Question

What is the author's main claim in the excerpt from 'The Souls of Black Folk' by W. E. B. Du Bois?

1) White citizens are too judgmental to be helpful to black citizens.
2) Black citizens need to work hard to be successful.
3) Washington is wrong to place all responsibility on black citizens and dismiss the responsibility of white citizens.
4) Black citizens must not expect wealthy government officials to support and encourage them.

Answer 1

W. E. B. Du Bois's main claim in 'The Souls of Black Folk' criticizes Booker T. Washington for putting all responsibility on black citizens without acknowledging the nation's role in addressing systemic racism and civil rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The author's main claim in the excerpt from 'The Souls of Black Folk' by W. E. B. Du Bois is that Booker T. Washington is incorrect to place all responsibility for the 'Negro problem' on black citizens, while failing to acknowledge the responsibility of white citizens and the nation as a whole. Du Bois criticizes Washington for making it easier for white people to stand aside as mere observers of the struggle that Black Americans face, when in fact the burden belongs to the nation, and systemic racism is a problem that all American citizens must address. He emphasizes the importance of civil rights and political action rather than just accommodation and urges a more confrontational approach to achieving equality.