Glossary
"We Wear the Mask"
A poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1895) that uses the metaphor of a mask to explore the hidden pain, struggles, and self-preservation strategies of African Americans in a racist society.
Example:
When analyzing the psychological toll of oppression, students often refer to Dunbar's "We Wear the Mask" to understand the forced concealment of true emotions.
*The Souls of Black Folk*
A foundational text by W.E.B. Du Bois (1903) that introduces and elaborates on the concepts of the color line and double consciousness, shaping discussions on race in America.
Example:
To grasp the origins of key concepts in African American studies, one must engage with Du Bois's seminal work, The Souls of Black Folk.
Activism
The use of voices and collective action, from grassroots movements to national campaigns, by African Americans to advocate for social change and racial equality.
Example:
The Montgomery Bus Boycott was a pivotal act of activism, demonstrating the power of collective resistance against segregation.
Agency
In the context of double consciousness, it is the capacity of African Americans to act independently and make their own free choices, fostering determination to resist and overcome limitations.
Example:
Despite facing immense obstacles, the decision of Rosa Parks to refuse to give up her seat demonstrated powerful agency in challenging segregation.
Alienation
A psychological impact of racism, referring to the feeling of being an outsider or never fully accepted by mainstream society within one's own country.
Example:
Despite being born and raised in America, many African Americans have historically felt a profound sense of alienation due to systemic discrimination and exclusion.
Art and Literature
Mediums through which Black artists have explored, celebrated, and critiqued their culture, identity, and social injustices, serving as expressions of Black identity.
Example:
Langston Hughes's poetry, a cornerstone of the Harlem Renaissance, used art and literature to powerfully convey the beauty and struggles of Black life in America.
Community
Strong bonds and collective support systems within Black populations that have served as a crucial source of resilience and support in the face of adversity.
Example:
The Black church often served as the heart of community, providing not only spiritual guidance but also a vital space for organizing civil rights efforts.
Coping Mechanisms
Strategies developed by individuals or groups to maintain dignity, assert humanity, and navigate challenges in the face of a racist society.
Example:
The development of vibrant Black cultural institutions and mutual aid societies served as crucial coping mechanisms against systemic oppression.
Double Consciousness
A concept by W.E.B. Du Bois, it describes the internal conflict experienced by African Americans who see themselves through their own eyes and through the eyes of a racist, dominant society, leading to a 'twoness' of identity.
Example:
A young Black student might experience double consciousness when excelling academically, feeling pride in their achievement while simultaneously being aware of societal stereotypes about Black intelligence.
Inspiration
The unique perspective derived from double consciousness that fueled African American intellectuals, artists, and activists to challenge the status quo and advocate for social change.
Example:
The Harlem Renaissance was a period of immense artistic inspiration, as Black creators used their dual awareness to produce groundbreaking works that celebrated Black identity.
Internal Conflict
A psychological impact of racism, it is the constant struggle within an individual to reconcile their own identity and self-perception with how others, particularly a racist society, perceive them.
Example:
Navigating a world that simultaneously devalues and appropriates Black culture can lead to significant internal conflict for young Black artists.
Resilience
The ability of African Americans to adapt, recover, and navigate challenges in a racist society, often fostered by the unique perspective gained from double consciousness.
Example:
The continued fight for civil rights over generations, despite setbacks and violence, is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the African American community.
The Color Line
Coined by W.E.B. Du Bois, this term refers to the systemic racial segregation and discrimination that divides American society, embedded in institutions and policies.
Example:
During the Jim Crow era, separate public facilities for Black and white citizens exemplified the pervasive nature of the color line in daily life.
The Mask
As symbolized in Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem, 'We Wear the Mask,' this represents the facade African Americans adopted to conceal their true feelings and struggles from a racist society.
Example:
An enslaved person might have worn the mask of contentment to avoid punishment, hiding their deep sorrow and desire for freedom.
The Veil
Introduced by W.E.B. Du Bois, this symbol represents the invisible barrier and lack of understanding between Black and white Americans, preventing full participation and recognition for Black individuals.
Example:
Despite achieving professional success, a Black doctor in the early 20th century might still feel the presence of the veil, separating them from full acceptance in white society.