In the Comments section below, please post a response of at least one full paragraph (min. 5 sentences). Your assignment is twofold: 1) you are to demonstrate a clear understanding of the text by attempting to summarize the text's argument as precisely as possible, and 2) you are to use your comment to ask the text (or ask your peers) at least one thoughtful question.
Remember: your comment can respond directly to other students' posts on this text. The goal of this forum is to offer an opportunity for intelligent dialogue related to the works we are studying in class. Respectful debate is always welcome.
In the Souls of Black Folk, Dubois talks about how African Americans always see themselves first as other people see them. He calls this a double consciousness, where they see themselves as their race first and as who they actually are second. He says that African Americans have "two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body". He also says that "in this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost". They want to be known as an American, yet they also are proud of their African heritage. There is a struggle between being known for where you came from and what you are becoming, which is American. My question is, do all people feel this struggle when adjusting to a new enviornment? Is race the only thing that causes people to have a double consciousness or do all people see themselves first as others see them and then as they see themselves?
ReplyDeleteTREMENDOUS comment, Gracie--I really hope some other students take this up this week!
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