Double consciousness is the dual self-perception experienced by subordinated or colonized groups in an oppressive society. Originally, double consciousness was specifically the psychological challenge African Americans experienced of "always looking at one's self through the eyes" of a racist white society and "measuring oneself by the means of a nation that looked back in contempt".[
In a master-slaver dynamic, the master doesn’t need to care about the mental models of the slave.
But the slave works overtime. They model both their own experiences and those of their master because their survival depends on it.
Possibly some slaves survive by sacrificing their own experiences and focusing energy on master.
This strikes me as a really useful skill. Maybe this is why being oppressed is potentially a good thing.
Relates to:
- Multiple lenses are required to understand anything complex
- Theory of Mind
- Theory of Mind and unpredictability
- Ketman: Living in Disguise to Gain Acceptance - Ezega.