Final answer:
West's writings convey the obligation to resist injustices such as inequality, restricted voting rights, caste systems, and limits on education. He also underscores the need to counter militaristic threats and oppose totalitarianism to protect democratic freedoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to West, we are obligated to resist multiple aspects of injustice and social norms that are detrimental to progress and equal rights. This resistance is directed against the acceptance of inequality, the undermining of the right to vote, the perpetuation of caste distinctions, and the limitation placed on higher education and ambition in disenfranchised communities, as mentioned by figures like Mr. Washington.
Personal responsibilities and civic responsibilities are central to West's view of opposition, as one must engage in a constant struggle for the rights and freedoms universally acknowledged yet often neglected. The avenues of resistance include advocating for fair practices, rejecting the status quo when it perpetuates division, and actively participating in democracy to ensure the safety and well-being of society.