Book Review: Solution to Double Consciousness and the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man

Review

The “autobiography” begins with the protagonist’s remembrance of his fortunate childhood in Georgia and Connecticut; he was born during reconstruction after the American Civil War. His multiracial mother, a seamstress, instilled in him confidence, education, and a love for music. Prior to public education, he never questioned his identity. However, ostensibly White, the ex-Colored man learns about his true African American identity at secondary school in when told to sit down when White students were asked to stand. Henceforth, he began to question his identity’s meaning to his mother and to himself.

The ex-Colored man explains that his mindset changed after the above event, a tragedy he calls it. Unbeknownst to the narrator, this event and others similar will develop in him a double consciousness and self-fulfilling prophecy struggle that affects his actions throughout his narration. However, the ex-Colored man remembers and narrates his childhood in joy and contemplation; he recalls briefly meeting his White father, who kindly sends him a brand-new piano. Despite this gift, he feels alienated from him due to their separation. As time passes by in the narration and he grows older, he explains his increasing eagerness to learn about African American history.

During his secondary school graduation, he saw “Shiny” orate the “Toussaint L’Ouverture” speech. The ex-Colored man is greatly moved by “Shiny’s” speech, for “Shiny” is Black. Consequently, during high school, the ex-Colored man’s college fund is used for his mother’s illness, but she eventually passes away. With his music teacher and community’s help, he plays a piano entertainment that enables him to raise enough money to attend Atlanta University.

His time in Atlanta University does not last long; a porter he temporarily lodges with steals all his money. Another porter advises him to travel to Jacksonville, Florida for a job. In Jacksonville, he acquires a job at a cigar factory and rapidly learns Spanish. The ex-Colored man, as he witnesses the South, learns more about African Americans’ social condition. When the cigar factory shuts down, he heads back to New York. At New York City he gambles, successfully, at first, and frequents a club that he is particularly fond of, and where he finds ragtime emerging. The ex-Colored man escapes the caprices of gambling by adhering to music; he becomes known as the best ragtime player in New York and earns a living as such.

At the club, his adroitness in ragtime brings the attention of a millionaire who asks the ex-Colored man to play for his social entertainments. In a climactic event, a tragedy (i.e., a shooting) occurs at the club, which compels the ex-Colored man to join his millionaire friend on his travels all over Europe, particularly Paris, France. During his time in Europe’s luxurious musical atmosphere, the ex-Colored man experiences an epiphany and decides to return to the heart of the South in the United States. His goal is to follow his dreams and share his talents as an African American, not a White man. Upon explaining his sentiments to his best friend, the millionaire, they discuss race and identity, a crucial moment in the book.

Accordingly, he goes back to the United States and chooses to travel through the North, Boston and Washington D.C., to reach the South. The ex-Colored man is determined to bring glory to his race despite the hardships and prejudices he encounters in the South. When he reaches the South, he pensively reflects on his race’s meaning and even alludes to W. E. B. Du Bois’s Souls of Black Folk. He remains sanguine while he works on his music until he witnesses an awful, heartbreaking event; it is the most difficult section to read in the book: The murder of an African American man. After this event, he no longer remains hopeful, but shameful feelings engulf and deter him. He decides to go back to New York. Without revealing his true identity, the ex-Colored man obtains a job as a clerk and invests in real estate, making him financially successful. However, he falls deeply in love with a White singer, who he reveals his true identity as a Colored man to. Ultimately, the “autobiography” concludes in earnest contemplation about his various forsaken dreams.

The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man shares with the world an African American’s thoughts and actions as he journeys through life. This book is unlike any other for it contains the narrator’s vulnerable confessions of his thoughts, emotions, and actions. One as a reader, historian, or a psychoanalyst must decipher the root causes. As the sequence of events unfolds, the reader learns the true reasons for the narrator’s misfortunes and life deviations, but the narrator himself, seems to be unaware of them at times. That is the beauty of this work of literature; it is the sole role of the reader to realize and acknowledge society’s role in the tragic events that unfold. Nevertheless, Johnson wrote the book quite poetically as he describes vistas in his travels, and even put a touch of humor in it. It is an amazing book indeed, a book that encourages social change.

