slumblog 7

This weeks lecture we looked at W.E.B Du Bois's theories on double consciousness or "twoness". Going in to this weeks lecture I took a look at the syllabus to see who we would be discussing. When I saw Du Bois's name on the list, I had absolutely no idea who he was, so, I was excited to dive into his theories and apply them into today's culture. 

Something that Du Bois discuses in the text that really stood out to me was when he stated, "One ever feels his twoness,--an American, A Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings..." This quote in particular stood out to me. The reasoning of it standing out so much to me is the fact that it is so true. After looking at the video clip example given as an assignment I can completely apply what Du Bois theories have to say to today's society. We are all living with this "Twoness" or double consciousness  we see ourselves as our own self, and through the lens of other people. By viewing ourselves this way we have a tendency to constantly re-analyze ourselves and readjust to how society views us. Meaning our own self consciousness starts to take on the views of how society views you, whether they be good or bad. Like the video clip for example, the police are stereotyping all African American, and Mexican people as trouble makers, it only takes time before those opinions and actions actually mold some of that population into trouble makers. Or for another example, Amish people. You run into this population of people at a grocery store and always give them a double take (even I am guilty of this), isn't it only a matter of time before the Amish population children start to view themselves as weird or different? Society has this ideal human vision, and if you do not meet that vision, you better fix yourself to fit that vision. I think this is really what Du Bois was touching on when he discussed the concept of double consciousness or "twoness". The bad news being is that if we all start to view ourselves as society views us, and attempt to change the way we are and fit the "mold" of society  then we would all be them same; no longer having an individuality. 

I really enjoy this quote that I found the other day, and I think it fits perfectly with what I am discussing.