Double Consciousness

Double consciousness is a concept introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois that describes the internal conflict experienced by African Americans who see themselves through their own perspective and through the lens of a society that often stereotypes or marginalizes them. It creates a sense of “twoness”—being both proud of one's identity and aware of societal perceptions that may devalue that identity. This dual awareness can lead to feelings of tension or fragmentation, as individuals navigate their authentic selves while constantly considering how others perceive them in a world that might judge them unfairly.