Battle Royal Background

Internal & External Conflict

• Double Consciousness: (W. E. B. Du Bois) “It 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 Negro; two warring souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder”

• Reconstruction – The era following the Civil War, 1863-1877. – Southern States went from riches to rags– Freed slaves were now voting citizens

Booker T. Washington

• 1856-1914 • African American educator and political leader• Believed that African Americans should pursue

economic success in order to earn respect from White Americans

• Discouraged disobedience and outright hostility

• Minstrel Show – “Black Face,” African Americans viewed as carefree, unintelligent, clownish entertainment

Social Responsibility

• Everyone – as individuals and as organizations – has a duty to help maintain the balance between what is good for themselves and what is good for the society around them.