Analysis

An educator, songwriter, lawyer, and the first Black executive secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Johnson’s personal experiences as an accomplished African American greatly influenced his objective to write this fictional novel, publish it anonymously, and disguise it as a true autobiography. This analysis on James Weldon Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man reflects four sections on how this literary classic brings awareness to the way social issues, especially pertaining to race and identity, affects one’s psychology. In the first section, I demonstrate that Johnson shows his readers that African American talent and intellect is innate, and thus must be acknowledged, respected, and uplifted, not put down. In the second section, I reveal and analyze society’s veil, which undermines African American talent and intellect, using Johnson’s narration. In the third section, I contend that society’s veil creates a veil for African Americans too, and thus creating African American double consciousness. The third and fourth sections highlight this double consciousness struggle. The conclusion illustrates the solution.

Talent and Intellect

African Americans’ cultural influence, undoubtedly, has shaped American history and contemporary society. The United States Harlem Renaissance (1918–1930) illustrates African Americans’ contributions in fashion, music, dance, art, literature, and politics. Johnson’s accomplishments are the epitome of this. In addition, Johnson evinces African Americans’ talent throughout his “autobiography.” One of his African American characters known as “Shiny” is described as “ … the best speller, the best reader, the best penman—in a word, the best scholar, in the class” (Johnson, 1990, p. 9). Johnson describes the talent of another African American man, a pianist who “ … was a master of a good deal of technique” (Johnson, 1990, p. 72). Johnson makes salient that many amazing African American musicians were “ … guided by natural musical instinct and talent” [emphasis added] and not by any educational influence (Johnson, 1990, pp. 72–73).

Johnson’s main character, who purportedly is writing his “true autobiography” is ostensibly White, but the ex-Colored man carries African American talent and intellect in his genes. Johnson portrays the ex-Colored man’s inherent talents in his narration: “At a very early age I began to thump on the piano alone, and it was not long before I was able to pick out a few tunes. When I was seven years old, I could play by ear all of the hymns and songs that my mother knew” (Johnson, 1990, p. 5). In addition, at an older age, the ex-Colored man narrates “I discovered that I had a talent for languages as well as for music” (Johnson, 1990, p. 53). In the ex-Colored man’s autobiography, many tragedies occur; unfortunate events prevent him from obtaining education and pursuing his dream, but he was ultimately still successful. I contend that Johnson aimed to demonstrate that even without education or training, an African American’s inherent talents will inevitably propel him to achievements, opportunities, and economic advancements. Of course, only if society allows it. Because the ex-Colored man looks White, it facilitates his journey. The ex-Colored man ultimately becomes a clerk, with his talent for language advancing his position, and invests in New York real estate; he earns a good deal of capital. In contrast, during this time in history, if his appearance were Black, this occurrence would have been quite difficult. The following section explains why.

Society’s Veil

I contend that society’s veil undermines and hinders African Americans’ talent and intellect. Society, particularly White society in the South during and after reconstruction, held the erroneous conviction that African Americans were “inferior,” and therefore, the government’s effort to educate and train them was done in vain. Johnson proposes that society does not truly think African Americans are “inferior,” as there exists ample evidence of their talent and intellect, but instead, want them to be. Johnson explains, through the ex-Colored man, “I am in grave doubt as whether the greater part of the friction in the South is caused by the whites’ having a natural antipathy to Negros as a race, or an acquired antipathy to Negroes in certain relations to themselves” (Johnson, 1990, p. 58).

Johnson reflects his belief, told through the ex-Colored man, by explaining society’s relationship with three African American classes. The most notable juxtaposition, which underscores Johnson’s belief, is society’s relation with the second class of African Americans compared to the third class. Johnson writes that the second class comprises servants, washerwoman, cooks, and domestic affair workers. Society has little to no tension with this class. However, society resents the third class of African Americans, the educated and financially independent. Johnson explains, “ … as the progressive colored people advance, they constantly widen the gulf between themselves and their white neighbors” (Johnson, 1990, p. 58). Society imposes on African Americans the idea that they are “inferior” and that any attempt to better themselves is White society imitation, which some society members erroneously attribute to be the “superior” race. During the ex-Colored man’s pullman ride with a White southerner, Johnson illustrates the White southerner’s veil. Johnson reveals this perception when a Texan says: “That’s the law of nature; and he’s bound to go to the wall; for no race in the world has ever been able to stand in competition with the Anglo-Saxon” (Johnson, 1990, p. 118).

