This class, African American Family, has had a profound effect on my life. I cannot say that it is one particular article, film or discussion. They all seem to be magically woven together, just like our lives. Yes, I have learned statistics, data, and aspects of the African American culture that I would not have known. I have read numerous articles on finding a mate and struggles of marriages, lack of competent African American psychologists, the importance of faith and the church, struggles of young women of color who dislike their skin tone, the pathology of privilege and more importantly, the oppression of the African American people.
I have sat in this class, often fighting back tears, as I listen to the amazing stories of struggle and triumph of my peers. Sitting in a classroom, where I am the minority, has been enlightening and eye opening. I found myself often unable to participate in discussion, not because I wasn't welcomed, but because I had not had the experience of being a person of African American descent. I frequently found myself feeling intense pain for my classmates as they shared their struggles of adjustment to the academic environment, the lack of preparedness, the inability to get needed help from professors, and trying to be an agent of change for their friends and family in their hometowns.
Because of the classroom environment that Dr. Gilbert creates, respectful, emotional and sometimes painful discussion occurs. It is in those moments, hearing the stories of others, that have been the most impactful for me. And what will I do with it? As I head to grad school, I hope to continue to raise awareness of privilege and fight for equality for the oppressed and hopefully impact the lives of, if not many, at least one other person. I will continue a dialogue with friends, strangers, peers and classmates about the Tim Wise film, his work on "white privilege" and also what I have learned about the negative stereotypes that African Americans have faced and continue to deal with on a daily basis.
I look forward to hearing and seeing what my peers in African American Family will do with their lives. They are all bright, articulate young men and women who have a passion for change, social justice and bringing awareness. The future looks bright for each of them and I know they will do great things to further the cause for change.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
The Achievement Gap and "Acting White"
Seeing the film, the Boys of Barack, cemented the concept of struggles in Quadrant 4. Seeing the boys find success away from their home environment, drives home the point of how difficult it is to be successful when you are dealing with factors such as, parent drug addiction, parent imprisonment, and struggles that a young person shouldn't be having while trying to excel as a student. Our expectations for academic success are unrealistic under these conditions. We need to find ways to improve life for these kids so that they can achieve!
The article "Closing the Gap" addresses the issues for African Americans in the classroom. They are not in quadrant 4 and do not have the same struggles from an economic standpoint; and yet, some of these kids are still not achieving. Is it the attitudes of the teachers, thinking they don't care, not caring themselves or is it the kids are truly struggling and don't want to acknowledge that. From the outside, it could appear to me all of the above. It is difficult to say I am doing all I can and still I am not understanding. It is hard for a child to be working extremely hard and feel it isn't enough. I am also able to see that a teacher has the power to help that child feel safe and help them be the best they can be. Each of us knows that teachers have this ability to make a difference. I can see, as an educator, if you have an attitude of they don't care, you might adopt that same laissez-faire response. The answer in this situation is not an easy one and one that I hope educators will continue to explore for the success of students everywhere. I think it is also important to look at each student as an individual and find out their particular situation and other aspects of what may be contributing to their failures/successes.
"Acting White" because I am white has not been a particular issue for me nor my peers; however, I have, in the past few months, become increasingly intrigued by this concept. I was especially challenged by the articles and how the accusation of "acting white" for African American youth and the detriment that can be for them. I also have begun to think more deeply on the stereotypes of "acting white" and how we have come to label each other, why we label and the negative connotations of labeling.
The article "Closing the Gap" addresses the issues for African Americans in the classroom. They are not in quadrant 4 and do not have the same struggles from an economic standpoint; and yet, some of these kids are still not achieving. Is it the attitudes of the teachers, thinking they don't care, not caring themselves or is it the kids are truly struggling and don't want to acknowledge that. From the outside, it could appear to me all of the above. It is difficult to say I am doing all I can and still I am not understanding. It is hard for a child to be working extremely hard and feel it isn't enough. I am also able to see that a teacher has the power to help that child feel safe and help them be the best they can be. Each of us knows that teachers have this ability to make a difference. I can see, as an educator, if you have an attitude of they don't care, you might adopt that same laissez-faire response. The answer in this situation is not an easy one and one that I hope educators will continue to explore for the success of students everywhere. I think it is also important to look at each student as an individual and find out their particular situation and other aspects of what may be contributing to their failures/successes.
