Showing papers in "Journal of Black Studies in 1989"
TL;DR: A major problem with genetic inferiority theories is that advocates of this perspective tend to differentially apply it in explaining the causes of social problems among various racial and ethnic groups as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Most Americans are aware of the high rates of social problems among Black Americans. For example, Blacks are disproportionately represented among Americans experiencing academic failure, teenage pregnancy, female-headed families, chronic unemployment, poverty, alcoholism, drug addiction, and criminal victimization (Poussaint, 1983; U.S. News and World Report, 1986). Consequently, there is a great deal of debate among politicians, journalists, academics, and ordinary citizens concerning the etiology of these problems. Those who attempt to explain the prevalence of these conditions among Blacks tend to argue one of three positions: genetic inferiority, culture of poverty, or racial oppression. Advocates of the genetic inferiority perspective argue that the high rates of social problems among Blacks is a product or expression of Black peoples' innate inferiority to Caucasians and other racial groups. Moreover, advocates of this perspective argue that Blacks possess genetic traits and characteristics that predispose them to engage in problematic behavior at higher rates than White (Garrett, 1961; Jensen, 1973). A major problem with genetic inferiority theories is that advocates of this perspective tend to differentially apply it in explaining the causes of social problems among various racial and ethnic groups. For example, White Americans have higher rates of academic failure, teenage pregnancy, female-headed families, drug addiction, and criminal involvement than do Europeans (Archer and Gartner, 1983; Time Magazine, 1985). However, the rate dif-
149 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an examination of recent research on African-American women in higher education demonstrates that the literature holds a minority position not unlike that of African- American women in society.
Abstract: An examination of recent research on African-American women in higher education demonstrates that the literature holds a minority position not unlike that of African-American women in society. There is not a great deal of research on African-American women in higher education. Yet, the current and developing body of research on African-American women in higher education provides groundwork for realizing our history, dispelling myths, relating our experiences, formulating theoretical frameworks, and establishing our identity in higher education (and in the larger social structure). Why is there a lack of research about African-American women in higher education? In the introduction to their anthology of writings on AfricanAmerican women's studies, All the Women Are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us are Brave, Gloria T. Hull, Patricia Bell Scott, and Barbara Smith (1982) affirm that the intellectual void surrounding African-American women is totally related to the politics of a white male society. This society does not recognize, and denies, the importance of African-American women's lives and contributions through racial, sexual, and class oppression. Hull et al. call for an examination of the lives and experience of ordinary, as well as exceptional African-American women from a pro-
92 citations
TL;DR: A few diverse studies show that racial segregation tends to be perpetuated over stages of the life cycle and across institutional settings (Braddock, 1980; Braddock and McPartland, 1982; Crain, 1970; McPartLAND and Crain this paper ).
Abstract: A few diverse studies show that racial segregation tends to be perpetuated over stages of the life cycle and across institutional settings (Braddock, 1980; Braddock and McPartland, 1982; Crain, 1970; McPartland and Crain, 1980; McPartland and Braddock, 1981; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1967: App. C5). Blacks who grow up in a largely segregated environment are more likely to lead their adult lives in segregated situations. And, at any given age, Blacks who are segregated in one institutional sphere-be it in education, residential location, employment, or informal social contacts-are also likely to have mostly segregated experiences in other institutional environments.
88 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the use of support networks as a possible survival strategy adopted by African-American women with children, who often have limited access to resources and institutional supports.
Abstract: Historically, African-American women in families have been responsible for the care and nurturance of their spouses, children, and aging family members (Campbell, 1987). Limited attention has been given, however, to their ability to carry out these responsibilities. Furthermore, few strategies have been suggested which may enable them to balance role responsibilities more effectively. This article reports the findings from a study investigating the use of support networks as a possible survival strategy adopted by AfricanAmerican women with children. African-American mothers are cognizant of the societal limitations confronting them as they undertake their economic, parental, and household maintenance tasks. They bear the stigma attached to their ethnic status, as well as that of being female, in many cases. While attempting to modify or execute the responsibilities attached to their roles, they are also influenced by the often "caste-like" restrictions prescribed to them in their ethnic status.1 Thus it may be posited that the execution of tasks may create a strain for African-American mothers who often have limited access to resources and institutional supports. Among the illustrations of the difficulties in this "balancing act" are the works of Johnson (1983) and Leggon (1983) who identified the stress related to the simultaneous fulfillment of the roles of mother and worker for African-American women. The United States continues to be the only industrialized nation without a universal child support or child benefit program (Kammerman and Kahn, 1981). Part-time, flexible work opportunities are limited for
32 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines the relationships that exist between black females and black males and offers suggestions as to how the rich religious traditions and familial principles that undergird the black heritage can be re-created and adapted for use by black children today and in the years to come.
