Discuss the implications of Du Bois’ descriptions and analyses of the historical intersection of
‘race’ and ‘class’ in U.S. society (and beyond) for the current situation in U.S. society. Are the
increased presence (and visibility, even celebration) of non-White people in the middle and
upper echelons of the various institutions of economic, political and socio-cultural power and
influence, and the perennial presence (and new visibility) of White people in the lower
echelons of the same institutions, a sign or ‘proof’ that race is of decreasing significance in
determining the life-chances and well-being of people in our society?