Political Quotes

W.E.B. Du Bois: “Men call the shadow prejudice, and learnedly explain it as the natural defence of culture against barbarism, learning…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 1903
Men call the shadow prejudice, and learnedly explain it as the natural defence of culture against barbarism, learning against ignorance, purity against crime, the “higher” against the “lower” races.
Said by
W.E.B. Du Bois

Editor's note · Context

This passage outlines the common, often academic, justifications for racial prejudice, framing it as a defense of 'higher' against 'lower' races.

Share

More from W.E.B. Du Bois

Jan 1, 1903

Would America have been America without her Negro people?

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

Our song, our toil, our cheer, and warning have been given to this nation in blood-brotherhood.

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

So long as the world stands meekly dumb before such questions, shall this nation proclaim its ignorance and unhallowed prejudices by denying freedom of opportunity to those who brought the Sorrow Songs to the Seats of the Mighty?

gutenberg.org
Jan 1, 1903

Let the ears of a guilty people tingle with truth, and seventy millions sigh for the righteousness which exalteth nations, in this drear day when human brotherhood is mockery and a snare.

gutenberg.org