Abstract: This article examines the relationships that exist between black females and black males and offers suggestions as to how the rich religious traditions and familial principles that undergird the black heritage can be re-created and adapted for use by black children today and in the years to come. This effort has become necessary in light of the increased sociological attention given to the problems that exist in black male-black female relationships and the "crisis" that exists within the black family today. Overall there seems to be general agreement about the existence of unhealthy conflicts between black males and black females. Problems in the relationships are largely discussed in terms of such factors as institutionalized racism and sexism (Karenga, 1979; Madhubuti, 1980; Staples, 1979a; Wallace, 1979, 1982), the scarcity of black men (Jackson, 1978; Braithwaite, 1981), the dating game on the part of both black men and women (Staples, 1978a), and the stresses and strains that confront individual partners in their day-to-day activities (Staples, 1981a). This study briefly discusses these explanatory variables and suggests ways by which
30 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the manifestation of race consciousness among Haitian immigrants, part of the growing black immigrant population in the United States, based on 1978-1980 data on Haitians in a suburban Midwestern setting.
Abstract: This article examines the manifestation of race consciousness among Haitian immigrants, part of the growing black immigrant population in the United States. It is based on 1978-1980 data on Haitians in a suburban Midwestern setting. Most black immigrants are physically similar to black Americans and face discrimination on the basis of their racial designation (Bryce-Laporte, 1972; Buchanan, 1979; Laguerre, 1984; Reid, 1939; Schiller, 1977). Yet, there is hardly any study of the development of race consciousness among black immigrants. In this case study, it was found that most Haitian immigrants lack race consciousness. Possible reasons for this are (a) the social organization of the Haitian community that mediates between new migrants and American institutions so that the direct effects of racial discrimination are muted; (b) the segmentation of the job market and consequent segregated occupational position of most Haitians; and (c) most Haitian immigrants' ideology for migration to the United States. This article has five parts: (1) the definition of the concept of race consciousness, (2) methods and research site, (3) race consciousness among the Haitian immigrants studied, (4) reasons for their limited race consciousness, and (5) conclusions and implications for further research.
29 citations
TL;DR: For example, the authors states that the objective conditions of life confronting the majority of persons of African ancestry are still predominately those of poverty, limited employment, thwarted educational opportunities, discrimination, and overt/covert acts of racism.
Abstract: Scientific breakthroughs, technological advances, and the overall, rapid pace of modern urban life are the hallmarks of the present century. The highest standard of living in the world has not been achieved without cost. African-Americans, historically isolated from the mainstream, have been unable to resist the allure of this momentum that surges forth into the 21st century. AfricanAmericans can be considered more spectators than true participants in the technological renaissance. That is, the objective conditions of life confronting the majority of persons of African ancestry are still predominately those of poverty, limited employment, thwarted educational opportunities, discrimination, and overt/covert acts of racism. Some individual African-Americans have benefited from employment opportunities in professions formerly not available to their predecessors. Swinton (1988: 130) states that "in fact, there has been an increase in proportion of African-Americans who can be classified as upper middle class." Yet no people have ever been judged by the condition of its exceptions. Although an AfricanAmerican's median income has increased in absolute dollars since 1970 (with the exception of 1982), the startling reality is one where "average median black income for the 1990's is only $16,476 as compared to $17,765 for the 1970's" (Swinton, 1988: 132). Another
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the potential relationships between physiological responses to anxiety and stress, and reactions to oppression among Black males were examined. But, the relevance of quantitative methods for increasing our understanding of human behavior from Afrocentric, as well as Eurocentric, perspectives was not explored.
