1. Who am I? I am a Black women

2. Who do I pretend to be? I pretend to be the one who has everything all figured out

3. Who do people think I am? People think I'm the strongest person they know!

4. Who do I wish I could be? I wish I could be more like Michelle Obama

5. How has race or ethnic identity played a role in any of these responses? I feel like im in a shell, and I cant really be myself!

Theme 2: First Experience With Race Activity 

1. What was your first experience with race? My first experience was when a a lady came up to me and said my hair look like a black girls hair style.

2. How old were you? 12

3. What emotions do you associate with the experience? The emotions I experienced was that my hair was not straight enough for her expectations.

4. Have you ever talked about the experience? No

5. How have your early experiences with race shaped your worldview? My experience has shaped me to to believe that their is a big stigma on race.

   Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm.

   Unfortunately, people's perceived racial differences can create a type of language barrier. I feel like if an opposite race gives me a compliment on my hair, they don't really mean it.

   
   

1 Do you think that the spirit of Ubuntu is alive and well today in African American culture? I personally don't believe the spirit of Ubuntu is alive today in American culture because Ubuntu is all about togetherness and helping everyone in your community. For example if i was hungry and didn't have any food or money, I honestly believe that I would starve if it was up to my fellow neighbor to offer me some food.

2 Compare and contrast in detail and provide examples of any parallels/similarities that you have been able to identify between African cultures and African American culture. Some similarities that are shared are both cultures want to help their communities. In the black community we are always trying to help our people rise above poverty. Ubuntu has changed my worldview drastically. As I mentioned the African American cultures tries to help our community, not all African Americans share the same values but all African culture do share the same values. I have traveled to Jamaica and noticed how there is more unity and respect for the culture versus the African descendants in America. When I came home it made me want to incorporate that way of living in my community.

THEME 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology

1 Choose and define the concept that you feel is most present in the African American community. Provide an example of how you have witnessed the concept you have chosen. One of the concepts that is most present in African American culture is Mafa. Which means the function of the universe. For example police brutality. How is it that a white boy can shoot up a church in be taken into custody with no problems, but a unarmed black person can be killed at the scene unarmed.

2 Then, define and provide an example of the concept that you feel is least present in the African American community. Also, provide an example. The least present concept would be Veneration of the person. Which means the value of all life. For example a homeless person sleeping on the street is viewed as less than versus a normal human being.

THEME 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba

1. One of the 7 principles that resonates with me is Kuumba which means Creativity. For example when the tragic events of the pandemic occured the African American culture tapped into their creative abilities.

1. My Natal Measures are my grandparents, Natural parents and my siblings. I say my grandparents because they have installed a lot of good qualities that have made me the person I am today. My siblings are older than me so growing up in a home where I was the youngest I would learn certain behaviour from them that was learned from our parents that came from my grandparents.

2. My Behavioral Measures are Language use patterns, music, food preferences, Participation in cultural and religious activities. Growing up as a child my mother had a potty mouth, she would always tell me this story about when I was two years old, something had fallen off the fire place and I said "oh S#!T". That was the start of my potty mouth. Growing up we ate the same meals week after week. There was never an introduction to any other cuisine other than "Soul Food" As I got older I ventured out into other cuisines to build my own pallet. My Grandfather would take me to church with him every Sunday and I really enjoyed it which made me get more involved like joining the choir. I love music because that was one way to make the family come together to sing in dance.

3. My Subjective Measures are Self-identification of a preferred ethnic group, Role models and preferred reference groups. Growing up as a child I thought I has to associate only with people who had the same skin color because I never seen my family around any other race. I was taught that family is your only friend. when i got a little older I ventured away from that because I didn't care what color someone's skin was. I do have some very strong role models that come from a personal preference, meaning I wanted them to be of African American culture.

4. My Situation-Contextual is Home-Family,and Work. I was always taught that home is where you're safe and not in the streets. That has groomed me to be a home body, more like an introvert. Iv'e always watched the women in my family get up and go work everyday to provide food on the table and to put clothes on our back. I have been working since I was 8 years old, my grandmother started putting me in my brother into movies as extras so that we could build a work ethic.

