Race continues to be problematic as a social construct as W. E. B. Du Bois defines Blackness as being socially equal to Whites. In contrast to Washington, Du Bois believes Blacks soul demand and desire to hold high positions in society. He argues “manly self-respect is worth more than lands and houses, and that a people who voluntarily surrender such respect, or cease striving for it, are not worth civilizing” (Du Bois 670). Du Bois states a man’s respect is worth more than physical objects such as houses, and land. By doing so, he places an emphasis on individuals dreaming social equality and not settle for anything less. He continues to state that a man who gives up his self-respect does not deserve to be civilized. This is powerful as it
