Question

read the excerpt from the souls of black folk by w. e. b. du bois.
the growing spirit of kindliness and reconciliation between the north and south after the frightful difference of a generation ago ought to be a source of deep congratulation to all, and especially to those whose mistreatment caused the war; but if that reconciliation is to be marked by the industrial slavery and civic death of those same black men, with permanent legislation into a position of inferiority, then those black men, if they are really men, are called upon by every consideration of patriotism and loyalty to oppose such a course by all civilized methods, even though such opposition involves disagreement with mr. booker t. washington.
what is the authors claim?
○ people should challenge washington on his beliefs.
○ reconciliation that includes oppressing a group of people should be opposed.
○ the reconciliation of the north and south at that point in time should be celebrated.
○ black men should be patriotic and loyal because of reconciliation.

Explanation:

The excerpt notes that North-South reconciliation is positive in theory, but argues that if this reconciliation comes at the cost of Black people being subjected to systemic oppression (industrial slavery, civic death, permanent inferiority), Black people have a duty to oppose this unjust form of reconciliation. This matches the claim that reconciliation that oppresses a group should be opposed. The other options are incorrect: the text frames opposing Washington as a side effect of opposing unjust reconciliation, not the main claim; it says the reconciliation with oppression should not be celebrated; and it does not say Black people should be loyal because of reconciliation, but that loyalty/patriotism demands opposing unjust reconciliation.

Answer:

Reconciliation that includes oppressing a group of people should be opposed.