Consent of the governed Quote by W. E. B. Du Bois
“From the day of its birth, the anomaly of slavery plagued a nation which asserted the equality of all men, and sought to derive powers of government from the consent of the governed. Within sound of the voices of those who said this lived more than half a million black slaves, forming nearly one-fifth of the population of a new nation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Souls of Black Folk, 1903
The United States was founded on ideals of equality while simultaneously tolerating massive slavery, creating a profound moral contradiction.
In simple terms: A nation claimed equality but practiced slavery.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront historical contradictions.
Themes
equality
slavery
national identity
political philosophy
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public policy debates
- community reconciliation
- museum exhibits
Key Concepts
Historical injustice
social contract
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile founding ideals with past injustices?
- What responsibilities arise from this contradiction?
A Different Perspective
The quote may oversimplify complex economic and political factors of the era.