Abstract: The relationship between stress and health has been well established. However, little attention has been paid to extraordinary socio-cultural factors which precipitate stress, such as racism, sexism, etc. In a racist society, one would expect that increased stress and anxiety might be precipitated within those groups toward whom the discrimination is directed. While a common sense analysis would lead to this conclusion, the quantification of data confirming it is absent in psychological literature, particularly in terms of physiological effects and reactions to oppression. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential relationships between physiological responses to anxiety and stress, and reactions to oppression among Black males. The aim will be not only to explicate such a relationship, but also to explore the relevance of quantitative methods for increasing our understanding of human behavior from Afrocentric, as well as Eurocentric, perspectives. Hector Myers (1976) describes membership in the Black race as entailing exposure to highly stressful experiences, triggered essentially by the fact of race. He goes on to identify poverty and ethnicity as two of the most important consequential factors contributing to
15 citations
TL;DR: The history of the Africana woman reveals her peculiar predicament within the dominant culture as victim of a tripartite form of oppression-racism, classism, and sexism as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The history of the Africana woman reveals her peculiar predicament within the dominant culture as victim of a tripartite form of oppression-racism, classism, and sexism, respectively. Since American slavery, she and the Africana man have experienced much brutality; however, her womanhood has placed her in an even more vulnerable position. Whether an African-American writer chooses to emphasize oppression based on race, class and/or sex, invariably the victimization of the Africana woman surfaces. For example, Frederick Douglass (1968: 60) notes in My Bondage and My Freedom that the "slave woman is at the mercy of the fathers, sons or brothers of her master." Furthermore, Blassingame (1979: 155) asserts in The Slave Community that "frequently they [the slave masters] purchased comely black women for their concubines." Hence, while racism is their major focus, sexism and classism also are key issues in the African-American experience. As institutionalized racism has been a much debated subject, the present emphasis on class and female subjugation for the Africana woman then becomes a revived or fresh case of study for today's critic, particularly with women writers. My sense is that, relative to the times, this present emphasis merits serious consideration since racism continues to be in the forefront of African-American life. The intent of this literary analysis is to show how two twentiethcentury African-American women writers, Zora Neale Hurston and Alice Walker, depict the three-dimensional peculiarity of the Afric-
15 citations
TL;DR: According to 1984 Census Bureau statistics (see Newsweek, 1985), illegitimacy has more than doubled in the past three decades and the rate of divorce continues to increase as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Few would argue with the fact that traditional roles and values that previously undergirded family life are currently in a state of turmoil. According to 1984 Census Bureau statistics (see Newsweek, 1985), illegitimacy has more than doubled in the past three decades and the rate of divorce continues to increase. Single parents headed 25.7% of the families with children under 18-years-old in the United States, with experts predicting that one of every three families will be headed by a single parent in 1990 (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1985). Living in a family has never been easy; one need only read the Bible to discover that marital deceit, sibling rivalry, incest, abusive husbands and parents, and family violence are not inventions of the late twentieth century. The family has always been an institution under stress (Anderson, 1982), and the church has often been a vehicle to bring the family together. According to Pipes (1981: 54), "Preaching and churches have traditionally been a mainstay of Black families. Among Blacks in the United States today, old-time preaching.. . is still a vital element." In its promotion of traditional family roles and values, the church has sought to preserve the family unit and teach our youth about the strength in family unity.
10 citations
TL;DR: In the early 1970s, several social and behavioral scientists argued that traditional psychology was responsible for establishing the assumption of Black inferiority, but failed to pro- pro- black inferiority as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In the personality literature, a variety of perspectives exist on the psychology of people of African descent. Early psychological thought and research in this area was embedded in a reactive and restricted mode. Specifically, the research focus was on the debilitating effects of racism, discrimination, and prejudice on the psychological makeup of African Americans (Mosby, 1972; Pettigrew, 1964; Morland, 1978). While, on another level, other investigators (Parker and Kleiner, 1966; Mischel, 1961) assumed or accepted that Black people's personality, motivational, and behavioral deficits represented the effects of their proximal cultural environment. The post civil rights period spawned the emergence of a somewhat different reactive approach to psychological inquiry. In this era, analysts have been examining the movement's effects on the psychology of Blacks. Here, the emphasis has been on looking at the development of racial awareness, racial identity, and racial pride in African Americans (Cross, 1971; Thomas, 1971; Toldson and Pasteur, 1975; Dansby, 1980). In the early 1970s, several social and behavioral scientists (White, 1970; Akbar, 1973; Baldwin, 1976; Nobles, 1976, among others), argued that traditional psychology was responsible for establishing the assumption of Black inferiority, but failed to pro-
TL;DR: The authors examined the economic status of African-American women in America and examined their occupational status, finding that African-Americans hold the least enviable position on the economic ladder, and industry still lags in the absorption of these women in the professional, technical, and managerial levels of employment.
