Question

Describe Dubois's concepts of the Veil and Double Consciousness - what are these terms - and how do you think Dubois's concepts are reflected in "Ethnic Notions?" Use specific examples in your response?

Answer 1

One of the most important concepts W.E.B. Du Bois introduced was double consciousness and veil in order to bring out the struggles of the African Americans in America in the hands of the White Americans. Veil refers to the White Americans who do not consider the existence of the African Americans despite the fact that they move in the society on a daily basis. It also refers to the conscious efforts of the whites who deny the existence of the Black people among them by discriminating them. Double consciousness refers to the struggles of the Black people in terms of living up to the expectations of the white people while also preserving their own identity. White Americans termed their identity as savage, so the African Americans are forced to come out of their own identity and assimilate into the white identity. It thus points out the plight of the Black people throughout the American history to establish themselves as equal to the white while at the same time being in their own.

Thank you for the question. Please rate if you like the answer.