The fate of the Negro?

The fate of the Negro?

Upon examining the fiction and nonfiction literature of W.E.B. Dubois, there are several connections which are notable. However, rather than layout independent summaries of each of the pieces examined, then in afterthought observe the connections, I chose to read the non fiction works first, then keep them in mind while reading the fiction piece.

The fictional piece by DuBois which I read was “The Comet,” and the non fiction works I examined in conjunction were, “The Conservation of the Races,” and “Souls of Black Folk”.

A significant aspect which stood out to me when reading “The Conservation of the Races,” was the seeming attempt of the author to be objective and not project a racist or bias attitude toward any of the “races” discussed. However, it seemed that even in Dubois’s attempts to write and think neutrally, negative opinions and preconceptions concerning negros and “black” races were inevitably presented. Dubois seemed to think that race was more than just physical appearance and nationality, but the characteristics and internal traits which marked each particular “race”. However, he unwillingly also seems to attribute these characteristics to the same origin from which physical attributes spring- genetics, DNA, or “blood” as Dubois puts it. His attempts to disassociate nationality and physical appearances with assumptions fail though, as he continues to consider aspects concerning “Black Blood” vs “German Blood”.

Another concern which Dubois addresses in this article is the necessity of the “Negro” race to establish and make a name for itself within the American society; rather than simply infuse themselves into the collective cultures which make up America. Dubois urges “negros” to in a sense, pull themselves up by their bootstraps and assert themselves to this goal of establishing the value and quality of their race, despite history and social negative trends which presently plague their race. Those who step up and embrace this challenge/ opportunity to represent the negro race must be “(a.) Representative (the best/ most admirable) in character (b.) Impartial in conduct. (c.) Firm in leadership” (p.823)

In “Souls of Black Folk” Dubois speaks briefly on his experience of growing up and his realization that not only was he different because he was blacks, but that he would be forever considered inferior despite his equality if not superiority to his white classmates academically and physically. “Then it dawned on me that I was different from the others; or like, mayhap, in heart and life and longing, but shut out from their world by a vast veil.” (p.?)

Upon examining these non fiction texts as compared to Dubois’s fiction work “The Comet,” I noted several connections. First, the main character of the comet, “Jim Davis” is a hard working, honorable black man. He works at a bank and accepts his social position relative to whites and the stigma and circumstance of it. He is a capable, stable, family man and the hero of this story, the rescuer of a young rich white girl who seems irrational and unstable in comparison to Jim. It is only after this great disaster which occurs when Earth passes through the tail of an unknown comet that Jim is finally able to rise up and become “human” and equal to the rich white girl. “He seemed very human, very near now….” (p. 14). He is a black man who has become the representative for his race and is now fated to rise up and represent humanity…. Yet the bittersweet ending of the tail suggests a more depressing fate. Instead of succeeding in this promotion, white men come and reassert the social structure despite his actions and position. Hence the message seems to be more like that “Souls of Black Folk,” that the only thing blacks can do is continue to try, continue to prove themselves; that if they persevere and endure this difficult period eventually, they will take their destined place as equals and great for their race.