"Acting White" because I am white has not been a particular issue for me nor my peers; however, I have, in the past few months, become increasingly intrigued by this concept. I was especially challenged by the articles and how the accusation of "acting white" for African American youth and the detriment that can be for them. I also have begun to think more deeply on the stereotypes of "acting white" and how we have come to label each other, why we label and the negative connotations of labeling.
Racial and Ethnic Identity
Being a white female and recognizing I am a person of privilege, it is unfair to say that I could identify with the students in the article "Family Life and School Experience: Factors in the Racial Identity Development of Black Youth in White Communities" by Beverly Tatum. It further helps me recognize the struggles of my peers and classmates as they maneuver through their lives, the struggles of race, oppression and transition. I grew up in a predominately white community until the age of 14 when I moved to three high schools in three years and in more diverse area. Any area of struggle for me during those years was more about being uncomfortable in new environments than being racially oppressed. It would be erroneous of me to connect those dots as being equal or near the same.
I would hope I am at a place in my life to be in the immersion/emersion stage and also working toward autonomy. Trying to make others aware has been an agenda for me the past few years. As I become more aware of oppression and race, I want others to acknowledge the existence. I can say this fully embracing that I am white and I have many privileges due to my skin color. Although I am grateful, I am also fully aware that gender, class, and color all play a role in each of our lives.
Choosing to do the Tim Wise film was, for me, an integral part of my journey in life and in this class. I long to draw attention to this issue and making others aware. Knowing the Tim Wise video brought continued awareness to me, I felt it was a way that I, being a white female, could have an impact on others. It seemed to be the best way for my voice to be heard. In a sense, I feel, as a white person of privilege, I can in some way be Tim Wise, whether it is sharing his passion or finding my own podium to address this from. I long for the day when I can see people of color stand up and share in the same way, having the same impact as Tim Wise.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
My Contribution for Service Learning in the African American Family
As I try to make a decision about a service learning project for my African American families class, I am somewhat overwhelmed and with that feeling I am grateful. I tend to be zealous about my goals and dreams and sometimes that leads to out of touch with reality. As I ponder my part in a project for African American Families, I want it all. With all sincerity, I want to do some part of all of it. With all due respect and a dose of reality, I know that it is entirely impossible, not only from a time factor but what is the best use of your time factor. I have to ask some serious questions as I make the decision to find where my input can be the most effective.
Where will my time, knowledge, and influence be well received?
Where can I make the biggest impact?
Where can I not only grow as an individual, but also engage others?
As I have thought about our projects and what is available, all roads lead back to Tim Wise and his stance on "White Privilege" Showing this film to a group of students and even those outside academia is an opportunity to encourage others to take a look at the oppression of African Americans and to look at the opportunities of being white. I am excited about the impact that this may have and the ability to help change the egocentric thinking of others.
Where will my time, knowledge, and influence be well received?
Where can I make the biggest impact?
Where can I not only grow as an individual, but also engage others?
As I have thought about our projects and what is available, all roads lead back to Tim Wise and his stance on "White Privilege" Showing this film to a group of students and even those outside academia is an opportunity to encourage others to take a look at the oppression of African Americans and to look at the opportunities of being white. I am excited about the impact that this may have and the ability to help change the egocentric thinking of others.
Strengths of the African American Family
As opposed to so many negatives we hear regarding the African American family, there are actually many positives that are often overlooked and diminished. The African American community/family is composed of a people of strong faith. This is highly regarded in their culture, a place to go for support and encouragement and yes, even correction. With only 2% of psychologists being African American, I think it is important that the community has a support system within their church to guide, lead and give direction.
I also see the African American female as being a strong support and a truly positive for the African American family. Due to the overwhelming incarceration rate and absence of the male leadership, the role of female is critically important. She strives to teach, instruct and give her family guidance. With a healthy and positive self-esteem, these women are able to impact their family and community in a critical way.
Mentoring programs would be a crucial way to allow the black family to have more support and guidance/direction. The church, with it's integral role in the African American family, could provide mentoring and teaching for young black males to have the values and insight they need to become strong role models for their siblings, peers, and younger counterparts. This would allow the family to become stronger as we grab these young men at an early age and give them role models to look up to. By providing the tools these young men need to be successful, they can make the family even stronger.