Some people in society have entrenched this idea into every aspect of an African Americans’ life and in public society. Their veil, their inability to acknowledge, appreciate, and accept African Americans’ progress forces a veil upon African Americans as well. The constant reminder that they are “inferior” creates a double consciousness struggle. African Americans question whether they should exert themselves towards their true potential if this is merely going to be perceived as “White imitation,” instead of what it really is: African American talent and intellect. Pervasive prejudice and discrimination can, unfortunately, lead to a psychological phenomenon called the self-fulfilling prophecy, which occurs when people’s expectation of someone or a group influences the actions of that individual or group to align with this expectation (Merton, 1948, p. 195). Therefore, African Americans refrained from sharing their amazing talent and culture, which are enjoyed world-wide, such as ragtime and the cake walk. In the following, I will demonstrate how Johnson reveals the struggles behind African Americans’ veil, their ambivalence between doubt and pride.

Double Consciousness and The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: African American Veil

The ex-Colored man’s autobiography demonstrates that environmental factors may cause a person’s doubt and shame. As a young man, the ex-Colored man exhibits confidence. It is not until he commences public secondary school that he observes and learns the shame that African Americans endure. The ex-Colored man notices that “Shiny” stands out from the rest with his intellect, even among the White students. However, the ex-Colored man mentions that “Yet it did not take me long to discover that, in spite of his standing as a scholar, he was in some way looked down upon” (Johnson, 1990, p. 9). Furthermore, the ex-Colored man learns about his identity in a brusque and discriminative manner; during class, the principal asked the White scholars to rise, and when the ex-Colored man rose, he was told to sit down (Johnson, 1990, p. 11). The education system made a conspicuous distinction between him and the White scholars. Likewise, the ex-Colored man’s relationship with his White father emphasized his understanding about the division between color lines. When he briefly reunited with his father after some years, he explains that “I felt, however, that there was something about the whole affair which had to be hid” and that his mother, “She always endeavored to impress upon me how good he had been and still was, and that he was all to us that custom and law would allow” (Johnson, 1990, pp. 25, 30). Unfortunately, society’s veil separates him from his father. Ultimately, he learns about the color line division and the African American struggle by experiencing its society in the North and South.

The ex-Colored man forms a double consciousness from his early childhood experiences, along with the new, comprehensive experiences he encounters as he explores society. This double consciousness significantly influences his life decisions. I propose the notion that throughout the ex-Colored man’s narration, he compromises his aspirations due to his underlying struggle with doubt and shame, which stem from double consciousness and the self-fulfilling prophecy phenomenon. There are two significant moments where this occurs. After his mother’s death, he performs at a concert and acquires enough revenue to study at Atlanta University. He meets with the university’s president and describes his interaction with him as the following, “The president gave me a cordial welcome; it was more than cordial; he talked to me, not as the official head of a college, but as though he were adopting me into what was his large family, personally to look after my general welfare as well as my education” (Johnson, 1990, p. 43). Unfortunately, moments later, he discovers that a porter he was temporarily lodging with stole his money for college. Initially, he did not lose hope; he decides, with due reason, to explain his misfortunes to the president. But he reconsiders this decision influenced by his subconscious doubt and shame. The ex-Colored man expresses his inner double consciousness ambivalence in words:

As I neared the grounds, the thought came across me, would not my story sound fishy? Would it not place me in the position of an imposter or begger? The shame and embarrassment [emphasis added] which the whole situation gave me caused me to stop at the gate. … then [I] turned and slowly retraced my steps, and so changed the whole course of my life. (Johnson, 1990, p. 45)

