...Gender Identity Among African Americans Danny Tarantino University of Phoenix The African American Experience SOC/338 Tara Lake May 20, 2013 In 1619, when the first African slaves arrived in the New World, their race's hardships in the new continent began. One can say that early American history is as much the story of African Americans as it is of the Whites. Only their story is about slavery and oppression and lives lived under the control of others. Centuries and many generations later, their story is written while the shadow of oppression has never left them. One would most likely see this perspective from the stories written and shared by the Black males. But this experience was shared by the Black women as well and their actions, their perspectives, and choices helped shape what would be a liberating movement in a fight for Civil Rights and equality. In the fight for Civil Rights - they were pushing for reforms on two fronts: Civil Rights for being African-American and equal rights for women. They inhibited two minority platforms - that of women and that of being African-American. They fought for it however and as a result, African American women today enjoy freedoms and opportunities that those before them did not. One of the key figures in the African American women’s movement was Mary McLeod Bethune. Something of a Matriarch, she possessed a dynamic and even aggressive personality. Not particularly well...
Words: 1280 - Pages: 6
...to the home country, the United States from Belgium. After the relocation and starting the school, she becomes a target of the peer bullying in the school settings due to their gender identity. As a result of prolonged bullying, she started presenting internalizing problems, such as sadness, anxiety, poor appetite, sleep disturbance, and persistent restlessness. In considering her presenting problems, an appropriate treatment plan should be developed based on Adisa’s developmental stage, gender identity, ethnicity and cultural background, bullying-peer relationships, and presenting symptoms....
Words: 563 - Pages: 3
...changes to their natural physical appearance. Studies have been conducted with aims to determine why people bleach their skin, if it has to do with self-image, identity, or if it’s due to psychological scaring from the past. Dating back to plantation slavery, social relationships among Africans and white communities shaped what is now perceived as “acceptable” in communities now a day. “Dark skinned people were considered to be devalued whereas light skin was valued.” (Charles 2003) The Mulattoes, which were the people mixed with Black and white, were allowed to work in the great house. The Africans on the other hand were socialized to show deference to the mulattoes on the plantation (Charles 2009). Today, more than 90% of Jamaica’s population is of African descent and dominate the political landscape, but the minority dominates the economy. Although class and color distinction are very important in society, there is minimal tension over race (Charles 2009) Identity, as well as self-esteem is often thought to be the reason behind skin bleaching. Slavery was an extremely traumatizing experience for the Africans. They were brainwashed into believing that the values of the British communities were more important than that of their own. It was back then when Africans through socialization began devaluing their identity and began having negative attitudes towards themselves. Skin bleaching is believed to be the contemporary evidence of the lingering psychological scars of...
Words: 2444 - Pages: 10
...“Down Low”: Homosexuals in the African American Community: Why is it a Taboo Topic? Danielle Carter Senior Seminar HSU 498 Professor Hogan March 25, 2010 Abstract The phenomenon known as the “Down Low” among African American Men who have sex with Men has caused much concern among black community leaders, the general population, and not to mention HIV/AIDS researchers. There are questions which are not being addressed regarding communication patterns of stigmatized groups specifically the “Down Low” group. Why is there little research about the “Down Low”, when there is more than half AAMSM in this world? This paper will explain why so many African American men are on the “Down Low,” why there is a lack of communication when it comes to speaking about the “Down Low. This paper will also help Human Service workers learn how to help AAMSM and their families. “Down Low”: Homosexuals in the African American Community A Review of the Literature Today, while there are men who are openly gay, it seems that the majority of those having sex with men still lead secret lives, products of a black culture that deems masculinity and fatherhood as a black man's primary responsibility (Roscoe, 2008). The “Down Low” culture has grown in recent years out of the shadows and developed its own contemporary institutions for those who know where to look for example...
Words: 3348 - Pages: 14
...(2000) 777–790 The relationship of ethnic identity and ego identity status among adolescents and young adults Curtis W. Branch*, Priti Tayal, Carla Triplett Columbia University, New York, USA Abstract A multi-ethnic sample of 248, ages 13–26, was used to examine the effects of age, gender, and ethnic group membership on ethnic identity and ego identity scores. Subjects were recruited from college and public schools in a large northeastern metropolitan area. The multigroup ethnic identity measure (MEIM) was used to assess ethnic identity and ego identity status was measured by the extended objective measure of ego identity status (EOMEIS). An age by ethnic group design was employed. Consistent findings of significant ethnic group differences in levels of ethnic identity were observed. Age and ethnic group were found to contribute differently to ethnic identity and ego identity status. The relationship between ethnic identity and ego identity status was found to be pronounced among subjects of color but not as dramatic as hypothesized. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Ego identity status; Ethnic identity; Adolescents; Adults 1. Introduction The ways adolescents attempt to resolve their identity crises are idiosyncratic to each individual and their life circumstances. Despite such diversity of approach to the ‘‘Who am I?’’ question, some variables seem to consistently contribute to the adolescent identity resolution process. Family type (one- vs. two-parents)...
