusion.
Overall, this excerpt captures the essence of Du Bois's argument about the internal and external conflicts faced by African Americans as they strive for equality and self-acceptance in a discriminative society.