W.E.B. DU BOIS' 'ON BEING CRAZY' - A REVIEW On Being Crazy' is Du Bois' reminisces of his experiences with the 'crazy' whites, mindlessly fanatic against the ideals of social equality. With a tinge of satire, Du Bois brings out the irrationality of racism, juxtaposing it against the rationality of seeing things with reference to their immediate significance, convincing a rational mind of the craziness of racism. Understanding and appreciating the essence of 'On Being Crazy,' would be comprehensive only with an introduction of the author, his principles, ideals and social standing. With his prophetic affirmation that "the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line," W.E.B. Du Bois challenged the nineteenth-century racial theories. He was branded a threat to national security after World War II by the U.S. administration for his relentless criticism of racism. Yet the post-racist American society considers him the country's most inspiring African-American intellectual.

On Being Crazy' is Du Bois' satirical stab at the white chauvinism. The genius of Du Bois comprehends the power of satire in addressing issues that would otherwise be very difficult to address. 'On Being Crazy' starts with Du Bois seating himself among whites in a restaurant to satiate his hunger, when his table companions...

I wish to eat." To the 'crazy' whites' suggestion that his actions meant social equality he says humorously: " Nothing of the sort, sir, it is hunger." Later at the theatre when the lady frowns at him that he was 'not wanted' there, his reason rubs against the white intolerance again as he replies "I certainly want the music, and I like to think the music wants me to listen to it" implying that to be the only and necessary reason of him being there. To lady's observation that 'it is social equality' he resolves, "This is the second movement of Beethoven's fifth symphony." [Du Bois, 2000 p. 548] With uncomplicated, sensible replies, bearing significance to the real and immediate circumstances, Du Bois shrugs off the white irrationality, his humor and intellect appealing and influencing the reader's sense of humanism. His intellect only seeks solution to the immediate and real problems affecting mankind such as hunger, rest, pleasure etc. He is blase about establishing social equality, for me it has to be naturally so. It is unnatural and irrational to think that one man is inferior to another.
As the narration proceeds, the satire in Du Bois' criticism gains force. And adopting such literary devices as metaphors, his remarks assume the veracity of a true reformer. His allegorical remark to the hotel clerk, when he says, "This is a white hotel," that "Such a color scheme requires a great deal of cleaning" [Du Bois, 2000 p. 548], yet he would not object is more revealing and notched than his earlier simple and subtle reckonings. However his undemanding humor continues to entice the readers through his gentle reply that he wouldn't either want social equality, what he wants is a bed to rest. His criticism is cutthroat with his straight remark: "I call it barbarism" when denied of a sleeper, as it signifies social equality, which the society would not approve of. The…