The Souls of Black Folk

W.E.B. DuBois provided arguably the first written history of African Americans in his book, The Souls of Black Folk. He creates the idea of a double consciousness stating, "It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of 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." DuBois holds his own biased views about African Americans and how they should be treated and how they should act. He even challenges the likes of other African American advocates such as Malcolm X and Booker T. Washington. 
I found DuBois' opinion on education and what African Americans should be learning was interesting. He argues against Booker T. Washington, and says that blacks should have classical education in addition to practical application education. Booker T. Washington thinks African Americans should focus on industrial education, while DuBois disagrees. W.E.B. DuBois also believes that there needs to be more black educators and leaders in society. He blames poor funding to African American education for increased gangs and crime rates.  
Another intriguing idea from DuBois is the metaphor of the veil. The veil represents the view of the world for African Americans, as their view is different from white people. He believes these two views are vastly different, and the veil has both advantages and disadvantages. The veil is the color/race line and shows how blacks can see things differently within their own race, compared to how white people see them. 
In addition, DuBois looks at the social interaction between African Americans and whites. He focuses on segregation and discrimination in society. W.E.B. DuBois compares much of the negative stereotypes of blacks such as being lazy, violent, and hard headed. For African Americans in the south to become economically prosperous, these stereotypes and the racial prejudice needs to be recognized. Then, blacks need to educate themselves, as mentioned earlier. One of the key points DuBois has is that  African Americans need to acknowledge the problem of prejudice from the white people, and the white South acknowledge they are being prejudice. If both of these things happen, the two groups can work to resolve the issue, and the blacks can live more comfortably. 
The last point that I was interested in with DuBois book is the chapter about the rise of the church in African American history. I found this reading fitting, because I visited the Church of the Advocate on 18th and Diamond Streets this past Friday. At this church, which is predominantly black, there are murals around the walls. These murals interpret African American history and the relationship between white and black people. I saw similarities between the ideas of DuBois and the paintings in the church. These ideas include rising up against segregation and standing up for the African American race.
W.E.B. DuBois focuses on many different things in his book, The Souls of Black Folk. Education for African Americans is an important part of his views. Also, the veil and the view of blacks through blacks' and whites' eyes is included. DuBois finally focuses on religion in African American history. DuBois' views were very influential for African Americans and still holds true today.