Chapter 1 - Black Male Culture PDF

Introduction: Trying to see Black Men and Boys and their Culture Dr. Smith Learning objectives Explain Black male culture Apply the asset-orientation research model to Black males  The story of Somé and the Dagara initiation Introduction How often do we asks que...

Introduction: Trying to see Black Men and Boys and their Culture Dr. Smith Learning objectives Explain Black male culture Apply the asset-orientation research model to Black males  The story of Somé and the Dagara initiation Introduction How often do we asks questions about Black : Trying to males and never investigate due to our See Black assumptions about them? Challenges us to see beyond what Men and mainstream society teaches us Boys Argues for “seeing” Black men and boys from a more wholistic sight in order to understand them.  Seeing the Humanity and Personhood of Black men and boys Two major approaches: Asset-based Focuses on the strengths, resilience, and success Problem orientation Emphasizes shortcomings, failures, issues. Cultural deficit paradigm Black people are American products with no connection to Africa Assumes that Black males are in of cultural development Solution—oriented research is underdeveloped Risk-factor research (RFR) Protective factors Importance of Social context & Ubuntu Black men and (especially) boys get to understand themselves through the lens of the media. People who work with Black men and boys also engage in the deficit model when engaging Black boys Ubuntu – represents the need to “affirm” Black males through research, policy, and practice.  Manhood Seeing Black Refers to the principles, values, and beliefs that men men and Boys’ develop or accept Masculinity Experiences as Refers to the observable actions that men use to express or Unique and manifest manhood. Multidimension Holistic framework which recognizes the intersections of Black males and the ways in which they are oppressed. (Race, Gender, al and Sex)  Towards an understandin g Black males Black males possess a “Voice” We need to “Hear” Black males Black males have agency, can self- define, and are determined Counternarratives do exist and pushes against dominant narratives about Black males Warns us about getting caught up in “reacting” Overemphasis on responding to Whiteness which still privileges it Black males in Crisis narrative A need for sustained attention to Black males  Seeing Black Male Agency in Cultural and Social Environmental Context: Theoretical frameworks Theoretical frameworks utilized in the book: The phenomenological variant of the ecological systems theory (PVEST) Culturecology model African American male theory (AAMT) Seeing Black Males in a Historical context Must study Black males within historical context Important features of studying Black males: Naming Manhood rites Testing and Teaching Reincorporation into the community Castes/Societies of Secrets Husbandhood Martial Arts and the Warrior Tradition Fatherhood Ancestorhood Black Male Culture  The Meaning of Culture Culture: A source of power and force that synthesizes commonalities while resolving differences. Representative of particular patterns behaviors and thoughts.. Does not represent absolutes. Worldview and Performance: Worldview – values, beliefs, concepts, and ethics Africana themes: Spirituality, communalism, and rhythm Culture and Conflict: Cultural values/beliefs/thoughts are generally a source of conflict (suppression, oppression, and annihilation) The Meaning of Culture Globalization and Culture Black males are a threat to a White patriarchal society due to shifting power. Globalization enables and challenges this threat Cultural Liberty Allowing people to chose their cultural identities without sociopolitical consequences. Cultural Revolution Calls for a need of cultural replenishment; cannot be solved economically or politically.  Elements of the Surface of Culture Surface structure: Material expressions that cab be perceived by our external senses. Symbols – words, gestures, objects, or anything that carries meaning (usually understood within specific culture) Handwork: Non-verbal behaviors (e.g., handshakes, gang signs, fraternity signs) Clothing: Can tell important stories, style, attitudes and beliefs, Walking Styles Can express self-esteem, pride, and power.  Elements of the Surface of Culture part II Facial Expressions and Gaze – a way to communicate with a broad spectrum. Black males and Dance styles Orality Black Male Language (BML) – communicative practices that are associated w/ BM identities (e.g., Ebonics or AAVE) Strategic for navigating the world Systems of expressing Black manhood/masculinity Forms of resistance Presentations of assertiveness, strength, and power Elements of the Surface of Culture part III The Dozens Roastin’, cappin’, clownin’, etc. Music making Culturally-specific sense making process. Allows BM to express their humanity. Black Male Hero Traditions Serves as models for thinking and acting Deep structure and Black Male Culture Deep structure: Beneath the surface – (e.g., the core) Communalism/Collectivism Spirituality/African spiritual heritage during enslavement The Sacred Worldview Black religious style as continuation of African Cultural Styles Time Improvisation Power distance Cultural Relevance/Conclusi on Culturally Determined Definitional Systems and Cultural Misperception Cultural appropriation Fetishism Anti-Black cultural appropriation The Absent Presence of Black Males Cultural Over-Attribution