So, I am thinking of doing my Master's thesis on how stereotypical representations in the media shape the racial identity and self-esteem of African American adolescents. Only cause I luh da kids and my people.
Anyways, while researching for HW, I stumbled upon the Nigrescence Theory. Nigrescence is a French term meaning, the process of becoming black. By the way, Nigrescence sure does resemble the n-word, but I digress, it was conjured by an African American male.
Essentially, African Americans traverse through certain stages/attitudes that shape their racial identity, which is initiated by an encounter that reaffirms their "Blackness". For example, a moment in one's life where they first realize that as a Black person, they are different; this can be triggered by actions, conversations, and/or differential treatment by White individuals.
Research has shown that these stages/attitudes change over time as we grow from adolescent to adult. We can move forward or go backwards depending on our social environments, and possibly SES (socioeconomic status). Personally, I know I have certainly gone though several of them. The question is, where u at?
Pre-Encounter Assimilation
"I am not so much a member of a racial group, as I am American."
Pre-Encounter Miseducation
"Blacks place more emphasis on having a good time than on hard work."
Pre-Encounter Self-Hatred
"Privately, I sometimes have negative feelings about being Black."
Immersion-Emersion Anti-White
"I have a strong feelings of hatred and disdain for all White people."
Internalization Afrocentricity
"I see and think about things from an Afrocentric perspective."
Internalization Multiculturalist Exclusive
"I believe it is important to have both a Black identity and a multicultural perspective, which is inclusive of everyone."
What's the reality?...I'm back and forth between 5 and 6.
1 comment:
in a nutshell...I consider myself to be an American who happens to have Japanese and African roots...
my mother is japanese and considers herself to be japanese although she has lived here for 30+ yrs...and my dad is from delware so he considers himself to be an African-American/American...
After studying abroad in Japan, i realized how much I am not Japanese..and although i have not been to Africa (i want to go!), I'm sure i will feel the same...this may contribute to my stance as "I'm an American" instead of "I'm an African-American/Japanese-American"
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