Discussion of Identity in the Black Atlantic

            In the opening chapter of The Black Atlantic: Modernity and Double Consciousness, Paul Gilroy utilized discussions of ethnicity, nationality and cultural expression to illuminate and explicate one of the overarching themes of the chapter, which is defining identity with specific regard to the African diaspora. Gilroy initially mentioned the conundrum encountered when attempting to somehow meld African heritage with local European influences, resulting in a mutation of both aspects and a creation of a new identity. In other words, he suggested problematic elements of the production of a new identity that is both black and white, a double consciousness. (p.1)

One significant argument in regards to merging two pure identities or nationalities, that Gilroy countered was that two nations, specifically English and African nations, were theoretically mutually exclusive; thus, they could not be combined. Gilroy argued that the movement of Africans to Western countries, whether by force or by choice, inevitably created an amalgamation of cultures and resulted in a new idea of cultural nationalism. He continued by presenting the exclusivity of blacks from citizenship of Western countries, which developed continued interests of blacks, such as Martin Delany, of exploring the roots of their identity. Delany’s exploration of Africa disclosed the prevailing disconnect that some western blacks, especially intellectual blacks, held in relation to their motherland (or fatherland). Additionally, Gilroy utilized the discussion of Delany’s exploration to reveal a significant problem of western black identity, an identity referred to as double consciousness and simultaneous exclusion from both cultures. Western blacks were forced to exist in a world somewhere between two identities, one rooted in their African heritage, the other created through movement to Western continents. However, complete identification with either was implausible.  

The ultimate conclusion Gilroy suggested was the acceptance of a countercultural modernity reflective of the collaboration of nations and cultures, rather than the idea of ethnic absolutism. Gilroy argued that artistic expression enhanced the opportunity to reconcile the apparent lack of identity and somewhat liberated western blacks from appealing to the idea that identity is a conundrum of double consciousness, that is not rationalize by any form of nationalism. Instead, a counterculture of modernity, in relation to black identity has been created, partially through artistic endeavors.