W.E.B Du Bois utilizes the metaphor of the veil to depict the ‘color-line’ of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in American politics and society. Several contemporary political moments and issues also resemble the protracted nature of the ‘color-line’ in the 21st century. This assignment asks you to research an issue linked to race and power in American politics. Your goal is to construct an argument about a current issue that helps to depict what the ‘color-line’ looks like today, not in opposition to Du Bois’ arguments of the past, but demonstrating ways in which race continues to play a prominent role in American politics and life. Ideally, your essay makes a contention about whether the world Du Bois depicts in has changed substantially linked to a short research project considering race and power. Potential case studies include: educational institutions; identity-based empowerment movements; incarceration; policies linked to race and representation (i.e. affirmative action, reparations, etc.); public protest; policing; language and discourse; inequality; immigration; segregation; pop culture; advertising; social media; music; and/or any other issue that considers the role race plays in American society. develop a contemporary framework of analysis through a case study considering the continuing resilience (or lack thereof) of the ‘color-line’ in America. Demonstrate an ability to carry the arguments from the work of Du Bois and civil rights activists/thinkers into modern concerns of politics. Extend your ability to develop and apply arguments with historical connections to power. Write a 500-750 word argumentative/analytical paper identifying a modern issue linked to the ‘color-line’. This paper will include: 1) at least 3 news sources (more are welcome) identifying the controversy/issue chosen and referencing source material from the syllabus to identify how it relates to race and power; 2) an introduction presenting the topic and clear initial claim/thesis backed up with criteria for argumentation (thesis and 2-3 subarguments which justify the thesis); 3) commentary and analysis of the controversy demonstrating from the course (in other words bring Du Bois’ arguments into the analysis to either critique or support); 4) summarizing the controversy as succinctly as possible and spending more time on analysis and argumentation; 5) an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion; 6) either in-text or footnote citations to the news articles and any class material utilized; 7) a works cited/bibliography. Paper meets the requirements stated above; demonstrates clear connections to course material and discussions from class; accurately reflects the underlying concerns of race and the ‘color-line’; presents an original argument and utilizes research to back up claims; and demonstrates effort in research and careful writing.
