Double Consciousness (Sumblog 5)

Casey French

This week, we discussed about majority and minority cultures and the four considerations of microaggressions. Certain minority groups are divided by this concept of double consciousness. In this theory proposed by W.E.B. Du Bois, specific environments influence the language and behavior of an individual. They are faced with this dilemma of polarizing both environments in which an individual would mediate between the two equally and therefore would not have a pure form of culture. By not associating oneself with either culture completely, that individual would face an identity conflict known as double consciousness. The other option is to pick one and associate themselves with one culture while facing the consequences set by society. I like the example of The Butler shown in class. Although I haven't watch the movie, there is a clear understanding that the butler, who essentially lives two realities, stays stagnate between a white and black environment. His son, however, proudly associates himself with the black movement, but his decision ultimately causes conflicts within the community. 

I also thought that the idea of microaggressions was an interesting concept. We as a society use subtle attempts at stereotypes without consciously understanding the psychological damage of our actions or words. The "Shit Girls Say" example shows how we are discriminating against a group of people to make an individual superior or an exception. It's meant to be a compliment, but also an insult at the same time. We don't always mean it, but on the receiving end, it is highly offensive.

I have the best example of how stereotypes and prejudices influence the way we perceive minority groups within the United States. In this episode of The Office, Michael hosts a diversity training activity in which he puts a variety of different races and ethnicities on a note card. The employees have no idea what they represent and have to rely on how others treat them to understand their identity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK-Cf9R4q-c

By using these preconceived stereotypes, it shows a symbolic form of microaggressions that associate a certain ideology onto a specific culture.  Although it is a funny clip, it really shows how society acknowledges minorities with sometimes derogatory association.