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Mark Simeon Hon Sociology Period 3 American Sociologists To say W.E.B Du Bois was an influential contributor to society is an understatement.

The creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, while still being relevant today, has greatly affected the course of history and civil rights. Not only focusing on his sociology career, he and the founding members of the NAACP were some of the first colored people invited inside the White House. Born in Massachusetts, he lived in a relatively tolerant community. Graduating from Harvard, he was one of the first African Americans to get a doctorate. W.E.B. Du Bois set many precedents and not only did he discover facts about the relationship between Whites and Blacks, however he helped shape society today making him an incredible contributor to sociology and the world alike. W.E.B. Du Bois has written and edited over 20 books, while one of his most famous includes The Philadelphia Negro, depicting his sociological findings relating to the relationship between the African Americans and Whites. At one point, he explains the African Americans role in the work force, stating Because Negro Workmen may not often work side by side with white workmen, the individual black workman is rated not by his own efficiency, but by the efficiency of a whole group of black Because of these difficulties which virtually increase competition in his case, he is forced to take lower wages for the same work (Du Bois). This statement show how little job opportunities, and because they have to take the lesser pay work, it further justifies paying the black workers less. His depiction of the black struggles not only helps

outline a social injustice, however proves Karl Marxs theory of class conflict. He proves exploitation of the weak, and then- Like Auguste Comtes idea- tries to play a role in reforming social issues. His writings, while being increasingly popular, gained momentum in the Civil Rights movement, and not only become one of the first African American sociologists to be the chairman of the department of sociology in Atlanta University, a founding member of the NAACP, a civil rights group still functioning today. Many issues today also are much like the oppression of minorities, such as the gay marriage debate that not only is a hot topic within the United States, however, the Roman Catholic Church. As recently, Pope Francis came out into saying the Catholic Churchs book of official doctrine, condemns homosexual acts, but gays and lesbians must be accepted with respect compassion, and sensitivity (Marrapodi, Burke, CNN). This same issue on gay marriage draws many parallels to the civil rights movement throughout the 1900s. W.E.B. Du Bois, being a freethinking, nonreligious, leader for the rights of all people, would most likely appreciate the fact the Church is becoming more accepting of other beliefs. Not only would he respect that decision, but he would most likely be an activist to help gay marriage, as the discrimination, while not being as drastic, is the same hate that he fought against. All in all, W.E.B. Du Bois, not only help in a social revolution, but was very accomplished in his work as a sociologist. From writing and editing newspapers, to helping create the NAACP, it is safe to say he is a very accomplished individual who has heavily influenced not only the field of sociology, however society as a whole.

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