One of the programs, Center for Family Research, Strong African American Families Program, is working with young children thru adults to strengthen and support the African American Family. http://www.cfr.uga.edu/projects
I also see the African American female as being a strong support and a truly positive for the African American family. Due to the overwhelming incarceration rate and absence of the male leadership, the role of female is critically important. She strives to teach, instruct and give her family guidance. With a healthy and positive self-esteem, these women are able to impact their family and community in a critical way.
Mentoring programs would be a crucial way to allow the black family to have more support and guidance/direction. The church, with it's integral role in the African American family, could provide mentoring and teaching for young black males to have the values and insight they need to become strong role models for their siblings, peers, and younger counterparts. This would allow the family to become stronger as we grab these young men at an early age and give them role models to look up to. By providing the tools these young men need to be successful, they can make the family even stronger.
One of the programs, Center for Family Research, Strong African American Families Program, is working with young children thru adults to strengthen and support the African American Family. http://www.cfr.uga.edu/projects
Monday, March 3, 2014
African American Family and Faith
We have discussed at length the role of faith in the lives of African Americans. As much as it is a source of strength, it can also be problematic as we look at the role between acceptance, struggle, and seeking help. Many African Americans may feel as though God is their source of strength and refuge and yet for others it may be a source of conflict as they neglect to feel accepted by their peers or deny themselves the opportunity to be honest about their struggles. How is the faith of the African American a positive and a negative? How does the role of faith pose a problem for the gay person, those in marital conflict, the strong African American woman, and the strong African American male who wants to seek counseling? Looking at the articles, "the choice to be gay," African American Women's Spiritual Beliefs: A Guide to Treatment," and "Found: 85,000 Black Gay Households," how does spirituality play a negative and positive role? How does this affect the male or female in the lower quadrant? How would the Nguzo Saba principle of Ujima and Imani break down these struggles?
Monday, February 24, 2014
Counseling, Female Self Esteem and African American Gays
The fact that only 2 percent of psychologists are African American is a huge problem for the African American community. It is problematic to try to discuss your issues and develop as an individual when you are working with someone you cannot understand your culture. An African American male needs to be able to connect with his counselor and feel his needs and world are understood. This explains why so many African Americans would not be seeking psychological help. The areas of concern for the African American male are the erroneous thoughts about their masculinity regarding who they are and also what they do, in addition to economics, employment and education.
The African American female has high self esteem and this is due to their social support and self-reliance. A support network is really important, especially when facing struggles and Black women are also taught to be self-sufficient and not be dependent on a man. As we have discussed in the past, this can be a problem for the African American family.
Black heterosexual couples and black same-sex couples share the following:
The African American female has high self esteem and this is due to their social support and self-reliance. A support network is really important, especially when facing struggles and Black women are also taught to be self-sufficient and not be dependent on a man. As we have discussed in the past, this can be a problem for the African American family.
Black heterosexual couples and black same-sex couples share the following:
- raising non-biological (foster or adopted) children at the same rate
- black male same-sex couples are raising non-biological children at a slightly lower rate than black married opposite-sex households
- black women in same-sex households are raising children at almost the same rate as black married opposite-sex coupes
- black men in same-sex relationships are parents at about two-thirds the rate of married opposite-sex couples
I personally don't believe that being gay is a choice. I believe there are many factors involved as there are with being heterosexual. I am attracted to men. I don't have to choose that as for me that is my natural inclination. Strange bedfellows are anti-gay activists, the black church, and white conservatives.
Addressing homophobia in the African American community, I believe, is a complex issue. As we look at the importance of faith, it will be difficult to convince those who see this as sin as not. I think t we can only hope to bring understanding, compassion and acceptance instead of hatred, prejudice and discrimination through education. Exposing ourselves to others and befriending those who are not like us brings growth and develops our ability to accept our differences and work together. College campuses have opportunities to bring individuals with differing opinions together to get to know each other through projects, educational seminars and discussion groups.
As we have discussed, faith is a huge component of the African American family, which would make coming out a difficult situation. Being in quadrant four is far more complicated as the struggles and obstacles are insurmountable. To come out in quadrant four would mean taking a huge risk of losing your support system, which would more than likely lead to many more problems for this individual and his/her ability to find success.
