Charles So
Eng. 48B
Jan. 11 2011
Journal for Du BoisAuthor Quote:
"-a world which yields him no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the otherworld. It is peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this 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. One ever feels his two-ness,- an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.(896)
Internet Quote:
"DuBois plunged eagerly into his research. He was certain that the race problem was one of ignorance. And he was determined to unearth as much knowledge as he could, thereby providing the "cure" for color prejudice. His relentless studies led into historical investigation, statistical and anthropological measurement, and sociological interpretation...This was the first time such a scientific approach to studying social phenomena was undertaken, and as a consequence DuBois is acknowledged as the father of Social Science." ( A Biographical Sketch of W.E.B. DuBois by Gerald C. Hynes found on www.duboilc.org/html/DuBoisBio)
Summary:
W.E.B. DuBois explains the sociology of being black, in the text that i read and quoted, he speaks of the mental effects of slavery upon black people. DuBois writes of his peoples confused and distraught state of mind, he speaks of measuring themselves to white people and how they look at life and society inward as they are always to be subjected to two sides of things, first a empirical measuring to white people then a cultural self realization of themselves.
W.E.B. DuBois explains the sociology of being black, in the text that i read and quoted, he speaks of the mental effects of slavery upon black people. DuBois writes of his peoples confused and distraught state of mind, he speaks of measuring themselves to white people and how they look at life and society inward as they are always to be subjected to two sides of things, first a empirical measuring to white people then a cultural self realization of themselves.
Personal Opinion:
For DuBois, Washington was an example of double consciousness or inward view, his ideas and plans for blacks fell short of what DuBois believed in. DuBois believed that the blacks should not patiently wait for society to integrate them, he believed that it was societies undertaken to help the blacks to better themselves in order to better society. I feel that DuBois believed that Washington meant well but he was a victim of the inward view or double consciousness inflicted by the white people and slavery. Before his criticism of Washington, DuBois writes, "without forgetting that it is easier to do ill than well in the world," (902) this was meant for Washington and his accomplishments. Also I believe many of the societal views for blacks as DuBois explained can also be relevant for minorities today. The inward view of blacks due to slavery and bigotry in DuBois time can be translated to minorities inward view today due to society and the media.
For DuBois, Washington was an example of double consciousness or inward view, his ideas and plans for blacks fell short of what DuBois believed in. DuBois believed that the blacks should not patiently wait for society to integrate them, he believed that it was societies undertaken to help the blacks to better themselves in order to better society. I feel that DuBois believed that Washington meant well but he was a victim of the inward view or double consciousness inflicted by the white people and slavery. Before his criticism of Washington, DuBois writes, "without forgetting that it is easier to do ill than well in the world," (902) this was meant for Washington and his accomplishments. Also I believe many of the societal views for blacks as DuBois explained can also be relevant for minorities today. The inward view of blacks due to slavery and bigotry in DuBois time can be translated to minorities inward view today due to society and the media.
20/20 That's an excellent insight, that Washington was an extreme example of double-consciousness...
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