Concept Of Double Consciousness

Concept Of Double Consciousness

Du Bois's concept of double consciousness

W. E. B. Du Bois introduced the term double consciousness into the study of African American psychology. Double consciousness comes from African Americans viewing themselves, individually and as a group, through the eyes of the society they live in. Du Bois says it is always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity (299). This produces what Du Bois calls a twoness, - an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body (2002). These two views are often in conflict with one another, as the American view, in general, has despised and dehumanized African Americans. Their struggle, says Du Bois, is that they want to be both Negro and... American, without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without having the doors of Opportunity closed roughly in his face (2002). The question still remains however, if it is even feasible for an African American to merge into society as both an American and as an African, without being held back or looked down upon

Double Consciousness Application

In this passage, DuBois' initial reaction upon realizing that being Black was a “problem” in American society is interesting because this same sentiment is commonly felt by African-Americans today. In addition, DuBois' reactionary feeling of contempt for all white people on the other side of the veil reveals a larger point about the veil concept. Because many people only understand DuBois' veil concept to mean that white people's view of Black people is obstructed by this not-so-invisible veil that hangs between the races, many forget to see that this lack of vision is two-fold; that is, just as the white girl looking through the veil could not properly see DuBois for who he was beyond his skin, he in turn could not clearly see the whole white race because of his one negative encounter with her as well, which he then projected onto the entire white race. It would be a shame if, in this Land of the Free, this Great Melting Pot, it is found to be impossible for this merging of the African and American to happen. With time, and effort on both sides, White and Black, it should be possible. However, because ...