The Homophobia quiz was interesting and I had to stop and truly consider my answers and how I felt. I am not homophobic and I do try to accept others for who they are. I may not always agree with others choices but it doesn't have anything to do with their identity. I think each person is a beautiful creation and should be treated with love and respect.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Building Relationships
The article "in search of love and commitment" addresses the challenges black men and women have in finding a mate. The shiftless male and dominating female stereotype, I believe could be reshaped by the current media portrayal. We see this image perpetuated by African American films, music videos, actors, and actors. New messages could be sent by encouraging stronger roles for blacks and the elimination of perpetuating the negative agenda.
Another problem we see is lack of commitment and the high divorce rate. Programs for couples to build their faith as we saw in the video and also the Black Marriage Day initiative are great ways for couples, who are already in relationship, to grow and work together. I think another way that black men and women could connect would be to have a mentoring program to help break down some of the walls we build against the opposite sex.
Looking at the Bethea article, "African American Women and the Male-Femlae Relationship Dilemma: A Counseling Perspective," again draws our attention to the myth of the black male being lazy and the black female being domineering. Black men and women have adopted these meanings and incorporated them into their lives. Accepting the stereotypes has prompted women to seek higher education, which in and of itself is good; however, it is affecting the marital status of black females.
The article suggests the following: 1) counselors need to recognize that black females are heterogenous and difference in age and socioeconomic status may modify their position in a relationship. 2) counselors need to assess their readiness to serve black females - and need to be culturally aware. 3) more empirical research needs to be done on black females and relationships 4) integrate research done on black females and males and relate the issues from a single perspective.
As we discussed with only 2% of the black culture going into counseling, I believe the need for culturally competent counselors is a huge need within the black community. We need more counselors of all races to be culturally competent to align themselves to help black men and women pursue and have successful relationships.
The anti-intimacy beliefs and slavery: I think intuition is a big part of how we operate to survive, make good decisions, and building trust. In times of slavery, relying on your instinct or intuition was a big part of survival. I also believe the belief that having to control everyone and everything around us is a huge part of what was handed down from the slavery movement. Again, that instinct to survive and especially control our world when it is out of control is powerful.
The article, "Being a man about it: Manhood meaning among African American men. Psychology of men and masculinity," identifies four ways that men distinctly define manhood: 1) Fluid Developmental Process as fluid and adaptive 2) Redemptive Process as offering several opportunities for redemption 3) Proactive Course as identifying barriers or threats to ones identity and initiating positive life actions. 4) Interconnect State of Being of self, family and others.
Another problem we see is lack of commitment and the high divorce rate. Programs for couples to build their faith as we saw in the video and also the Black Marriage Day initiative are great ways for couples, who are already in relationship, to grow and work together. I think another way that black men and women could connect would be to have a mentoring program to help break down some of the walls we build against the opposite sex.
Looking at the Bethea article, "African American Women and the Male-Femlae Relationship Dilemma: A Counseling Perspective," again draws our attention to the myth of the black male being lazy and the black female being domineering. Black men and women have adopted these meanings and incorporated them into their lives. Accepting the stereotypes has prompted women to seek higher education, which in and of itself is good; however, it is affecting the marital status of black females.
The article suggests the following: 1) counselors need to recognize that black females are heterogenous and difference in age and socioeconomic status may modify their position in a relationship. 2) counselors need to assess their readiness to serve black females - and need to be culturally aware. 3) more empirical research needs to be done on black females and relationships 4) integrate research done on black females and males and relate the issues from a single perspective.
As we discussed with only 2% of the black culture going into counseling, I believe the need for culturally competent counselors is a huge need within the black community. We need more counselors of all races to be culturally competent to align themselves to help black men and women pursue and have successful relationships.
The anti-intimacy beliefs and slavery: I think intuition is a big part of how we operate to survive, make good decisions, and building trust. In times of slavery, relying on your instinct or intuition was a big part of survival. I also believe the belief that having to control everyone and everything around us is a huge part of what was handed down from the slavery movement. Again, that instinct to survive and especially control our world when it is out of control is powerful.
