Module: Understanding Social Change
Seminar 3 – Du Bois
Morris article gives you an explanation of some of the aspects that Du Bois talks
about; it gives you an understanding of some of the recent movements that has
taken place.
Reading
‘The Souls of Black Folk’ – important to read this because it introduces Du Bois’
concepts.
Poll
(1) According to Du Bois, the problem of the 20th century is the problem of the
colour line
In a sense Du Bois talks about all of these, but the one he highlights
being most important is the colour line – a pre-existing social culture/an
internalised attitude that people have.
The colour line is exploited economically through imperialism and
capitalism.
(2) To represent any race/group/culture as ‘other’ is to categorise them as
different and inferior
A process of differencing two different types of experience
E.g. for the working class, their pastime are belittled.
(3) Du Bois discussed the “double-consciousness” of African-Americans to refer
to the fact that as a result of slavery, they must see themselves through the
eyes of whites.
Culture oppression causes this “double-consciousness”.
To have two views about the same thing.
Rather than being a benefit, this “double-consciousness” causes
problems – these two identities are at war with each other and end up
negating each other. This prevents blacks from being able to move
beyond the “double-consciousness”.
Du Bois’ work leads to the perception of the ‘I’ and the ‘me’.
(4) According to Du Bois, what was a barrier to the economic independence of
ex-slaves?
Seminar 3 – Du Bois
Morris article gives you an explanation of some of the aspects that Du Bois talks
about; it gives you an understanding of some of the recent movements that has
taken place.
Reading
‘The Souls of Black Folk’ – important to read this because it introduces Du Bois’
concepts.
Poll
(1) According to Du Bois, the problem of the 20th century is the problem of the
colour line
In a sense Du Bois talks about all of these, but the one he highlights
being most important is the colour line – a pre-existing social culture/an
internalised attitude that people have.
The colour line is exploited economically through imperialism and
capitalism.
(2) To represent any race/group/culture as ‘other’ is to categorise them as
different and inferior
A process of differencing two different types of experience
E.g. for the working class, their pastime are belittled.
(3) Du Bois discussed the “double-consciousness” of African-Americans to refer
to the fact that as a result of slavery, they must see themselves through the
eyes of whites.
Culture oppression causes this “double-consciousness”.
To have two views about the same thing.
Rather than being a benefit, this “double-consciousness” causes
problems – these two identities are at war with each other and end up
negating each other. This prevents blacks from being able to move
beyond the “double-consciousness”.
Du Bois’ work leads to the perception of the ‘I’ and the ‘me’.
(4) According to Du Bois, what was a barrier to the economic independence of
ex-slaves?
