W. E. B. Dubois Double Consciousness Analysis

The concept of “double consciousness,” as brought forth by W.E.B. Du Bois, introduces one of the many complexities that surround African-American identity. Upon exploring this topic, this two-word phrase becomes a model of both significance and complexity. Du Bois introduced this in his 1903 publication, “The Souls of Black Folk”, which would influence many writers of the Harlem Renaissance. While works such as “To the White Fiends” by McKay and “Incident” by Cullen willfully reinforces the notion Du Bois set forth, other writers offered a different perspective that blurred the lines on this matter. This paper shall offer an analysis of how Alain Locke further complicated the concept of double consciousness in his work “The New Negro” by presenting an alternative approach of being African-American. Having an understanding of what Du Bois was describing is critical in this analysis. Double consciousness for an African-American, as he wrote, is “…sense of 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” (Du Bois, p. 694). He is saying that the African-American experience is a constant self-examination. Not only …show more content…
Change is often accompanied by challenges, and this is where he balances the challenges of double consciousness clearly outlined by Du Bois, but with a more intricate outcome. Locke discussed a period of transition and ultimately a new attitude that a Negro goes through during this time. This begins as a negative and subversive, and in time shifts towards positivity. Self-reliance becomes part of the man’s psychology and finally he shifts from cynicism to “race pride” (p. 989). This clearly shows the challenges that double consciousness embodied. A constant recognition of the character challenges, but utilizing them as a mechanism to challenge these notions while moving