Final answer:
Historically, blacks and whites have had different travel experiences, with African American Exodusters facing discrimination, black soldiers returning to a segregated society, and the societal pressures on identity highlighted by W. E. B. Du Bois. Skin color perception shifts with geography, impacting experiences in different regions for both groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experiences of black and white people throughout history have varied greatly, and this is evident in their travels and migrations across the world. For instance, the phenomenon of the African American Exodusters highlights the migration of blacks escaping racism and seeking economic opportunities. Unlike white homesteaders, the Exodusters often faced negative stereotypes and were accused of naively chasing an unrealistic 'land of milk and honey'. In contrast, some white Americans after the Civil War eagerly pursued land and new financial opportunities with less societal resistance.
Another key difference in travel experiences can be seen with the skin color shifting gradually with location. Those traveling from countries near the equator with darker skin tones might notice that as they move towards regions like Northern Europe, indigenous peoples' skin colors become lighter, showing how racial perceptions are geographically influenced. Furthermore, the dichotomy faced by black American soldiers who fought for democracy during wars abroad only to return to a racially segregated society starkly contrasts with white Americans who longed for a return to pre-war normalcy, which oftentimes included maintaining racial hierarchies.
Finally, the concept introduced by W. E. B. Du Bois of the 'color line' and 'double consciousness' underscores the inner conflict and societal pressures that African Americans faced when attempting to reconcile their identity as both black and American, whereas white Americans typically did not face such identity struggles. These historical concepts highlight the vastly different experiences of travel for blacks and whites, both within the United States and internationally.