   3.2 Padlet post: MULTI-GROUP ETHNIC IDENTITY MEASURE

   1. My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is 43

   2. To me this score means that I like bonding with African American culture.

   3. I think that this means that I have a (strong) bond with the (African American culture) because I tend to associate with the same ethnic group.

   4. What surprised me the most was that I thought I was pretty well rounded with different ethnic groups, but after doing the assessment I've realized that I only associate with 1 ethnic group the most.

      3.3 Padlet post: ROSENBERG'S SELF-ESTEEM SCALE

      1.State your score after taking the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. My score is 30

      2. State what your score means to you and your understanding of your self-esteem. In my understanding I have  an above-average amount of self-esteem.

      3. State why you believe your score is the number that is because I'm very confident in the women I am and how I was raised.

         3.4: RACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT PADLET POST

         1.State your stage of Racial Identity Development. My stage of racial identity development is Dissonance

         2. State why you think that you are in the stage that you identified. I believe I am in the stage of dissonance do to the fact I'm developing a growing sense of my own cultural heritage and the existence of racism, and im moving away from seeing dominant cultural groups as all good.

         3. Provide examples of how you know that you have passed through EACH of the previous stages. I am currently a bus driver and there was a time when I was up for promotion to be a " Behind the wheel trainer" which requires you to have 5 years behind the wheel experience. The company was predominantly white. When one of my coworkers who was caucasian found out I had applied for the position he applied for with only 3 years of experience, got promoted to the position

            before me.

         4. State one thing that you learned from this process. One thing that I have learned from this process is that African Americans are not treated equal, and we don't have the same opportunities as other American descendants.

            POST 3.5: FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE .

            My resource is the Pew research ccenter

            pewreasearch.org/topic/race-ethnicity/racial-ethnic-group/black-americans.com

1.Please post a response to the google slide above. What types of racism from slide 2 have you seen in the world? One type of racism we experience today is cultural racism. Cultural racism today is often seen in the form of stereotyping, and discrimination based on a persons cultural background, ethnicity, or nationality. What examples from slide 3 have you seen in the world? Another type of racism we experience today is  Internalized racism. Within racial groups, lighter skin tones may be privileged over darker skin tones, leading to internalized beliefs about beauty, worth and desirability.

2. From the chapter reading, do you think that we live in a post-racial society? I would say no, however while progress has been made in addressing open forms of racism and discrimination, it would be inaccurate to lable our society as post-racial. Racism still persists in different forms such as systemic, institutional, and individual levels.

3. What is your personal definition of race and do you think that race is a social construct, a biological construct or something else? My personal definition of race is the difference in people according to their skin color, cultural background, and religion. I think that race is a social construct because, this construct is often used to classify and categorize people based on physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features and hair texture.

4. one resource regarding race being a social contruct is affirmative action, because understanding race as a social construct hightlights the need to address systemic racism that's used to grant power and opportunities, such as disparities in wealth, education and employment. Leading me to agree with affirmative action based on my definition of race.

5. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. State its significance. One thing that stood out to me the most was the complexity of racial identity, as well as the importance of understanding race as it relates to power, inequality and social justice.

1. Introduction Paragraph: Definition of Race 

   1. Race is the difference in people according to their skin color, cultural  background, and religion.

   2. Race is a social construct, this construct is often used to classify and categorize people  based on physical characteristics such as skin color, facial features and hair texture.
      
      

2. Body Paragraph 1: Self-Assessments/Scores/Analysis

   1. My Multi-group ethnic identity measure score is 43.

      1. This score means that I am like bonding with African American culture. 

   2. Rosenberg self esteem scale score is 30

      1. I have an above average self-esteem.
         
         

3. Body Paragraph 2: Summary of Stages of Racial Identity Development & Life Examples

   1. My current stage is Dissonance.

      1. Im developing a growing sense of my own cultural heritage.

   2. Pass stage is encounter

      1.  Accept and recognize personal encounters that highlight racial dynamics.
         
         

4. Body Paragraph 3: Post Racial Society Critical Analysis 

   1. We do not live in a post-racial society.

      1. Racism still persists in different forms.

   2. Progress has been made in addressing open forms of racism.

      1. Racism still exists at systemic, institutional, and individual levels.
         
         

5. Conclusion Paragraph

   1. In African American culture the concept of race encompasses a complex interplay of shared ancestry, historical struggles, and cultural identity.

