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After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the…

“After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second-sight in this American world, - a world which yields him no self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the…” quote by W. E. B. Du Bois
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“After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second-sight in this American world, - a world which yields him no self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world.”

W. E. B. Du Bois

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage portrays the Black individual as a “seventh son” with a veil and second sight, suggesting a unique perspective shaped by societal otherness.

In simple terms: Black identity seen as a mystic outsider.

Key Takeaway

Recognize unique societal lens.

Themes

race identity otherness

Mood

critical historical

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • racial discourse
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

social perception cultural mysticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does “veil” affect self‑perception?
  • What insights arise from “second‑sight”?
A Different Perspective

May generalize diverse experiences.

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