Weekly Assignments

Maya Angelou’s “Graduation” and Du Bois’s “Of the Sons of Masters and Man” both discuss the venom of the racism that has been the ugliest part of our society for God-knows how many years. Both pieces reflect how this social evil has caused serious damage to the development of different personalities and backed the greatness of this society. It has been discussed that in almost every field people are often judged by their skin color and culture especially in America which houses various cultures, skin colors, and religious groups. There are horrible concepts that circle in our society which make no sense at all. For instance, considering whites as superior and blacks as inferiors is a kind of concept that shakes the roots of unity in this society. Both writers’ point of views intersects at the same issue, i.e. the wrong biases in different fields of life. Just because if someone is white American, it does not mean he has attained the most superior level in the races of human beings. There have been millions of decisions made in the favor whites, entirely neglecting and considering blacks just because of their skin color it has been thought they are not appropriate for many things and they are meant to hold the lowest place in the society. Such concepts have only bestowed this society with nothing but horrors, broken hearts, shattered peace, imbalance, inequality, and unproductivity. This unfairness has been harming the humanity for a long time and millions are suffering because of it. For instance, black Americans have suffered a lot in the past and even in the modern society their exist a majority of such whites who think they are superior over blacks, their false pride results in bullying those who have black skin. Both pieces have shared the struggles of Black Americans in the society.

Angelou’s have chosen an emotional and interesting way to raise awareness about the issue of racial discrimination and bias in society. She chose to reflect on how such issues impact on the personalities of those who are black and as well as those who are white. Her words are powerful enough to radiate emotions (Angelou). She has discussed an important factor that children get familiar with these terms in their early childhood because institutions like school have a great part in that. Basically, there is a “divide” of races that had been argued in her piece of writing. This “divide” is the cause of biases in society. Those students whose skin is black learn about this “divide” being a victim of racism and inequality and their personality starts questioning that if they are actually inferior and less than those who are white. Their broken personality creates chaos inside, and they start suffering even from a young age. On the other hand, white students learn this concept that they are some sort of superior and that’s the way how it is. When all of these students grow up, they act according to their learning in society. Dubois used an open, empowering and inspiring tone. He stated why is it of utmost necessary for generations to find solutions for such ugly and horrible social issues that bring nothing but imbalance, inequality and chaos in the society ("Chapter 9: Of The Sons Of Master And Man | The Souls Of Black Folk | W. E. B. Du Bois | Lit2go ETC"). His beamed his thoughts and perceptions with his loud and clear words and purposed solutions to these issues and taught ways through which we all can make this world a heavenly place.

Response to James White

Yes, you are completely right. Both pieces are arguing and discussing the same issues in society but in different ways. Both are reflecting that how hard it gets for those who experience racism and inequality. Angelou has chosen to express her opinion in a deep and emotional way and described how badly it influences on the personalities of the victim, especially when they are students in the learning process. She enlightened how devastating it is when actions of institutions and teachers teach students about these issues in the environment of “school.” Dubois, on the other hand, wrote about the importance of equality and justice in the maintaining of peace and purposed solutions that can help in that. His writing is strong and clear about the consequences that this society is going to face if the issues like bias and racial discrimination are left unresolved. He has taught how equality can bring peace and harmony in the society.

Response to Mary E Joyce

I totally agree with her that both writers have used different tones in describing the same issue. Dubois writing magnetizes readers to the pool of inspiration and optimism. He argued his point of view strongly and signified the importance of equality and harmony in the society. His readers feel strength and empowerment that his words radiate. I am personally inspired by his ideas and the way he speaks up against racial difference and bias in society. He made sure to raise awareness about the importance of swiping racism and inequality off society. On the other hand, Angelou’s writing was full of interest and emotions indeed. Her way of writing reflects the sufferings and the negative influences that racism and inequality cause. She has poured her words entirely from the heart and illumed how damage such social evils cause to society.

References

"Chapter 9: Of The Sons Of Master And Man | The Souls Of Black Folk | W. E. B. Du Bois | Lit2go ETC." Etc.usf.edu. N.p., 2019. Web. 27 Feb. 2019.

Eng101wlac.files.wordpress.com. N.p., 2019. Web. 27 Feb. 2019.