He concedes to his shameful feelings and gives up his education, although the president’s congeniality strongly implies that he would have sympathized and helped him. This event demonstrates that when society entrenches the false idea that African Americans are “inferior,” it also casts a veil on them. Likewise, at the end of the novel, the ex-Colored man undergoes another drastic diversion from his course. During his endeavor in the South to voice African American struggles through his music, he witnesses a tragic event: The inhumane murder of an African American man. His reflections after the event parallel the reflections he had before he decided to abandon Atlanta University, he writes, “A great wave of humiliation and shame [emphasis added] swept over me. Shame that I belonged to a race that could be so dealt with; and shame for my country … where a human being would be burned alive” (Johnson, 1990, p. 137). The ex-Colored man abandons the South and his mission to bring awareness through his music; he decides to go to New York where he will “ … neither disclaim the black race nor claim the white race … let the world take me for what it would; that it was not necessary for me to go about with a label of inferiority pasted across my forehead” (Johnson, 1990, p. 139). For, the ex-Colored man explains, the African American man in society,

is forced to take his outlook on all things, not from the viewpoint of a citizen, or a man, or even a human being, but from the viewpoint of a colored man. It is wonderful to me that the race has progressed so broadly as it has, since most of its thought and all of its activity must run through the narrow neck of this one funnel. (Johnson, 1990, p. 14)

Even with these barriers put in place by society’s veil, African Americans have overcome them to progress and accomplish innumerable things. I believe Johnson would say it is due to their inherent talent and intellect. In the following, I will discuss African Americans’ pride and honor, which stems from their accomplishments and progress. In addition, I will demonstrate how African Americans are compelled to show the world their talent.

Pride and Honor

After the ex-Colored man, as a young student, witnesses “Shiny” give his graduation speech, the ex-Colored man feels a special pride that motivates him to exalt African American talent. His sentiments towards “Shiny’s” speech are the following, “I felt leap within me pride that I was colored; and I began to form wild dreams of bringing glory and honor to the Negro race” [emphasis added] (Johnson, 1990, p. 32). The honor that “Shiny’s” speech evinces is most likely due because his achievements were done in “ … so unequal a battle …” [emphasis added] (Johnson, 1990, p. 32). When the ex-Colored man visits Atlanta University, he explains his emotions “I felt perfectly satisfied with life for the first time since my mother’s death” (Johnson, 1990, p. 44). He feels this way after he speaks to the president and witnesses the school’s racial diversity.

As mentioned prior, due to unfortunate circumstances and his struggles with shame and doubt, he went a different path, forsaking education. This path leads him to travel Europe with a millionaire friend who financially supports him. In Europe, he indulges in his musical passion. However, a subconscious desire to evince pride and honor for the African American race emerges. He returns to the United States and goes on this musical mission, until doubt and shame reaches him again after witnessing the tragic death. Ultimately, he relinquishes his endeavor to bring pride and honor to race; he obtains a good earning job, gets married, and raises children. But the ex-Colored man’s desire to bring pride and honor to his race never truly eludes him. In the autobiography’s denouement, he pensively reflects on valiant African Americans who bring pride and honor to the race, overcoming the obstacles that he himself faced. The ex-Colored man writes, “I, too, might have taken part in a work so glorious” [emphasis added] (Johnson, 1990, p. 154).

Conclusion

James Weldon Johnson’s innovative, progressive idea to disguise a fictional narrative into an autobiography, in itself, sets an example for African Americans. Johnson shrewdly reveals how African Americans’ struggle with double consciousness prevents them from unveiling society, so society could see how it is hindering African American talent and intellect. However, in portraying double consciousness, the “autobiography” encourages African Americans to fight against double consciousness, to remove the veil, and believe in themselves, despite the hardship society imposes on them. In addition, the adverse psychological effects portrayed in the book encourages influenced readers to remove society’s veil. Johnson removes society’s veil with this literary work. Through The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, Johnson unveils his readers so that they realize that African American talent is inherent and unique to their race. In addition, Johnson demonstrates that society’s ideology has negative effects on African Americans’ self-identity. Johnson’s literary classic shows that it is essential for everyone to acknowledge, embrace, and uplift each other’s unique talents and culture, and one’s own, to identify each other equally as: Human. Robert K. Merton 91998 introduces the solution to the self-fulfilling prophecy:

The initial definition of the situation which has set the circle in motion must be abandoned. Only when the original assumption is questioned and a new definition of the situation introduced, does the consequent flow of events give the lie to the assumption p. 197). Again, appropriate institutional change broke through the tragic circle of the self-fulfilling prophecy (p. 209).