Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
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
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Included in
African American Studies Commons, Africana Studies Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Nonfiction Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Women's Studies Commons