Comparing W. E. B. Dubois And America, By Claude Mckay

Josiah Royce explains best that until we are able to look beyond the physical aspects of a person, then we will never be able to diminish racial prejudices every race has. Royce does not hold back when stating that every race has these prejudices. It is not just caucasians, African, Americans, but also Asian Americans. When reading this quote, I thought of W.E.B. DuBois The Souls of Black Folk and Claude McKay’s poem “America”. The Soul of Black Folk relate to the fact that these prejudices have been prolonged. “America” explains the idea that if people want change, you cannot fight fire with fire. Josiah Royce explains that people’s fears of different races are what threaten the future of humanity. He questions, “[H]ow are we to deal with
This quote connects to Royce because as the United States becomes more diverse, peoples prejudices of another are becoming more prevalent. Despite the political debacle that sets races apart, DuBois also see’s other peoples ignorances through their actions and words alone. Education is the answer, according to DuBois. Caucasian and African American’s, both need to be educated in the sense that despite the color on one’s skin, we are all people. The one line from the poem “America” that Royce’s statement reminds me of is "I stand within her walls with not a shred / Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer” (10-11). This poem in whole depicts the anger McKay has for America. He is upset that different races are treated horribly, still, despite slavery being abolished. But this specific line alludes to the fact that fighting fire with fire will not help the situation, but only make it worse. Like McKay, Royce never discusses violence to solve this issue that lies within the borders of