Developing Double Consciousness in the Work of W.E.B. Du Bois
blacks…. It is simply passionate, deep-seated heritage, and as such can be moved by neither argument nor fact. 8 This interpretation has implications for consciousness in that it includes the unconscious, which is below our everyday thoughts and comprehension, and which includes habits and beliefs that we cling to even in the face of them being proven undeniably wrong. The unconscious is therefore not rational . If consciousness includes this unconscious, non-rational aspect, how may it be realized, and further, is it innate, or is it developed? These questions regarding Du Bois’ conception of consciousness may be answered via a deep analysis of Du Bois’ 1940 book, Dusk . In Dusk , Du Bois’ theory of the unconscious as an aspect of consciousness becomes more closely joined with his conception of double consciousness, and their implications for each other become clear. In “Apology” from Dusk , Du Bois once again identifies the unconscious, this time acknowledging that there may be environmentalfactors that reinforce unconscious beliefs—thus, challenging unconscious thoughts and behaviors involves addressing these factors as well. I saw defending [the color] bar not simply ignorance and ill will; these to be sure; but also certain more powerful motives less open to reason or appeal. There were economic motives, urges to build wealth on the backs of black slaves and colored serfs; there followed those unconscious acts and irrational reactions, unpierced by reason, whose current form depended on the long history of relation and contact between thought and idea. In this case not sudden assault but long siege was indicated; careful planning and subtle campaign with the education of growing generations and propaganda. 9 Du Bois here emphasizes the use of subtle propaganda and educational campaigns to address unconscious prejudice. However, this is not the only path to addressing and affecting unconscious thoughts according to Du Bois. Changing
8 W.E.B. Du Bois, Darkwater: Voices from Within the Vei l (New York: Dover Publications, 1999), 73. 9 W.E.B. Du Bois, Dusk of Dawn (New York: Oxford University Press, 2017), 2–3.
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