Introduction
In his book, “The Souls of Black Folks,” W.E.B. Du Bois reflects on the experience of being black at the turn of the twentieth century. He contemplates the issues buried to hide the challenges and suffering that people of color have been subjected to over the year. The essay will explore what it means to be black in 2023 and consider how Du Bois’ insights from “Of Our Spiritual Strivings” continue to resonate in the contemporary lives of Black people.
Main Body
In “Of Our Spiritual Strivings,” Du Bois discusses double consciousness, which refers to the experience of being both Black and American. Black people were treated inhumanely and denied basic needs. The impact of double consciousness made them believe they deserved less, which led Du Bois to ask, ‘’What need of education since we must always cook and serve?” (Du Bois, 2021, p. 6). In 2023, being Black still involves facing systemic racism, discrimination, and inequality in various aspects of life, like education, employment, and healthcare (Keith, 2023). The struggle for identity is still relevant today, as Black individuals continue to face micro-aggressions and racism that affect their sense of self-worth and identity.
However, some aspects have changed since the early 1900s. For example, the Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent legal and social advancements have led to more opportunities for Black individuals in terms of education, employment, and political representation (Du Bois, 2021). Nevertheless, systemic racism and discrimination persist, and new challenges, such as the digital divide and environmental injustice, have emerged. One significant difference between Du Bois’ time and today is the role of technology and social media in amplifying the voices of Black people and shedding light on issues affecting the Black community (Keith, 2023). Social media has become a powerful tool for activism, organizing, bringing attention to injustices, and sparking social change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some aspects of the Black experience have evolved since Du Bois’ time, many challenges remain. The struggle for racial equality and justice continues, and the insights provided by Du Bois can still be used as a guide for understanding and addressing these issues in 2023. These writings remain relevant today as we continue to confront the issues of race and inequality in our society.
References
Du Bois W. E. B. (2021). The Souls of Black Folk. Cosimo.
Keith, M. (2023). Race, Riots, and Policing: Lore and Disorder in A Multi-Racist Society. Taylor & Francis.