Centennial Honors College
Western Illinois University
Undergraduate Research Day 2012
Podium Presentation
The Wearied Souls of Black Folk: The Struggle with the Inferiority Complex in
Black America
Rayvon Shelton II
Faculty mentor: Alphonso Simpson, Jr.
African American Studies
Historical data suggests that the inferiority complex was arguably imposed upon specific
races and not others. Take for instance, the ratification of the thirteenth amendment in
1865, which preceded the Jim Crow laws and was said to have put an end to slavery.
By exploring historical data and analyzing the behavior patterns of individuals involved
in court rulings such as Plessy v. Ferguson that support America’s exile of African
Americans because of the disadvantages Blacks faced then and are facing now, this
presentation seeks to expose participants to the various learned behavior patterns of
African Americans in an attempt to highlight the various misconceptions of white people
as to what it means to be an African American in today’s society. Consequently, there
are so many Black people who believe that there is no need for cultural and community
based improvement. The harsh reality, however, is that they themselves have fallen
victim to their arch rival, the inferiority complex. Furthermore, this presentation aims
to weaken the psychological chains that have since plagued the African American
community and coerced it into believing that the only way to make it, is to “fake”
it in reference to our appearance. Thus, this presentation will contribute to an
overall healthier self-image among black communities, starting with the
participants of the conference, which will eventually help to strengthen
generations to come. We are a strong and mighty people, and unless we come
collectively to this understanding, we will perpetually see ourselves through the eyes of
others.