Name: Saccha Callender-Louis
Course: Sociology
Professor: Katia Perea
Date: 04/14/2015

Double Consciousness
W.E.B. Dubois wrote about Double consciousness in the book Soul of Black Folk (1903) Mr. Dubois goes to elaborate what he meant by saying “This sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of the world that looks on in amused contempt and pity”.

The experience of “Double consciousness” still affects our lives even in this 21st century. We still encounter disadvantages as it relates to: racism and culture. In order for us to have knowledge and understanding of the whole concept of “Double Consciousness” that Mr.
Dubois talks about, we must accept ourselves as who we are so we do not lose our true identity in trying to fit into the society. This paper that you are about to read is my own personal experience as it relates to “Double consciousness” and how it has affected my life .

Double Consciousness on Culture
As for any immigrant migrating to a foreign country that is a challenge by itself. When I came to America with my family we faced the “Double Consciousness” theory that Mr. Dubois talks about, as we try to fit into this society. We compromise our language, the way how we dress and even our own religious belief. It was difficult for me as a young person and even harder for my parents to accept this new changes that will come to our new lives. As a native of Jamaica even though we speak English, it is quite obvious that when we speak we sound different from a person who was born here in America. So when I started to socialize with the Americans I have realize that whenever I speak they will complain that they do not understand what I am saying.
Because of this I was trying to imitate them so I will no longer sound different. In the whole process of trying to fit in I realize I was giving up a piece of my true identity that was very important to me. I now realize that I was experiencing the “Double Consciousness” theory that
Mr. Dubois talks about. When I am with my family I can speak my native language and be comfortable, but when I am outside I have to force myself to speak proper English. Even with the sacrifices that I have made they still did not accept me as one of them, in their perception I will never be consider as an American.

Double