Political Quotes

W.E.B. Du Bois: We must not forget that most Americans answer all queries regarding the Negro a priori, and that the least that human…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1903
We must not forget that most Americans answer all queries regarding the Negro a priori, and that the least that human courtesy can do is to listen to evidence.
Said by
W.E.B. Du Bois

Editor's note · Context

From "The Souls of Black Folk," this passage critiques the tendency of many Americans to prejudge issues concerning Black people without considering evidence.

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