Example Of Book Review On The Souls Of Black Folk

The United States of America is a great country that continues to act as an example for others across the world. However, that does not mean that this land has a history that is not marred in negative situations. Racism and slavery are perhaps two of the biggest “black eyes” that have stained not only this country, but the world as a whole. Looking back at the situation through the eyes of W.E.B DuBois brings up some interesting points that still have not truly been answered in the year 2015.
After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, he freed all of the slaves that were being held captive across the country. At least he did so in writing form. Unfortunately, many individuals did not adhere to his movements and worked hard to keep slaves in their place. This is perhaps the biggest aspect that deserves covering when talking about the lives that black people were forced to live during that time.
Even though President Lincoln did his best to create a free land, many people flat out ignored this declaration. While this led to the development known as The Civil War, The South fought hard for their “right” to keep people in such captive settings. African Americans were constantly forced to live in fear. Even free men and women had to live in constant fear because they could be forced back into slavery. Imagine walking down the street and being asked to show your “papers.” If you didn’t have them, then you could find yourself on a planation as a piece of property to a white master. That is clearly a horrible situation to have to live through, but was the constant that African Americans lived in at that time.
The comparison of race relations in the time of 1903 to that of 2015 is an interesting conversation. This is especially true when one factors in the recent issues that the African American community has had with the police units located in various locations throughout the country. While African Americans are not forced into slavery today, their position in the community has not moved in much of a positive direction. Yes, we live in a country where an African American male has been elected president that is usually the first line of defense thrown up when discussion race relations, there is still a large wealth of work that needs to be completed. In fact, this is much bigger than just the African American community. Racism as a whole needs to be broken down and discussed in this country, because without doing so, that will be the main detraction of this land.
The United States is a great country with freedoms that many people take for granted. However, that fact cannot be used to overlook the facts of where this country has come from. The times of slavery and racism are so very difficult to talk about, but they must be addressed if this country and its people are to move forward from its sullied past.

Works Cited

DuBois, W.E.B. “The Souls of Black Folk.” 1903. A.C. McClurg & Co. Chicago.