Double Consciousness - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Double consciousness is a term used to describe the complex internal conflict experienced by individuals who belong to two different cultures, societies or races. The concept was introduced by African American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, who argued that black people in America have two competing identities – one rooted in their African heritage and the other in the American society in which they reside. This duality often causes a sense of alienation and a struggle for identity, as the individual must navigate the expectations and prejudices of both cultures simultaneously. Double consciousness is often considered a form of internalized oppression and has been influential in discussions of racial identity and justice.