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"I believe in Liberty for all men; the space to stretch their arms and their souls;
the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends,
enjoy the sunshine and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking,
dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of God and love."
The Souls of Black Folk (1903)

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Discussion Topics
"The problem of the twentieth century," wrote W. E. B. Du Bois, "is the problem of the color line--the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in American and the islands of the seas."

• Do you agree or disagree with Du Bois? Why or why not?
  
  
• Do you see racial conflict as a major problem in the United States today? In the world? Defend your answer.
  
  
• Do you think "the problem of color" is today greater, less than, or the same as it was when Du Bois published this statement in 1903? Give specific reasons (incidents in the news, personal experiences, statistics, etc.) to support your answer.
  
  
• What do you see as the single greatest problem your community faces today? your country? the world? Why?
  
  

Du Bois referred to racist attitudes and behaviors as "the slow throttling and murder of nine millions of men."

• What do you think he means by this expression?
  
  
• Why do you think he chose to use such strong language?
  
  
• How is prejudice similar to murder?

While both W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington addressed the race problem of the early twentieth century, the men differed greatly in their approaches to the issue. Washington emphasized vocational education, saying that hard work and productivity would be the salvation of the Black people. Du Bois, however, believed that education in the arts and sciences was far more important than vocational education. In fact, he vehemently attacked Washington in The Souls of Black Folks, saying that Washington's emphasis on vocational training was equal to "industrial slavery" and "civic death."

• How could two men with the same goal--the good of the African-American people--differ so greatly in their approaches?
  
  
• Examine the backgrounds of Washington and Du Bois. How might their own life experiences have influenced their diverse views on education?
  
  
• What benefits can you see in the vocational education promoted by Washington? What are its disadvantages?
  
  
• What benefits can you see in the liberal arts education promoted by Du Bois? What are its disadvantages?
  
  
• Do you agree more with Washington's position or Du Bois's? Why?
  
  
• Is it be possible to integrate the positions of both men, providing education that emphasizes both liberal arts and marketable skills? Why or why not?