Prior to immersing fully into the topic of racial prejudice, I feel it is essential that I first explain my sudden interest in this topic. As part of my 20th Century American Literature course, we are required to create posts on this website which connect various texts read in class, to the broader landscape of American culture. Consequently, with much of our second semester being heavily focused on African American writers, our professor has implored us to focus our posts on the social issues around race in relation to American culture. Upon hearing his request, I felt an immediate need to address this topic.
Recently in the news, a controversial woman by the name of Rachel Dolezal has faced a similar issue many of the African American authors discussed in my class face, the issue of "two-ness." In other words, it is this constant feeling that one has two conflicting selves. However, unlike these authors, Dolezal doesn't struggle with being black, she struggles with being white.
I must admit that my breadth on this topic is not extensive. From what I've understood, this woman has claimed, for a significant amount of time, to be a woman of colour, taking on the appearance and mannerisms of an African American. However, it has recently been revealed that she in fact, is in no way a woman of colour.
Contrasting this present day situation with readings from the infamous Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du Bois offers a rather ironic and unsettling situation. Despite having two very different approaches, both authors are infamous for their view on liberalizing African Americans. After reading their passionate words, I am left with an even greater distaste for Rachel Dolezal's actions.
I have never been one to judge or discredit someone's personal choices in life, but I have to question Dolezal's motives here. Considering her profession as an "Africana-studies program teacher," (Vanity Fair, link attached at the bottom) I would expect her to be familiar, if not sympathize with, the sheer struggle Black folk faced of which Washington and Du Bois write.
And so, rather than critiquing her behaviour, I turn to my fellow students and readers posing only two of my many questions:
1. Does Rachel Dolezal's version of "two-ness" discredit the struggle faced by many African Americans like Washington and Du Bois?
2. Should we learn from the past and the works of Washington and Du Bois to accept Dolezal's two-ness rather than discredit her identity, as we have in the past with African Americans?
I can admit I don't have an answer to these questions. I am torn, with being both accepting and skeptical of Rachel Dolezal's claims. Despite this, I think this is an important topic that needs to be both recognized and discussed.
http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/07/rachel-dolezal-new-interview-pictures-exclusive
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