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Have you ever heard of the double consciousness? Double consciousness is a unique term that was coined by African-American Scholar W.E.B. DuBois in 1903.  In sum, he describes the double consciousness as one’s experience of always needing to measure oneself through the eyes of the dominant culture in society AND being so aware of it, that you feel obliged to minimize the aspects of your culture or identity that make you unique.

This century old concept remains relevant today, often time experienced by African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, African immigrants, women, and other non-dominant groups in America. Women of color experience the double consciousness at the intersection of their race and gender. They often time feel, and/or are taught that they need to measure themselves through the lens of norms that have traditionally been based on dominant white culture AND the standards of a patriarchal society.

To be honest, I had always spent time thinking about double consciousness in our society in terms of race. More recently, I have really begun to consider what it also means at the intersection of gender. We live in a patriarchal society and with that are expectations and modifications that we, as women, make to be socially accepted.  What does it mean to be a woman leader in our society? What does it mean to be a leader who is a woman of color? Perhaps you can’t answer that because you’ve never experienced life as one or the other.

Here is a quick test to put you in the shoes of another. Consider answering these truthfully and without immediate disapproval

  1. If I fail in my job or career, I can feel sure that this won’t be seen as a mark against my entire race or sex’s capabilities.
  2. When I ask to see “the person in charge,” odds are I will face a person of my own sex (or other identity group). The higher up in the organization, the surer I can be.
  3. If I have children and a career, no one will think I’m selfish for not staying home.
  4. If I’m careless with my driving or finances, it won’t be attributed to sex.
  5. I will never be expected to change my name upon marriage or questioned if I decide not to.

Acknowledgement of the lived experiences of our ‘others’ is critical to being effective in diversity and equity work. To acknowledge that others may have to leave their true self at home to be successful at work or valued in society (even if it is something that you have not experienced) is to honor and respect when women break through that mold and are fashioned as leaders despite the barriers. Moreover, this level of self and ‘other’ awareness is critical to truly living an inclusive life.