   2. The definition of race in this context is deeply rooted in a historical legacy shaped by slavery, discrimination, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

1. What factors do you feel contribute to the disproportionately low numbers of African Americans represented in STEM education classes and in the STEM field? The underrepresentation of African Americans in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and careers is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. It's important to note that these factors are interconnected, and addressing the underrepresentation requires a multifaceted approach.

   The underrepresentation of African Americans in STEM requires comprehensive efforts at various levels, including policy changes, targeted educational programs, increased access to resources, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in STEM workplaces. Efforts to eliminate systemic barriers and biases are essential for creating a more equitable STEM landscape.

2. What role do teachers play in shaping the expectations of students and fostering the interest of students in STEM education classes? By actively engaging students, providing a supportive learning environment, and promoting diversity and inclusivity, teachers contribute significantly to shaping students' expectations and fostering a lasting interest in STEM education. Their impact can extend beyond the classroom, influencing students' educational and career paths.

3. How do you think the implicit biasLinks to an external site. of educators affects minority students who express interest in these subjects? Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the expectations of students and fostering their interest in STEM education classes. The influence of teachers extends beyond just imparting knowledge; they can significantly impact students' attitudes, confidence, and long-term interests in STEM fields. By actively engaging students, providing a supportive learning environment, and promoting diversity and inclusivity, teachers contribute significantly to shaping students' expectations and fostering a lasting interest in STEM education. Their impact can extend beyond the classroom, influencing students' educational and career paths.

4. How does this information contribute to the Imposter Phenomenon in the educational system and in the workplace for African Americans? Addressing Imposter Syndrome involves creating inclusive environments, promoting diversity, and challenging implicit biases. Providing mentorship, representation, and support systems can help individuals, including African Americans, overcome feelings of impostorism and thrive in educational and professional settings. Additionally, fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and recognizes the unique contributions of individuals from all backgrounds can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive educational and workplace environment.

5. State one strategy that you think could be implemented to counter the struggles identified in the video and reading. By implementing targeted mentorship programs, educational institutions and organizations can address some of the barriers identified in the video and reading. Mentorship provides a personalized support system that acknowledges the unique experiences of minority students, helps them navigate challenges, and fosters a sense of belonging and confidence in pursuing STEM education and careers.

6. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. one thing that stood out the most is that research indicates that teams that have diverse perspectives are more creative and more innovative especially when it comes to solving diverse problems.

   
   

   Theme two: The Imposter Syndrome

   and Women of Color in the Workplace

   1.What is the Imposter Syndrome?
   Impostor Syndrome, also known as impostor phenomenon or fraud syndrome, refers to a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments, have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, and believe that their success is not truly deserved. Despite evidence of competence, skills, and achievements, individuals experiencing impostor syndrome often attribute their success to luck, external factors, or the ability to deceive others.

   2. How does the Imposter Syndrom affect a student in their educational journey AND into their career experiences? Impostor Syndrome can significantly impact students during their educational journey and continue to influence their career experiences. Recognizing and addressing Impostor Syndrome is essential for students and professionals alike. Building self-awareness, seeking mentorship, setting realistic goals, and reframing negative thoughts are strategies that can help individuals overcome the effects of impostor feelings and navigate their educational and career journeys more confidently.

   3. How does the Imposter Syndrome specifically affect the self-esteem and mental health of African American women in the workplaceLinks to an external site.? Addressing the impact of Impostor Syndrome on African American women in the workplace requires organizational efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Providing mentorship, creating a supportive work environment, and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by this group are essential steps toward fostering a workplace culture that empowers all individuals to thrive. Additionally, promoting awareness and providing resources for mental health support can contribute to the overall well-being of African American women and other marginalized groups in the workplace.

