WEB Dubois created images that portray a sense of “double-consciousness”. He took photos of African Americans that resembled mugshots in the way the subject was looking at the camera or the way their body was positioned. But he also captured portraits of African American life within the characteristics of traditional middle-class portraiture. This conveyed a blend of two ideals into consolidated imagery of African American culture during a time when political tension between the white supremist and African Americans were at its absolute height. The psychological dynamics between the two created a bold statement that could not be ignored. Any imagery that challenges social norms can be a source of tension, yet Dubois knew that the significance behind the faces he was capturing would be influential in the change of society and challenge people to see each other differently and with equal value.
When I was in elementary school, my mom played professional womens tackle football for a few years. She was part of something that was challenging the social norm that football is just a men’s sport. She was also challenging what it looks like to evangelize as a christian in a community where the environment was not exactly the holiest of grounds. She was ridiculed and judged by the southern baptist ladies that worshiped the Lord by discussing it over starbucks and a trip to the nail salon. She was judged by her friends for not being a good mother by exposing her children to a world of “sin” and “misplaced identities”. But she knew facing all of this was worth it because she was involved in something greater than a game. She was immersing herself in a community, in a team that believed in doing things that you love and chasing dreams, even if your a girl, or your forty years old or you have a full time job or are responsible for a family. These ladies challenged every social standard to play a game they loved. And they have inspired so many girls, like me, to do the same. I was blessed with the opportunity to photograph her team during a game years later as a senior in high school. I’m glad I got to capture some aspects of who these ladies are and their strength and camaraderie on the field.
W.E.B Du Bois
Texas Elite Womens Football Team (McKenna Watson)