Abstract: Over a decade ago, the economic status of African-American women in America was explored (Aldridge, 1975). Today, a continuing issue facing the nation is the economic opportunities of women and minorities. While there is no denying that some progress has been made, the plight of African-American women remains a very real concern. Much of the data presented in this work was taken from massive data categorized as nonwhite. However, since African-Americans constitute between 92.5% and 95.0% of the nonwhites in the United States, it is reasonably safe to assume that data pertaining to nonwhites overwhelmingly obtains for AfricanAmericans. Note, however, that West Indians, Chinese, and Japanese are included in much of the nonwhite data, and they are more likely to be in the higher educational and occupational levels (Epstein, 1973; Moynihan, 1971). Thus gains made by AfricanAmerican women may not be as great as they appear. Census data continues to reveal that African-American women hold the least enviable position on the economic ladder, and industry still lags in the absorption of these women in the professional, technical, and managerial levels of employment. This reality has been contradicted with demands by African-American women in recent years relative to their status in America with many demonstrating profound dissatisfaction with the nature of their relationships to the American economy. This article attempts to examine the economic status of AfricanAmerican women in America. It examines their occupational status,
TL;DR: In this article, a hand-held Bell and Howell 70DR camera was used to capture 6,500 feet of dance in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, including Ethiopia's dance company performance to celebrate Kenya's independence.
Abstract: Inspired by my mentor Margaret Mead's use of visual records in anthropological research, William John Hanna and I during field research shot 16 mm motion picture film, 24 frames per second, about 6,500 feet of dance in Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya (including Ethiopia's dance company performance to celebrate Kenya's independence). We used a hand-held Bell and Howell 70DR. Unedited footage of six dance-plays of Nigeria's Ubakala Igbo provided the focus of an ethnographic study of meaning in movement. According to Nigerian reports, the filmed dances are still being performed where I first saw them. At Howard University I was eyewitness to the same women's and warriors' performances at the 1986 inaugural meeting of the Nwannedinamba Association for students and nonstudents in America. Anthropologists commonly probe their original field work for new insights in light of various theoretical concerns that come to the forefront of scholarly inquiry. Just
TL;DR: The controversy about North American slavery began early, raged continuously during slavery's practice, and has intermittently risen and subsided since slavery's demise in 1865 as mentioned in this paper, and many books have been written to answer such questions as: What kind of institution was slavery; what was its economic impact on America; what were its effects on the American personality; was it an evil or a benevolent system; what kind of effect did it have upon the slaves and have its effects been lasting ones on the slave descendants?
Abstract: The controversy about North American slavery began early, raged continuously during slavery's practice, and has intermittently risen and subsided since slavery's demise in 1865. Scores of books by both Black and White authors-historians, sociologists, and novelists-have added to the controversy during and after slavery. This material, ostensibly, has been written to answer such questions as: What kind of institution was slavery; what was its economic impact on America; what were its effects on the American personality; was it an evil or a benevolent system; what kind of effect did it have upon the slaves and have its effects been lasting ones on the slave descendants? Among many such works, Slavery by Stanley M. Elkins and The Slave Community by John W. Blassingame are two examples that raise issues concerning certain myths or truths about slavery. Issues promulgated as truths by Elkins when they are continually analyzed by Blassingame are relegated to the realm of mere myth making. The selected issues that this inquiry will be centered on are the slave family, the Sambo personality, and the plantation as a closed system. These issues will be examined within the context of each work cited above, comparing their truth or myth content.
TL;DR: In this article, a cross-national comparison of educational philosophies advocated by two groups of intellectuals in two different societies and historical points in time is presented, showing the similarities in thought even though Africa and America are different in stages of technological development, colonial history, composition of the societies, and forms of government each advocates.