The article, "Being a man about it: Manhood meaning among African American men. Psychology of men and masculinity," identifies four ways that men distinctly define manhood: 1) Fluid Developmental Process as fluid and adaptive 2) Redemptive Process as offering several opportunities for redemption 3) Proactive Course as identifying barriers or threats to ones identity and initiating positive life actions. 4) Interconnect State of Being of self, family and others.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Color, Education and Marriage
The issues discussed in "The Separate World Of American's Black Elite" such as the shade of black, the socioeconomic status, education, and authenticity of being black are real problems facing the African American population today. The fixation on skin color still exists; the road to "white aspirations" is paved with judgement from blacks and whites, and the pride in their economic or academic success is still riddled with conflict over being embarrassed by the less successful black brother or sister. The situation remains a battleground as we see precedence in our media for the lighter skinned black model, the wealthier black athlete, actor or comedian, and an obvious lack of notoriety for the black physician, politician, and lawyer.
"What's Love Got to Do with It" brings our attention to the problems we see with the disparity between the rise in education and socioeconomic status of the black female versus the lack of education and low SES of the black male. This affects long term relationships and yes, many black females are opting to stay single. The problem is not an easy one to solve. I do believe the fact that there are many programs available for young black women, who have children, to advance in their academics and those same opportunities are not equal for young black men, who might have faced difficulties such as parenting or jail. Research also shows mothers are prone to want to be educated as they see their children learning. If the father were living in the same home, would he be more prone to desiring an education? Is the absence of a father figure for young men the biggest problem or is it the lack of positive regard for education among our athletes, comedians, actors, or musicians that prevents young black men from striving for a higher education? And then, the greater question is how will this continue to impact the African American Family?
"Successful Women Who Are Childless" draws us to the facts of African American women between the ages of 28-55 years old, who are earning over 55k per year and only 29 percent of them are married. The composition of the lack of young black men attending college and advancing in their careers and SES is again compromised as we see the data from Harvard showing that in 1979 the ratio of black female/male was close to even and today it is a significant 9-1 for the female dominating. This is yet another growing concern as we see the decline in options of marriage and hopes for equality in career and SES for the black family.
Looking at the article "Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn," Holzer and his colleagues cite two factors for the increase in unemployment for the black male: 1) The high rate of incarceration of black males then leads to less opportunity outside of prison and 2) the child support enforcement law has placed young fathers in lower paying and lower skilled jobs which leads to little hope for advancement. In the past two decades opportunities for young black women have increased and the black male has not been afforded these same educational advantages.
"Annihilation through integration" as seen in the article "bring me home a black girl" refers to the weakening of the culture and the economy of the black people. I can see the importance for black parents to instill a value of marrying within your culture to their children. If all families took that attitude and talked frankly with their children regarding this message, then yes, I can see the black family being strengthened and the marriageability index going up; however, we are still faced with the problem of education and SES, all of which need to be addressed.
"What's Love Got to Do with It" brings our attention to the problems we see with the disparity between the rise in education and socioeconomic status of the black female versus the lack of education and low SES of the black male. This affects long term relationships and yes, many black females are opting to stay single. The problem is not an easy one to solve. I do believe the fact that there are many programs available for young black women, who have children, to advance in their academics and those same opportunities are not equal for young black men, who might have faced difficulties such as parenting or jail. Research also shows mothers are prone to want to be educated as they see their children learning. If the father were living in the same home, would he be more prone to desiring an education? Is the absence of a father figure for young men the biggest problem or is it the lack of positive regard for education among our athletes, comedians, actors, or musicians that prevents young black men from striving for a higher education? And then, the greater question is how will this continue to impact the African American Family?
"Successful Women Who Are Childless" draws us to the facts of African American women between the ages of 28-55 years old, who are earning over 55k per year and only 29 percent of them are married. The composition of the lack of young black men attending college and advancing in their careers and SES is again compromised as we see the data from Harvard showing that in 1979 the ratio of black female/male was close to even and today it is a significant 9-1 for the female dominating. This is yet another growing concern as we see the decline in options of marriage and hopes for equality in career and SES for the black family.
Looking at the article "Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn," Holzer and his colleagues cite two factors for the increase in unemployment for the black male: 1) The high rate of incarceration of black males then leads to less opportunity outside of prison and 2) the child support enforcement law has placed young fathers in lower paying and lower skilled jobs which leads to little hope for advancement. In the past two decades opportunities for young black women have increased and the black male has not been afforded these same educational advantages.