   4. How do race and genderLinks to an external site. play into the African American woman's experience in the workplace? Understanding and addressing the intersectionality of race and gender in the workplace is essential for creating inclusive environments. Organizations can promote diversity and equity by implementing policies that address biases, fostering mentorship programs, providing cultural competency training, and actively working to eliminate systemic barriers that affect African American women and other underrepresented groups.

   5. State one strategy that you believe would be successful in addressing this issue and improving the workplace for women of color. One strategy to address the intersectional challenges faced by women of color in the workplace is the implementation of mentorship and sponsorship programs specifically tailored to support their career development. By implementing mentorship and sponsorship programs that are attentive to the unique challenges faced by women of color, organizations can foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment. These programs can contribute to the professional development, retention, and success of women of color, helping them navigate and thrive in their careers.

   6. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit.  One thing I learned is that a white teacher is 30% less likely to think a black student is less likely to graduate from college and is 40% less likely to think a black student will graduate from high school.

1. What would you say are the psychological consequences of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color? Experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color can have a range of psychological consequences, as it may contribute to feelings of marginalization, identity threat, and increased stress. It's important to note that individuals may respond to these experiences in different ways, and the psychological impact can vary based on factors such as resilience, coping mechanisms, and the presence of supportive social networks. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that involves promoting awareness, fostering inclusivity, and working towards dismantling systemic racism.

2. What stereotypes are perpetuated when racial microaggressions are thrown around towards a person of color? Racial microaggressions often perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforcing biased and prejudiced beliefs about people of color. While microaggressions may be subtle and unintentional, they can still contribute to the perpetuation of negative stereotypes. It's essential to recognize and challenge these stereotypes to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment. Promoting awareness, educating others about the impact of microaggressions, and encouraging open dialogue can contribute to dismantling these harmful stereotypes and fostering greater understanding and empathy.

3. Considering Intersectionality, what other issues does this theme affect in the African American community? Intersectionality is a concept that acknowledges the interconnected nature of social categories such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and others. When applied to the African American community, intersectionality highlights the complex and overlapping challenges individuals may face. Recognizing and addressing these intersectional issues is crucial for promoting social justice and equality within the African American community. Advocating for policies that address multiple dimensions of identity and working towards dismantling systemic barriers can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

4. State how these theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias or white privilege affect one's understanding of "sense of self" or ethnic identity? The theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias, and white privilege can significantly impact one's sense of self and ethnic identity. These theories collectively shape the way individuals perceive themselves in the context of their racial or ethnic identity. They highlight the importance of recognizing the complexity of identity, understanding the impact of external factors on self-perception, and navigating the challenges associated with bias and privilege. Developing a positive sense of self and ethnic identity requires critical reflection, resilience, and an awareness of the broader social and cultural context in which these identities are formed.

5. Search online for a resource that helps you understand this topic more and post it to your Padlet. State why the resource shines some light on a perspective of this issue. Yosso, T. J., Smith, W. A., Ceja, M., & Solórzano, D.,G. (2009). Critical race theory, racial microaggressions, and campus racial climate for Latina/o undergraduates. Harvard Educational Review, 79(4), 659-690,781,785-786. Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/critical-race-theory-racial-microaggressions/docview/212300985/se-2 This resource helps shine light on the different perspectives of how microagressions can be caused an how they developed overtime. Starting from 1970's and on, they have studies have come about within schools, businesses, and day to day socializations.

6. State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the use of microaggressions especially when the offender is unaware of how their reactions affect people of color: Addressing microaggressions, especially when the offender is unaware of their impact, requires a multifaceted approach that combines education, communication, and empathy-building. A strategy that can be deemed effective when faced with such an issue can be a form of leadership and accountability. There many that face the issue head on and addresses the issue as soon as it arrives. With that they hold the person accountable and informs them on how wrong they be in the matter. Overall keeping the environment sharp in the matter so its understood through the building.By implementing this strategy, organizations can create a culture where microaggressions are recognized, addressed, and ultimately reduced, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment for all individuals.

7. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit.   One thing that stood out to me from the unit reading was how long the studies been going for dealing with Microaggression. It intrigues me out these ques of socialization that happen on the daily in which proves more how many people carry a conscious and unconscious bias towards other people in the small ways.