Abstract: This article represents an attempt at a cross-national comparison of educational philosophies advocated by two groups of intellectuals in two different societies and historical points in time. The analysis attempts to show the similarities in thought, even though Africa and America are different in stages of technological development, colonial history, composition of the societies, and forms of government each advocates. This examination revolves around (1) ideas against foreign education, (2) education for the formation of an apropos national character, (3) the idea of establishing a unitary national university expressly for national integration and the provision of higher technical, political, and administrative personnel who will be so trained as to be exemplars for the desired national character, and (4) recommendations for a progressive Pan-African education. Between the 1780s and the 1850s, America was trying to consolidate its republican form of government and also to prove to the "Old World" that the regime of the "New World" would survive and prosper; at the same time, attempts were being made to Americanize the numerous streams of immigrants that were pouring into urban centers such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. By this time, the clergy's hold on American education was shaken by a developing class of merchants, politicians, intellectuals, patriots, reformers, and other people of ideas. Theocracy gave way to
TL;DR: The authors empirically examined one specific principle of persuasion, namely, "credibility", a principle that is generally acknowledged by communication scholars to have a powerful influence on communication effectiveness and to provide valuable information regarding the lack of socio-economic progress experienced by African-Americans and to sensitize African-American scholars to their own responsibilities as participating agents of socialization within educational systems.
Abstract: The American socialization process that, among other teachings, prescribes that African-Americans limit their aspirations to roles associated with consumption rather than production, with being employed rather than employing, with maintenance rather than creation-or, in general, with dependence rather than independence-would perhaps not be successful were it not for the application of certain principles of persuasion. These principles of persuasion are applied by the various agencies of socialization, particularly parents, peers, schools, churches, and the mass media. While their application is not always done consciously, this fact does not mitigate their communication effectiveness nor should it excuse the social scientist from examining them. Such examination might provide valuable information regarding the lack of sociopolitical-economic progress experienced by AfricanAmericans and might also, in addition, sensitize African-American scholars to their own responsibilities as participating agents of socialization within educational systems. The present article attempts to provide information concerning these issues by empirically examining one specific principle of persuasion, namely, "credibility"-a principle that is generally acknowledged by communication scholars to have a powerful
TL;DR: In this paper, the trials and travails of Afro-Brazilians under the authoritarian Regime Militar apos 64 (after 1964) are retrace, and one of the results is that AfroBrazilians have become practically invisible.
Abstract: In March 1985, the reins of government passed into civilian hands in Brazil after 21 years (1964-1985) of military rule. The 686-member Colegio Eleitoral (Electoral College) in Brasilia, the capital, had voted into the presidency in January Federal Deputy Paulo Maluf. Neves, a former governor of the state of Minas Gerais, was gravely ill at the time and his vice president, Jos6 Sarney, assumed the oath of office in March. Neves eventually died in April, and his death cast a shadow over the future of the so-called Nova Republica (New Republic) for millions of Black, Brown, and White Brazilians (Visdo, January 14, 1985; Washington Post, April 25, 1985). This article will attempt to retrace the trials and travails of Afro-Brazilians under the authoritarian Regime Militar apos 64 (after 1964). There has been a paucity of scholarship in this area, and one of the results is that Afro-Brazilians have become practically "invisible" (Veja, February 1, 1984; Retrato do Brasil, 1984). Scholars who are indispensable for dealing with this period include Carl Degler (1971), Florestan Fernandes (1971), Thomas Skidmore (1974), Carlos Hasenbalg (1979), Clovis Moura (1983), and Abdias do Nascimento (1982). Although Skidmore (1974) covers the period between 18701930, his work is still invaluable for its insights into contemporary Brazilian society. This work holds that Brazilian intellectuals and
TL;DR: A recent review of market segmentation research can be found in this article, where the authors suggest that specific applications are likely to be more reliable in pinpointing particular groups, while most contemporary segmentation strategies reflect an underlying economic base of product differentiation and consumer segmentation.
Abstract: Recent studies in market segmentation are frequently rooted in economic theory. They can be grouped from a supply perspective within the price or marginal cost areas (Blozan and Prabhaker, 1984; Mahajan and Jain, 1978; Tollefson and Lessig, 1978) or within the demand areas of consumer choice and benefits (Currim, 1981; Calantone and Sawyer, 1978). Still others have focused on the methodological and analytical techniques (Wildt and McCann, 1980; Green et al., 1978; Rao and Winter, 1978) needed to identify segments. Applying segmentation techniques, researchers have been able to identify the deal prone segment (Blattberg et al., 1978), the loyalty group, and the brand purchasing segment (Starr and Robinson, 1978), as well as the image conscious segment (Gensch, 1978). While most contemporary segmentation strategies reflect an underlying economic base of product differentiation and consumer segmentation (Smith, 1956), strategies including specific applications are likely to be more reliable in pinpointing particular groups. Not only are specifics needed, but dynamic environs require that segmenting variables be revised to assure their relevancy. This point was summarized in Wind's (1978) concluding remarks in his review on segmentation research. He suggested further research in
TL;DR: A few years ago Fikes (1980) reported on his research into Black scholars in Europe in the early modern period as discussed by the authors and this writer was also conducting research into the life and times of one of the scholars who was also Fikes's concern.
