In Ta-Nehisi Coates' book "Between the World and Me," he reflects on the struggles and experiences of Black individuals in America. He emphasizes the emotional and physical toll of systemic racism, which often leads to a disconnection from one's identity and lived experiences. Coates uses the metaphor of "jabbing out one's eyes" to illustrate how people undermine their perspectives and ignore the harsh realities surrounding them.

This metaphor speaks to a broader theme in Coates' writing, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and confronting the societal injustices that affect marginalized communities. By choosing to forget the realities of their lives, individuals often disregard the significance of their labor and creativity, ultimately leading to a loss of self-awareness and agency.