"Annihilation through integration" as seen in the article "bring me home a black girl" refers to the weakening of the culture and the economy of the black people. I can see the importance for black parents to instill a value of marrying within your culture to their children. If all families took that attitude and talked frankly with their children regarding this message, then yes, I can see the black family being strengthened and the marriageability index going up; however, we are still faced with the problem of education and SES, all of which need to be addressed.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Examining Black Family Life
As I look at the timeline on African American History, there are certainly challenges, defeats, and victories.
Two events during the Early Days & Slavery period which caught my eye were: 1. In 1776 the passage condemning slave trade was removed from the Declaration of Independence. 2. The first Fugitive Slave Law was passed by Congress in 1793, making it a crime to harbor an escaped slave.
These two events are clearly significant in continuing the inhumane treatment of blacks and also affecting their self esteem and hopes for a quality of life equal to the white person.
Two events during The Building Democracy period were: 1. In 1867 the founding of 5 Black Colleges, including Howard University which impacts the quality of continued and higher education for the African American to become more competitive for jobs and greater income potential. 2. In 1872, the first African-American state governor of Louisiana is elected to the House of Representatives, only to be disputed which had to affect the self esteem of the black family and also prevented representation in government and positive outcomes for representation.
Two events during the Civil Rights Era were: 1. In 1957, The Reverend Martin Luther King helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference working toward full equality for African Americans. Today we are still impacted by the work of Dr. King and his legacy for a dream of a better world for the African American people. 2. The work of Jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane were brought to light in 1959 as well as other artists in the Motown Music Label were added such as Gladys Knight and Lionel Ritchie. These were positive role models and positive images for the African American people.
Modern Times have brought many firsts for the African American and consequently, more positives in their own corporate self image, improved quality of life and positive public image. Some of these events are: Dr. Jocelyn Elders becomes the first Black surgeon general and Toni Morrison, the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in literature.
The principles of the Nguzo Saba, in relationship to the first two eras on the timeline, in my opinion speak to the challenge the principle of being able to maintain and build their own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. The perpetuation of "slave" mentality was certainly a prohibition of (Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics) being able to have or establish anything for the future. The creation of black colleges did promote Kujichagulia (self-determination).
The Aminfu Harvey article, Individual and Family Intervention Skills with African Americans: An Africentric Approach, draws on the principle of uniting a community (Ujima) by gathering people together in a retreat setting. The family empowerment component builds the community and draws on the principle of Nia or purpose giving emphasis on parenting and family issues.
The Dynamic Duo reading by Jamal Watson shows the principles of Kujichagulia (self-determination) and Kuumba (creativity). The story of this family striving to build the life they believe they can and should have and teaching their children the importance of their heritage through their lifestyle.
Two events during the Early Days & Slavery period which caught my eye were: 1. In 1776 the passage condemning slave trade was removed from the Declaration of Independence. 2. The first Fugitive Slave Law was passed by Congress in 1793, making it a crime to harbor an escaped slave.
These two events are clearly significant in continuing the inhumane treatment of blacks and also affecting their self esteem and hopes for a quality of life equal to the white person.
Two events during The Building Democracy period were: 1. In 1867 the founding of 5 Black Colleges, including Howard University which impacts the quality of continued and higher education for the African American to become more competitive for jobs and greater income potential. 2. In 1872, the first African-American state governor of Louisiana is elected to the House of Representatives, only to be disputed which had to affect the self esteem of the black family and also prevented representation in government and positive outcomes for representation.
Two events during the Civil Rights Era were: 1. In 1957, The Reverend Martin Luther King helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference working toward full equality for African Americans. Today we are still impacted by the work of Dr. King and his legacy for a dream of a better world for the African American people. 2. The work of Jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane were brought to light in 1959 as well as other artists in the Motown Music Label were added such as Gladys Knight and Lionel Ritchie. These were positive role models and positive images for the African American people.
Modern Times have brought many firsts for the African American and consequently, more positives in their own corporate self image, improved quality of life and positive public image. Some of these events are: Dr. Jocelyn Elders becomes the first Black surgeon general and Toni Morrison, the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in literature.
The principles of the Nguzo Saba, in relationship to the first two eras on the timeline, in my opinion speak to the challenge the principle of being able to maintain and build their own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. The perpetuation of "slave" mentality was certainly a prohibition of (Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics) being able to have or establish anything for the future. The creation of black colleges did promote Kujichagulia (self-determination).