Words: 6211 - Pages: 25
...DISSIMILARITY The word diversity has been used to refer to so many types of differences or dissimilarities among people. It can be any attribute that a person can use to detect individual differences. Categorization based on factors such as race or gender or based on proportions such as the size of the minority have been used to define the diversity in teams. But diversity or dissimilarity has a mixed effect. It can lead to greater creativity and quality of team performance or it can negatively impact the performance of the team as well. Self-categorization, and social identity approaches tend to be a pessimistic view of diversity because similarity on attributes such as attitudes, value and beliefs facilitate interpersonal attraction and liking, since similarity in nature, tends to predict affiliation and attraction, and thus causes individual to experience more cohesion and social integration in homogeneous groups. And if this kind of cohesion or social integration are formed within the group, it brings division among the group and leads to weak and poor performance of the group. No room for creativity or innovation. Information processing approach in contrast offers a more optimistic view of diversity because it allows individuals in diverse groups have access to other individuals with different backgrounds, networks, information and skills. This added information should improve the group outcome even though it might create coordination problems. But never the less...
Words: 1559 - Pages: 7
...due to its socio linguistic complexity factors surrounding its use and formation. (Eble, 1996). Different definitions of slang have describe it either on a positive or negative way. (cited in Partridge 1935:2) defined slang as a highly colloquial type of language that are considered below the level of speech of those regarded to be educated. Slangs words are used with a high degree of informality and vocabulary richness. Slang is used by specific group of people characterized by the territory they come from, subculture or age. Slang comes in a variety of ways one notable ways is through the subculture. The society keeps on changing as well as slang use. Youths are mostly fond of using and creating slang, they do so to show their own identity. Slang is a linguistic variety that cannot be separated from the social surrounding of the users Classification of slangs Slang can be classified into two that is specific and general slang. Specific slang is a slang used by a particular members of a group with the main aim of showing respect to other members of the group. They are mainly used by people who are in the same age but identified by the factors such as social status ,age , education or similar occupation. While general slang refers to spoken words used to show lack of seriousness. It is mainly used to informally instead of clichés (Mattiello 2008:35, 39, 40). Like any other language slang is characterized a broad range of linguistic properties including semantics...
Words: 2182 - Pages: 9
...Development of the African American Youth After reading the article, The Relationship Among Support, Ethnic Identity, Career Decision Self-Efficacy, and Outcome Expectations in African American High School Students Applying Social Cognitive Career Theory, a realization was made that cross-cultural research is going to be biased when a person brings in their own preconceived notion about race, education and careers. One thing for sure, is that there is a need for more research to be done. The barriers that African American youths endure in urban and rural surroundings go further than culture and racial socialization. In conflict with these contextual realities, African American youth are increasingly exposed to deracialized narratives...
Words: 660 - Pages: 3
...THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FACEBOOK™ ACTIVITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS by Eric V. Brubaker Liberty University A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education Liberty University April, 2013 1 The Relationship Between Facebook™ Activity and Academic Performance Among African American Students by Eric V. Brubaker A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA April, 2013 APPROVED BY: Amanda Rockinson-Szapkiw, Ed.D., Committee Chair Jennifer Courduff, Ph.D., Committee Member Judy Sandlin, Ph.D., Committee Member Scott Watson, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Advanced Programs 2 ABSTRACT This non-experimental, regression study examined the relationship between Facebook™ activity and academic performance for an African American sample population. The study was conducted at a large, four-year, private university in the Mid-Atlantic. All undergraduate, African American students enrolled in the College of General Studies, School of Health Sciences, and School of Education comprised the sample population. Volunteer participants completed a Facebook™ Activity Survey, which is an instrument used to collect semester grade point averages (GPAs), time-use of Facebook™, multitasking information, type of Facebook™ activities, and demographic information. The results of...
Words: 27934 - Pages: 112
... these acronyms? UFO IBB NAACP Answer: UFO = Ugly ________ Orientals; IBB = Itty Bitty Breasts; NAACP = _______, Apes, Alligators, Coons and Possums Figure 1. Email with an offensive joke As a result, the email spread like a tidal wave throughout the company and hit the press, causing the media to ask for comments. Employee morale was down. While women and minority employees were emotionally hurt, it also caused fear and worry among white male employees since they might be accused of starting the email and strong action might even be taken against them for simply agreeing with the sentiments. John Henderson, the CEO, then ordered Jeff Rice, Vice President of Corporate Human Resources to deal with the issues, find out what the issues were in 60 days and later determined what to do next. At the same time, John would write an open letter to all employees to assure them that the ...
