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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
Throughout the book, Du Bois wonders whether black people will see justice both in the mortal world and in the afterlife. Even as his prose contains undertones of optimism, overall it is defined by an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Although Du Bois makes a convincing case that racial progress is a matter of justice and that black people deserve better than their current lot in America, it remains very unclear whether the country will change for the better.
The depth of W.E.B Du Bois knowledge is awesome. His truth is refreshing especially considering when this book was written. He writes powerful thought provoking that I will remember for the rest of my life.
some parts ring prescient and urgent now... others steeped in classism
The souls of black folk
Duality of black folk in America: American and negro
Friedman’s bureau, a strange moderate ness, eg let’s not become preoccupied with its failing (paternalism avoiding agency, not getting black folks lands) without seeing its success in a hostile environment — doocracy
It is easier to do I’ll than well in the world, wrt Washington
Education is to teach people to work, not to be a worker (direct job training) or a liberal arts education (from which only white folks with existing “culture” and “merit” finish to succeed) — we need mentor ship to help former slaves see themselves in the world
Dark description of sharecropping
Spiritual revival of the south, that is “the religiosity of the slave”
Hate, despair, and doubt as the three temptations, and the last the most harmful
^ he references as the thing that leads black folk to doubt their own race, selves
Chapters 14, 15 are all about the spiritual/slave song as a form of music
A great read, clearly and honestly written with a simple confidence in the prose typical of older writing. Some parts are powerful calls to double standards, hypocrisy, or explanations of the often violent and generally bewildering post- Civil War context, some parts touching explanations of life in the South. As a native Bostonian, his obvious affection for New England's educational systems and civilization (his words) made me smile in more than a few places. His chapter on education as salvation was an easy favorite given his emphasis on not words but specific actions to make this happen. Throughout all of it, couldn't help but wonder what he would think about America in 2015.
The Souls of Black Folks by W.E.B. DuBois
A collection of essays that are as relevant today as they were over one hundred years ago. This should be surprising but if you are anywhere near the United States then you know that right now is a very turbulent time. Hate crimes are on the rise and the amount of apparent racism has soared. Nazis and the Klan are walking openly down the street. (I wish that was an exaggeration.) So to read a book, written by an educated Black man, written years after the end of the Civil War and witnessing how much progress has not been made is really disheartening.
DuBois’s essays speak to the core of this nation. He writes about the Civil War and the failed Reconstruction era. He talks about the need to vote and the value of education. He talks about the lives he’s seen and the debt many owe. DuBois writes about himself and the need to teach and the need to learn. What I loved most about his writing was the way he was able to translate his observations, so honestly and eloquently. Once I got to use to his writing style which has a cadence wholly reminiscent of that time, I began to really appreciate him as an educator. This book was a very intimate look at the life of the freed people and the struggle to rise above. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.
Books like these are still essential reading and will continue to be. We need to be able to look back at where we have been as a country in order to understand where we are right now. There were moments throughout this book that genuinely broke my heart because DuBois is an honest writer who wants you to see the world through him, regardless of if you like what you see.
A collection of essays that are as relevant today as they were over one hundred years ago. This should be surprising but if you are anywhere near the United States then you know that right now is a very turbulent time. Hate crimes are on the rise and the amount of apparent racism has soared. Nazis and the Klan are walking openly down the street. (I wish that was an exaggeration.) So to read a book, written by an educated Black man, written years after the end of the Civil War and witnessing how much progress has not been made is really disheartening.
DuBois’s essays speak to the core of this nation. He writes about the Civil War and the failed Reconstruction era. He talks about the need to vote and the value of education. He talks about the lives he’s seen and the debt many owe. DuBois writes about himself and the need to teach and the need to learn. What I loved most about his writing was the way he was able to translate his observations, so honestly and eloquently. Once I got to use to his writing style which has a cadence wholly reminiscent of that time, I began to really appreciate him as an educator. This book was a very intimate look at the life of the freed people and the struggle to rise above. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.
Books like these are still essential reading and will continue to be. We need to be able to look back at where we have been as a country in order to understand where we are right now. There were moments throughout this book that genuinely broke my heart because DuBois is an honest writer who wants you to see the world through him, regardless of if you like what you see.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
This is definitely more of a slow and steady than something you binge read. Once I started thinking of this as a collection of essays, it became easier to consume. W.E.B. Du Bois is a stellar writer. The language he uses is incredibly accessible and easy to read. Normally, I have a difficult time following many of the stories of classic works (both fiction and nonfiction). This was not that at all.
I highly recommend everyone read this. It's difficult for me to put into words my exact thoughts for this book.
I highly recommend everyone read this. It's difficult for me to put into words my exact thoughts for this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
As February is Black History Month, I wanted to read something about this subject. I looked through my TBR shelves, and I found a couple of books that feet. I picked The Souls of Black Folk because I had it since 2007, and I thought it was about time to read.
I believe it is a book that you need to listen to through the audio format; I found two narrators. The truth is my book includes music and songs.
I am not big on non-fiction books especially books that written in essay format. It reminds me of school and college.
This book expanded my knowledge of African-American history and sociology. Yes, I studied American history a long time ago, and I know about the Civil War between the north and the south of the United States. I watched movies like Roots, 12 Years a Slave, and The Butler. This book brings to make you think about how people used, and still treat in one of the most important democracies in the world.
In this piece of literature, you also learn the Du Bois' biography. I am happy that I picked up this book.
I believe it is a book that you need to listen to through the audio format; I found two narrators. The truth is my book includes music and songs.
I am not big on non-fiction books especially books that written in essay format. It reminds me of school and college.
This book expanded my knowledge of African-American history and sociology. Yes, I studied American history a long time ago, and I know about the Civil War between the north and the south of the United States. I watched movies like Roots, 12 Years a Slave, and The Butler. This book brings to make you think about how people used, and still treat in one of the most important democracies in the world.
In this piece of literature, you also learn the Du Bois' biography. I am happy that I picked up this book.
Definitely a book that i will come back to a few times
A fantastic and thoughtful selection of essays on the moral and intellectual issues surrounding African Americans in American society. Although they were written in 1903 these essays still have something to say to readers today. While much has changed since they were written, are race relations what they should be? These essays address the past, present, and the future.