Abstract: A few years ago Fikes (1980) reported on his research into Black scholars in Europe in the early modern period. At that time this writer was also conducting research into the life and times of one of the scholars who was also Fikes's concern. Research and scholarship are designed to advance the state of man's knowledge. It is with this thought in mind that I shall attempt in the following pages to enhance, update, and correct the knowledge about one of the Black scholars whose life and accomplishments some researchers have touched upon. That scholar was Anton Wilhelm Amo, a Ghanaian who in the first half of the 1700s was one of the leading intellectuals in Europe. Indeed, on April 17, 1734, young Amo made history by becoming the first Black African to be awarded the doctorate degree in philosophy and letters from a European university. Such had been his intellectual achievements that the rector of the University of Wittenberg was moved to say at the conclusion of the defense of the doctoral thesis (Amo, 1734):
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors of Bound to Violence (1973) and Two Thousand Seasons (1979) have been criticised for a distortion of African history, and the authors have been faulted for the wrong reasons.
Abstract: There are few (if any) contemporary African writers who have been subjected to more strident critical attacks for their manner of depicting African history in fictional form than have Yambo Ouologuem of Mali and Ayi Kwei Armah of Ghana. According to critics such as Yves Benot (1970), J. Mbelolo ya Mpiku (1971), and Phanuel Egejuru (1978), Ouologuem deserves condemnation because of his negative, even perverse, depiction of Nakem, his fictional equivalent of pre-colonial and colonial Africa in his novel, Bound to Violence (1973). Such a portrayal, these critics maintain, is an exercise in self-deprecation and a distortion of history. Armah, on the other hand, is attacked for alleged racism in Two Thousand Seasons (1979). Scholars such as Kirsten Holst Petersen (1976), Bernth Lindfors (1980), and Peter Sabor (1981) argue that Armah twists African history by what they consider to be his racist and offensive description of non-Blacks (Arabs and Europeans) in that novel. In this article, I wish to argue that, while these critics are quite correct in detecting some distortion of African history in both novels, they have faulted the authors for the wrong reasons. Also, I will try to demonstrate that some avoidable errors of interpretation which have continued to plague these works are largely due to an absence of proper historical and socioliterary considerations in some assessments of the texts.
TL;DR: The hallmark of their African-centeredness is an African conceptual base (continental and/or diasporic) anchored in Africa as discussed by the authors, which can be found in many African scholars and scholar-activists, operating under the severest sociopolitical hegemony of non-Africans.
Abstract: Numerous African 1 scholars and scholar-activists, operating under the severest sociopolitical hegemony of non-Africans, have, over the last 200 years, advanced African-centered approaches in their pursuit of history, science, religion, philosophy, politics, and so on. The likes of David Walker, Drusilla Dunjee Houston, George Wells Parker, Maulana Karenga, George James, Marcus Garvey, Asa Hilliard, Walter Rodney, Imari Obadele, ad infinitum come to mind readily. The hallmark of their African-centeredness is an African conceptual base (continental and/or diasporic) anchored in
TL;DR: The national suicide rate for African-American women is the lowest of all race-sex groups as mentioned in this paper and has remained consistent in spite of an increase between 1955 and 1975 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1985).
Abstract: The national suicide rate for African-American women is the lowest of all race-sex groups. This finding has remained consistent in spite of an increase between 1955 and 1975 (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1985). It is probably for this reason that the phenomenon has received scant attention from both the media and researchers. This is unfortunate, since the suicide rate of a total population and average rates tend to obscure unique characteristics of subgroups within the population. Moreover, such data do not address the social characteristics of the environments of
TL;DR: The uneasy legacy of this process is felt in the problematic treatment of Black Americans in their occasional appearances in works by African authors of the 1960s, notably the ethnocentrically arrogant Eulalie in Ama Ata Aidoo's Dilemma of a Ghost and the painfully adrift, negritudinous quadroon Joe Golder in Wole Soyinka's The Interpreters.
