How The Souls Of The Black Folk By W. E. B. Dubois Double Consciousness

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In, “The Souls of the Black Folk,” by W.E.B. Du Bois, the ideas of double consciousness and the veil are a product of Du Bois’ experience as a child. When the girl in his school rejected the card that he tried to give to her, Du Bois came to the conclusion that he was a problem (Du Bois 2). Unfortunately, feelings like these were common for blacks in that era, as both institutional and structural oppression polluted the minds of many and resulted in a troubling disposition in the minds of black folks. The feeling of double consciousness that Du Bois experienced was undoubtedly common back then; however, blacks of that era simply did not have the vocabulary or knowledge to articulate their feelings. The roots of double consciousness are found in the strong feelings of wanting to side with America because he feels that some American ideals can benefit others, but he also did not want to, “bleach his negro soul,” as he knew that African Americans …show more content…

The confusion felt by many is the byproduct of a race that thought emancipation would be the end of all evils towards them, but the racism continued to persist even after they earned the ability to vote. Evidence of double consciousness can still be found to this day, as blacks are still sometimes viewed as perpetrators of crime since that is the image given off by most of the rap music produced by black individuals. As a result of this, the tough process of finding your true identity as a black man can be difficult due to balancing the images of black men portrayed in the media and the ideals learned in school and possibly at home. That is, in my opinion, not nearly on the same level as it was during Du Bois’ era, but it still suggests that the double consciousness

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