Racial Autobiography

Ashley Fisher

Compton College

PSYCH 110 African American Psychology

Professor Jasmine Phillips

March 11, 2024

Racial Autobiography

Race is a concept devoid of genetic or scientific foundations, yet its societal implications are profound. It serves as a tool for establishing and legitimizing systems of power, privilege, disenfranchisement, and oppression. Rather than being a scientifically proven reality, race functions as a social invention aimed at categorizing individuals into hierarchies of superiority and inferiority. Scientific consensus affirms that, biologically, there is only one race – humans. Notably, while racial identity holds genuine significance, especially in a racially stratified society like the United States, individuals are invariably attributed a racial identity, regardless of their awareness thereof.

Social Construct

Race is a societal construct rather than biological. The absence of a universal set of genes for all individuals designated as black or white negates the genetic foundation of race. If race were genetically concrete, its classification would be consistent worldwide, yet a person labeled black in one country might be considered white or colored in another. The conventional definition of race, as noted in dictionaries, fails to capture its intricate implications on individuals' lives. Recognizing race as a social construct is crucial, originating from the arbitrary categorization of people based on physical attributes like skin color. Despite lacking genetic or scientific validity, the notion of race holds significant societal implications. Societies use race to establish and justify systems of power, privilege, disenfranchisement, and oppression.

Self-Assessment

Two assessments I took were the Rosenberg Self Esteem and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity assessments. My scores for these two assessments were 43 and 30 respectively. These scores signified that I am self-confident and have high self-esteem. It illustrates the bond and connection I have with African culture and the sense of pride I have for it. It also confirms that I gravitate more towards people who share similar enthusiasm for African culture and openly convey that enthusiasm through outward support of African American communities, people, businesses, and success of individuals, etc.

Racial Development

My experiences with racial development and the stages of identity I fall into based on the "Summary of Stages of Racial Identity Development" are as follows: PRE- ENCOUNTER which took place in grade school. Primarily learning about America’s predominantly white history and its involvement in the slave trade and general misinformation that was taught to paint white culture in a certain (positive) light.  ENCOUNTER is a stage experienced over time in my opinion, an example of this is the Rodney King case and subsequent trial. Although I was young, I still understood what took place was wrong, and that due to his and the race of the officers involved, he may not have received true justice for what took place. IMMERSION/EMERSION also took place over time but started early for me. Towards the end of grade school, I found myself wanting to be around people that looked like me, talked and dressed like me, and shared similar life experiences as me. Lasty, INTERNALIZATION. By the time I reached high school I had my own sense of racial identity. My pro-black attitudes became more expansive and open, and I found myself willing to establish meaningful relationships with whites and other races. As I began to enter the workforce for example, I found myself less willing to code-switch due to fear of not being accepted or judged or not wanting to be stereotyped as the angry black employee. I have yet to reach the INTERNALIZATION-COMMITMENT stage simply because I have yet to find ways to translate my personal sense of blackness into a plan of action. I obviously identify with being black, am proud of my blackness, and love to see black people thriving and continually bettering themselves. However, I do possess a general sense of commitment to the concerns of blacks as well as an overall comfort with my own race and those around me. 

Post-Racial Society  

I think that we do not live in a Post racial society. The meaning of Post Racial Society is having overcome or moved beyond racism within society. With that statement alone there are various situations that occur in America today that proves how we don’t live in a Post racial society.  From personal experience, just last month as I was driving with two of my friends on the highway in Huntington beach and was pulled over by highway patrol for what they say is speeding. I had just got on the highway from getting gas and was only driving 10 minutes to get  immediately pulled over. So I couldn't have been speeding. They got me out of the car without telling what I had done, getting my ID and registration, and searched the entire car to find absolutely nothing.  Over 40 minutes they had me  in the back of a squad car and let me off with a warning and not to go too fast. From now to when I was judged at 12 years old, there has always been a stigma and stereotype to what they think of me as black women. Majority of how African American society was constructed was through decades of racism which affects today and continues to affect the future.