In Fanon’s The Fact of Blackness, Fanon argues that the term “blackness” in not an original identity, but one that is forced upon the individuals that are labeled as black people. “Blackness” is determined by the physical traits of a being, the darker you are the more you fit the identity of “blackness.” This term is used to isolate and ultimately alienate the black man from the rest of the society. The black man does not have the opportunity to to create an identity for himself, rather he is subjected to the ideas and portrayal that someone else has for him. Fanon focuses on the concept of self-identity, realizing that he is an object amongst other objects, having no control over his own free will. The black man finds it difficult to grasp his own reality because of the social constraints put upon him.

The black man knows that he cannot be overlooked. He cannot hide the color of the skin, he cannot be anonymous. The label of “blackness” constantly shadows him. Compared to the white man, he will always be considered inferior. The judgements and criticisms that people have weigh him down. Fanon explains that no matter how many good qualities or talents that the black man may have, people will always denounce him for the color of his skin. He begins to feel ashamed of the criticisms hurled at him, realizing that he will never be good enough for them. This makes him have less control over his own identity.

The black man has already become “blackened” by society even before he can create an identity for himself. His existence only lives on what society makes of him, rather than making an identity for himself. Everyone holds the right to be proud of their background and race, but that becomes hard to do when the society around you treats you and your people less than equal. This ultimately makes one’s self-identity become a burden on them.