Today, let’s go deeper than Code Switching. For that, we need to study one of the OGs: W.E.B Dubois. Let’s explore the origin story of code-switching and why we must move past it to shift our mindset for the long term. Before Code-switching there was “Double Consciousness”
Double Consciousness is a term coined by W.E.B. Du Bois in his book, “The Souls of Black Folk”. It refers to the psychological state experienced by Black individuals in which they are forced to view themselves and their culture through the eyes of others, particularly those of the dominant white culture. I still vividly remember other kids at school comparing my hair to a carpet. Making me feel different is in bad way. Which is insane because straight hair is a minority in the world ~40% of the population.
This phenomenon is not unique to Black individuals but can be applied to any group that is marginalized or oppressed in society. Decolonizing your mindset is crucial in breaking free from this psychological state and reclaiming your identity.
The concept of Double Consciousness can be traced back to the experience of Black slaves forced to assimilate into the white culture of their slave masters while simultaneously holding onto their cultural traditions. This experience was passed down through generations and has continued to shape the Black experience. Black individuals must navigate two worlds, one that is their own and one that they are expected to assimilate into. This is an extra load. Not surprising that in the 80’s the community broadly said “you have to work twice as much for the same result”. To add insult to injury, my personal experience was that no matter how hard I tried to assimilate, I never did.
This can lead to feelings of disconnection and a sense of not belonging in either world.
Decolonizing your mindset involves examining how you have internalized the dominant culture’s views and values and actively working to dismantle them. It requires a shift in perspective, a willingness to question the status quo, and a commitment to learning about and valuing diverse cultures and perspectives. Let’s pause longer on this one. I had to be hit in the face multiple times with this one, over multiple years before realizing it. To this day, I am not 100% certain why this journey was so arduous, but maybe because of the fear of the unknown. Being stuck in between 2 worlds is uncomfortable, but not as much as a leap into the unknown. Especially when the majority of the ones making the moves seem to get punished for it. It is also hard to tell yourself you have been living a lie. Everything you have learnt needs to be reviewed.
Moreover, once you have realized it, you need to explain your discovery to others. And you are very likely to be faced with resistance. Just like you before, they may not have gone through that journey of shifting their mindset.
Media consumption is one of the most significant ways we internalize the dominant culture’s views. The media is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions of the world and those around us. It is essential to examine the media we consume critically and question the messages it sends. Who is represented in the media? Who is left out? What biases are present? By actively seeking out diverse voices and perspectives, we can begin to decolonize our mindset and broaden our understanding of the world. It is not a coincidence that I have felt lighter since I stopped watching the news on TV. Yes, I am not current with the latest geo politics situations. I do not need to. I prefer to study history and understand what has brought us to where we are today. There are more answers in history than in any news outlet’s latest clickbait title. I also get some input from TikTok. This is a tricky one because you must apply critical thinking. You never know which account is feeding fake news, if not all. I follow accounts with multiple different views, even is they oppose mine. It keeps me on my toes and keeps my mind sharp.
Education is another powerful tool in the decolonization process. Traditional education systems often centre on white, Eurocentric perspectives and neglect to teach the contributions and experiences of marginalized communities. By seeking out alternative education sources and actively learning about diverse cultures and histories, we can shift our perspective and challenge the dominant culture’s narrative. This is a significant point of reflection for my kids’ education. Do I let them go through their own journey? Do I accelerate it? When do I influence them to read Malcolm X’s autobiography?
Decolonizing your mindset is not easy. It requires a willingness to be uncomfortable and challenge your own beliefs. It is a process that requires ongoing work and commitment. However, the benefits of decolonizing your mindset are numerous. By breaking free from the psychological state of Double Consciousness, we can reclaim our identity and find a sense of belonging in the world. We can also challenge harmful stereotypes and biases and create a more equitable and just society. Most importantly, we can bring back the community together.
The Black Negotiator 