Confronting the Doppelganger: Mapping the Ontological Terrain of an Afro-Caribbean Woman as She Rebrands Diasporic, Feminine Identity Politics: An Autoethnography

Author

Aysha E. Todd-Stone, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

9-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Liberal Studies

Advisor

Jean Halley

Subject Categories

African American Studies | Africana Studies | Ethnic Studies | Medicine and Health | Nonfiction | Other Psychology | Race and Ethnicity | Women's Studies

Keywords

doppelgänger, diaspora, black women, relationships, behavioral, animosity

Abstract

This thesis seeks to interrogate the intricacies governing the intra-racial\ intra-gendered relationship of an Afro-Trinidadian woman as she commandeers professional spaces in North America. The intent is to challenge the instrument of Black sisterhood deeming it as an incomplete, social instrument, and to prove using an auto-ethnographic approach how Diasporic, feminine trauma leads to psychically induced, episodic violence that is highly suggestive but subtle to the naked eye which in turn irretrievably damages intra-interpersonal relations. Quantitative studies have produced a composite from the white\black perspective (Goosby et al., 2015, Sims et al., 2012) and others dealing with gender (Braithwaite., 1981, Franklin., 1980, Moore., 1981) fail to identify the complexity of the Afro-Diasporic woman leaving mutable gaps as to the state of their interior lives and how they relate to one another.

Data collection is centered on primary and secondary accounts using the Black feminist, Black existential, psychological, and sociological principles. Findings suggest a commonality of experiences regardless of environment, time, or meritocratic achievement and showed no difference as the phenomenon continued unabated. Noteworthy challenges stemming from cultural vulnerabilities known and unknown intra-racial, ethnic tensions as well as dysmorphic responses based on hair texture\style, body shape, and colorism were habitual which resulted in the denial of mentorship across all fronts.

Qualitative analysis revealed significant stress lending to psychological, financial, and professional repercussions which in turn created consolation space with peripheral groups for mentorship. However, establishing relationships with Afro-women from other parts of the diaspora was found to be accessible and positive.

Recommended Citation

Todd-Stone, Aysha E., "Confronting the Doppelganger: Mapping the Ontological Terrain of an Afro-Caribbean Woman as She Rebrands Diasporic, Feminine Identity Politics: An Autoethnography" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5508