W. E. B. Dubois introduced
the concept of double consciousness by describing the experience of an African
American in America. It is interesting to look at the concept of double
consciousness through the lens of Michael Sam. I have only though of double consciousness
as code switching due to racial minority. Before now I did not realize that the
concept could apply to sexuality. Double consciousness, after all, is looking
at one’s self extra critically according to the views of others, so sexuality
is a great example of this kind of code switching. Society views you with amusement,
contempt and pity. Dubois’ objective was to create one single consciousness. Dubois’
concept in very important in understanding what it is like living as a
minority.
Michael Sam comes from
an area and plays a sport where homosexuality is not exactly celebrated.
Football is a very masculine sport and homosexuality involves an amount of
femininity that is uncomfortable for many people. This caused Sam to develop
his double consciousness. People viewed Sam as a straight, NFL bound, defensive
end. Sam viewed himself as a gay, NFL bound, receiver. Coming out is the healthiest thing Michael Sam could do.
Revealing that he is homosexual helps Michael Sam to create one single consciousness.
Dubois’ objective when he coined the phrase “double consciousness” was to be able
to remove the veil. Sam coming out is a big, necessary step for gay rights in
America. We should not still be fighting for gay rights in 2014. What a gay
person does not affect anyone else but I digress.
The double consciousness
that closet homosexuals feel is a little different than the double consciousness
that racial minorities experience. You can’t hide your complexion. A homosexual
may feel alone in their double consciousness because it is possible to hide who
they really are. It is important for people who experience double consciousness
to create a single identity. It will help to make America in to the melting pot
that it prides itself on being.
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