The Aminfu Harvey article, Individual and Family Intervention Skills with African Americans: An Africentric Approach, draws on the principle of uniting a community (Ujima) by gathering people together in a retreat setting. The family empowerment component builds the community and draws on the principle of Nia or purpose giving emphasis on parenting and family issues.
The Dynamic Duo reading by Jamal Watson shows the principles of Kujichagulia (self-determination) and Kuumba (creativity). The story of this family striving to build the life they believe they can and should have and teaching their children the importance of their heritage through their lifestyle.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Sorting People By Race
The PBS activity on sorting people by race was frustrating and difficult. I found myself becoming very irritated and also enlightened by this exercise. It was evident as I began to sort that I was not capable of doing that. My ability to choose who belonged to what race was inadequate. So, why then do we, as a society, think we are capable of sorting people by race. It made me keenly aware of how I have bought into this concept over my lifetime.
I was caught off guard by many of the statistics regarding race and felt I should know these but one of the issues I had to think about was that race is not genetic. Had I been told it was or had I just thought that or was it implied in my family. Regardless: race is not genetic and even if it were, it should play no role in how I view others.
Until I did this exercise I had not considered how I had just blindly accepted categorization. The chapter on the Roots of Racial Classification by Wander was thought provoking and proved to be difficult in swallowing this idea that we, me, our society have labeled by color for our own personal gain. It makes complete sense although truly turns my stomach that we have degraded people based on their outer appearance so that whites can maintain this status quo or better than that, superiority over those who don't look like them...truthfully: Sickening!
Another statistic I had to admit I did not realize was that race justified social inequalities. I had not stopped to consider that we needed to perpetuate the idea of race beyond slavery. In order to have a lesser society, we made race an important factor, so others could gain economic and social status.
I could not agree more that colorblindness will not end racism. As a society we need to pull our heads out of the sand and agree that racism is still a prevalent issue in this country. Our need to label and categorize jeopardizes all groups from race to religion to sexual identity. The tools of stereotyping remain so that we can justify oppression. It is critical that continued attention is brought to this matter. As others are enlightened and engaged in this topic, one can hope that the oppressed will be no more!
I was caught off guard by many of the statistics regarding race and felt I should know these but one of the issues I had to think about was that race is not genetic. Had I been told it was or had I just thought that or was it implied in my family. Regardless: race is not genetic and even if it were, it should play no role in how I view others.
Until I did this exercise I had not considered how I had just blindly accepted categorization. The chapter on the Roots of Racial Classification by Wander was thought provoking and proved to be difficult in swallowing this idea that we, me, our society have labeled by color for our own personal gain. It makes complete sense although truly turns my stomach that we have degraded people based on their outer appearance so that whites can maintain this status quo or better than that, superiority over those who don't look like them...truthfully: Sickening!
Another statistic I had to admit I did not realize was that race justified social inequalities. I had not stopped to consider that we needed to perpetuate the idea of race beyond slavery. In order to have a lesser society, we made race an important factor, so others could gain economic and social status.
I could not agree more that colorblindness will not end racism. As a society we need to pull our heads out of the sand and agree that racism is still a prevalent issue in this country. Our need to label and categorize jeopardizes all groups from race to religion to sexual identity. The tools of stereotyping remain so that we can justify oppression. It is critical that continued attention is brought to this matter. As others are enlightened and engaged in this topic, one can hope that the oppressed will be no more!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
A Response to Ben Herbert
My response to Mr. Bob Herbert's New York Times article, A New Civil Rights Movement, is one of a partial agreement; Yes, we do need to try to instill values and learn new behaviors. However, I believe, Mr. Herbert, that your broad swipe of the pen in addressing the issues among African Americans is not so easily solved by a summit committee of values and behaviors. Let's address issues of values and behaviors in all communities, regardless of ethnicity or color. Our nation has a problem, Mr. Herbert, and it does not just lie within the confines of the African American neighborhoods. My hope would be that there would be committees to address the portion of our society that believes the misconceptions that all black boys in hoodies are worthless and all black women are looking for a way to milk the system by becoming pregnant. How do you expect a committee on values and behaviors working with the black community to change the hearts and minds of others? Let's get to the core of the issue, Mr. Herbert, and begin to address hearts and minds of those who have biases and prejudices against their fellow man.
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