Abstract: Relations between Africa and Afro-America in the twentieth century have taken the form of a continual shifting of stations on a wheel of alternating patronage and adulation. The uneasy legacy of this process is felt in the problematic treatment of Black Americans in their occasional appearances in works by African authors of the 1960s, notably the ethnocentrically arrogant Eulalie in Ama Ata Aidoo's Dilemma of a Ghost and the painfully adrift, negritudinous quadroon Joe Golder in Wole Soyinka's The Interpreters. The African quests of both of these figures betray a condescending racism and insular self-esteem that have a long pedigree in Black American middle-class culture and attitudes toward Africa. W.E.B. Du Bois (1965: 337) wrote of an aspiring prewar Black bourgeoisie that "had always calculated that when Africa was ready for freedom, American Negroes would be ready to lead them." In the early 1960s this same bourgeoisie found itself still largely despised, rejected, and voteless in a hostile or heedless White America. To add insult to injury, it was now in turn patronized by African writers and scholars freshly militant from a newly independent Africa and reverted shamefacedly to Garveyite Pan-Africanisms and doctrines of the African Personality which it had scorned nearly half a century ago. "Who wants to be integrated into a burning house?" laments one of Baldwin's Negroes of 1961. "At the rate things are going, all of Africa will be free before we can get a lousy cup of coffee" (1965b:70).
TL;DR: Baraka's treatment of blackness, that is, the idea of Africanness in his African-American characters, has never been fully discussed as discussed by the authors, probably due to Baraka's powerful dramatic representation of the conflict between blacks and whites in the American society.
Abstract: Amiri Baraka remains a major aesthetic force in African-American drama. Baraka's dramatic work has continued unabated, and his significance as a writer is undiminished by time and his influence on other writers appears as strong as ever. Yet Baraka's treatment of blackness, that is, the idea of Africanness in his African-American characters, has never been fully discussed. This is probably due to Baraka's powerful dramatic representation of the conflict between blacks and whites in the American society. His portrayals usually catalogued the characteristics of the human conflict in an impossible social situation, showing the evil of racism and the scandal of American society. What I intend in this essay is to demonstrate how Baraka used his knowledge of African-American culture to create characters with instructive functions for the African-American community. Theater was for him a veritable stage for social and political instruction that found its right to be in the goals it achieved for what he was calling, at the time, black liberation. Among the plays that have achieved some recognition for their political and social content is the play Great Goodness of Life, which was one of his early plays (Baraka, 1969). Great Goodness of Life by Baraka will be examined in this essay with the aim of discovering character types that might emerge out of a liberation theater. Great Goodness of Life represents an example of how Baraka dealt with the confrontation that blacks often have with blackness.
TL;DR: Caryl Phillips as discussed by the authors describes a year-long travel throughout multi-racial Europe, where racism was revealed to him in sundry ways, some of which are not easily discernible to the casual traveler.
Abstract: Caryl Phillips’s The European Tribe throws an interesting light on the dilemma inherent in differences in culture, race, and national identity. He does this by sharing insights gained from his year-long travel throughout multi-racial Europe. Phillips is keenly aware of the precariousness of being Black in a White society. He did not embark on his odyssey with a proverbial chip on shoulder looking for subtle or blatant forms of racial bigotry. He did not have to. Racism was revealed to him in sundry ways. Phillips saw deep strains of racial prejudice throughout the cultural fabric of Europe, some of which are not easily discernible to the casual traveler. He did not find an elaborate pattern of statutory racial restrictions, such as South Africa’s
TL;DR: The late Max Robinson's career in television news began behind the television screen, literally, instead of in front of it as mentioned in this paper, and he was one of the first African American newsmen in the country to appear on television, or "be heard" on the tube.
Abstract: The late Max Robinson's career in television news began behind the television screen, literally, instead of in front of it. In 1958, at the age of 19, Robinson answered an ad in Portsmouth, Virginia, for the position of television announcer, and, to the surprise of many, got the job. He was, in that year, one of the first African American newsmen in the country to appear on television, or "be heard" on the tube. Robinson described the experience.