Double consciousness unveiled: Exploring identity and resistance in African American young adult narratives
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24136/rsf.2024.007Keywords:
African American history, racial inequality, civil rights, W.E.B. Du Bois, double consciousness,, YA fictionAbstract
This article explores the theoretical foundation and historical evolution of W.E.B. Du Bois’s concept of double consciousness within the context of African American struggles against systemic inequality. Highlighting the trajectory of racial injustice and the socio-cultural challenges faced by Black Americans from the 1950s through the early 2000s, the study examines the lasting effects of segregation, discriminatory practices, and civil rights activism. By situating double consciousness within this historical narrative, the work illuminates its relevance in understanding both individual and collective experiences of marginalization. The Young Adult novels The Hate U Give and Dear Martin are referenced as vivid portrayals of the contemporary Black experience. These works not only highlight the persistent challenges faced by African Americans but also serve as essential guides for young readers, offering insights into navigating the complexities of dual identities and the demands of divided environments. This analysis affirms the continued importance of Du Bois’s framework as a tool for examining and addressing the systemic barriers to racial equit
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