Life in the Prison of Home

"Why did God make me an outcast and a stranger in mine own house?"

 One of the most resonating sentences from the powerful proposal of WEB Du Bois in the first chapter of his book, The Souls Of Black Folk, in which Du Bois proposes his theory of a double Consciousness among African Americans, provides effective insight into what it can feel like being an outlier in a society which yearns for normality. Du Bois proposes under his theory of Double Consciousness that the African American is in a state of conflict with cultural ties to a homeland and the cultural influences of their current environment (America). By paralleling this experience with that of being in a prison, or, furthermore, a prisoner in one’s own home, Du Bois translates to the reader just how much of an impact these cultural conflicts can be. He relates the feelings connected to the hurt of past experiences regarding the removal of African’s to America, as well as the present “novelty” which any view them as. Both hurtful experiences coincide to make the existence of African Americans in America one which is defined by a tumultuous relationship between sense of self, past, and the perception and judgments of their peers.  

A common trend, as stated earlier, in America is a yearning for normality, whether it be through sports, trends, or other personal factors. A major factor is sexuality, an often vehemently discussed and polarizing subject. There are few subcultures in which commonality and sameness is valued more than organized sports. Derogatory terms for homosexual and other sexual orientations are typically thrown about as insults for those who cannot perform, or in a joking manner. To many, the very idea of blending this tried and true culture with a homosexual, or any other sexual orientation other than hetero, would be absurd. In recent months there have been numerous athletes who have come forward, revealing that they are homosexuals. So far, all of these athletes had been either retired, or established in professional sports. Michael Sam, a standout defensive end from Missouri, has crossed this threshold. Before even entering the NFL Draft, Sam has “come out of the closet” revealing that he is a homosexual.

Much like the double consciousness described by Du Bois, Sam must now face a situation in which two cultures he belongs to will have to be reconciled. From one “culture” his sexual orientation which will bring about attention, and possibly ridicule, from peers and the media. Furthermore, he must reconcile this with the culture of professional football, one typically characterized by machismo and, sometimes, low levels of tolerance. This situation falls directly in line with the double conscious which Dubois proposes. Sam is faced with two cultures which he identifies with and is an active member of.