In W.E.B. Du Bois's The Souls of Black Folk (1903), he shares his perspective on individuals and how their experiences affect their degree of psychological attachment to their culture of origin. DuBois's most direct statement on this matter is his often quoted "double-consciousness:"
             "Its is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness- an American, a Negroe; two souls, two thoughts; two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder (Du Bois, 1897; Norton pp.879)
             I've been totally blind to my vainness. It has never crossed my mind as to why I faithfully get my hair and nails done every Saturday, primarily for church on Sunday, until now. The time spent at the hair and nail salon has become quite a ritual. My belief was that thorough preparation was required. I rise before the sun on the seventh day full of anxiety. I have to bathe, coordinate an outfit according to Mother Nature's forecast, put on a little mascara and lip gloss, and restyle my hair. I can always hear my father pacing outside the bathroom and under his breath he says, "I don't know who you are trying to impress". I respond by saying, "I'm not trying to impress anyone. I'm not going to church to be seen. I don't care what people think. I want to look good for me". What God sees is what matters, right?" Well God doesn't see what's superficial. He sees the soul of His creation.
             Du Bois's "double –consciousness" opened my eyes. Unconsciously, I battle with my conscious all the time. I'm comfortable at home wearing one orange sock and one purple sock, but if I l
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