There was once a time when learning about socialism was optional, but now every person who claims to be intelligent should know something about it. In addition to reading extensively about socialism, Du Bois has had the opportunity to travel to socialist nations to see firsthand how people in these countries live. It is vital that all Americans has the opportunity to so travel since it is the only way that American ethnocentrism can be challenged. The main difference between New Yorkers and Muscovites is that in Moscow people fear impending war while in New York people fear unemployment, sickness, old age and lack of recreation. The Soviet Union has tackled these problems through communism. It's true that Russian workers must be disciplined and that the system requires a sacrifice of individual will. Yet, "are we free in America?" The dictates of our capitalist economy curtail our freedom. The Chinese leap forward into communism is astonishing, surpassing the racist expectations of Americans about the capabilities of the Chinese people. In this draft, Du Bois speaks extensively about his trip to China and his recent studies of Chinese history, and encourages everyone who can to visit China and witness firsthand the progress of that nation.
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