Final answer:
W.E.B. Du Bois saw the 'Negro Problem' as a means to highlight and address the systemic issues of race and inequality in American society. His work, including the concept of double consciousness and universal human rights, profoundly impacted the civil rights movement and American culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent African American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, saw value in the so-called "Negro Problem" beyond the immediate social concerns of his time. He believed the dilemma of racial inequality in American society provided insight into the broader principles of democracy and human rights. The correct answer to the student’s question is d) He believes it highlights issues of race and inequality in American society. His work emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the systemic issues of race that affect not only African Americans but also the core values of American society.
Du Bois's concept of double consciousness describes the psychological challenge of having multiple social identities, particularly as a Black person in a predominantly white society, navigating through an American identity while being aware of being seen through the prism of racial stereotypes. This highlights the conflicts and tensions that arise from the divisions in the society. Moreover, his advocacy for universal human rights and the significant contribution of African Americans to culture and society is evident in his role as one of the founders of the NAACP and in his academic work.
Throughout his life and scholarly work, especially in his seminal text 'The Souls of Black Folk,' Du Bois provided a complex analysis of the struggles of African Americans and sought strategies for racial empowerment and equality. This was not just an academic pursuit but a highly engaged, socially committed effort to use research, education, and advocacy as tools for advancing civil rights and social justice.