Words: 2037 - Pages: 9
...Shameeza Subtil Professor Lindo African American Arts May 5, 2010 Exploring African Influence on the West Indian/Caribbean Culture It is rather interesting that in a “progressive” society, our behavior and practices are firmly rooted in our past. It is ever possible to wrest ourselves from the harsh realities of slavery and its ensuing impact upon Caribbean way of life? Probably to do so may mean rewriting history (our-story) or maybe knowledge of where we are coming from is what we need to help us embrace those parts of our history that must be held on to and celebrated and relinquish the undesirable parts: our acceptance of being powerless; our antagonistic propensities. The impact of West Indian slavery on the cultural landscape of the Caribbean cannot be under estimated or taken for granted. In the entire discourse on West Indian slavery, it is often taken for granted that the discussion centers solely on enslaved Africans. However, slavery brought to the region not only African but Europeans (Spaniards, French and British) and consequent to its abolition, there was the advent of the east Indians. We see the impact of their influence in the names of places; the foods we eat; our music and dance; our arts and craft, gender and sexuality. As these and other anecdotal evidences are examined and the academic contributions of others are analysed, Caribbean culture will be clearly defined and its origin established. Slavery and its attending impact upon Caribbean culture have been...
Words: 2008 - Pages: 9
...Violence from a gender view what role does masculinity play in Ethiopia context. Table of Contents 1. Introduction 2. Main concepts in feminist approach 3. Hegemonic masculinity theory 4. The subculture of violence in peace and conflict 5. The perception on gender versus sex in Ethiopia 6. Gendered dynamics of violence 6.1 Masculinities and violence 6.2 Femininities and violence 7. Conclusion 8. References 1. Introduction The paper critically evaluate the theory which claims that violence has a strong gender dimension and what role does masculinity play in violence. There are feminist theories and assumptions regarding the societal construction of gender, as it is divided into two major categories...
Words: 4327 - Pages: 18
...As a manager in any organization or institution you are faced with many task and responsibilities. Managers must be equipped with both technical and interpersonal skills in order to thrive in today’s business world. These skills include leadership, motivation, team work, conflict-resolution abilities and an understanding of diversity and diversity management. Today’s work population is constantly changing; we encounter different people from all walks of life. As a result there is more interaction among people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds than ever before. Maximizing and capitalizing on workplace diversity has become an important issue in the field of management. According to some experts “Diversity can have two competing perspectives. The first perspective embraces the “information value of diversity” and the importance of “celebrating our differences”. The second perspective believes that diversity contributes to conflict because “similarity attracts” and therefore, it is best not to draw attention to diversity and instead emphasize that as human beings our commonalities far outweigh our differences. The first perspective argues for customization, while the second advocates for homogenization. Whatever your perspective, the facts remain the same; today’s work population is changing and with any change comes both challenges and opportunities for organizations and their leaders. Diversity Management is a combination of programs, policies and...
Words: 3620 - Pages: 15
...Erik Erikson Author’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Institutional Affiliation: Course Details: Date of Submission: Erik Erikson Introduction Erik Erikson was a rare psychologist who created an eight-step model outlining the different steps in development psychology in the growth of an ordinary human being from birth to old age. His specific insights concerning human mental processes would affect the way people reacted to children and foment a deep interest in studies in human psychology. Though other psychologists have improved on Erikson’s initial findings, original findings retain a lot of significance. There is need to research and study Erikson’s work with particular interest in his explanation of the ‘adolescent stage’ Erikson’s Contribution Freud’s views about the nature and construction of the human personality significantly influenced Erik Erikson’s understanding of humanity. There was a considerable difference between the two men: whereas Erikson was an ego psychologist, Freud was an ID psychologist. Erikson stressed on the functions of society and culture and the divergences that can occur within the ego itself while Freud highlighted the conflict between the superego and ID. At all psychosexual phases, Erikson observed that the person grows in three levels concurrently: social, biological, and psychological, which represent the person, his or her connection to society, and individualism. His work was a lifetime representation of human development...
Words: 3420 - Pages: 14
...several social implications associated with the preparations and sharing of the dish. In a multicultural country like Canada, Biryani has become a symbolic identity linked to the South Asian ethnic group. More specifically, it can be tied to ideologies of gender roles and expectations. Immigrants of South Asian descent often struggle to integrate into the norms of the Western lifestyle, and continue to uphold to the male dominated structure. This means that women are often accustomed to doing the household chores including cleaning and cooking. It's more than just a food, it's an identity. it provides for impacts on social,historical,and political grounds in north American communities and also around the world. Food is a highly significant cultural symbol of ethnicity, and an important means for constructing ethnic identities (Brenda L. Beagan, 2012)-. Biryani and rice both play a vital role, and bring people together whether it be preparing, eating, or purchasing the preparation of ingredients for it. The different ideologies that govern biryani and plays a vital role in the communities which prepare it, is gender. ‘It could be paid or unpaid (voluntary)’ (Jennifer Brady, 2012), but the female gender roles in the south Asian communities in Canada have an identity defined by the food they cook, and this is seen in various traditional dishes worldwide. This paper will explore in a narrower scope, the implications that...
Words: 1687 - Pages: 7