From the reading, what do you think makes the Black family unique? Please provide descriptive examples.

Based on the reading, black families have evolved drastically over the years despite the amount of oppression they've faced. Especially on Slide 8, where black people were unable to marry due to being classified as slaves, black people had created their own version of marriage. Instead of a ring, black people would jump over a broom to symbolize taking a step into their relationship. Our traditions are what make us unique.

What do you think are the strengths and challenges of the Black family? Please state why you think so and provide examples.

Strengths:

Black families tend to be more family-oriented! We typically grow up with our families and have various events such as family functions/reunions. I view my black friend's families as my own families, and this feeling is reciprocated.

We tend to be a lot more resilient about racial profiling or any injustice. This is probably due to a factor of the racial injustices we have to face that won't be ending anywhere soon in the future, as well as mental trauma that could occur in the household due to the various methods of discipline.

Drawbacks:

Discipline towards black children, specifically to black daughters tends to be significantly harsher compared to other races. This is what typically causes mental issues to spiral out of control when growing up, and this is a huge problem. Just today, I witnessed a black father cutting his daughter's hair and humiliating her to his YouTube audience as a form of discipline. It was a disgusting thing to witness and is an uncommon occurrence in black families.

There are stereotypes regarding black children being raised in single-parent households. This stereotype is unfortunately accurate, to the point it is a joke on social media.

How do concepts such as racial socialization affect parents and children in Black families? Please explain.

Racial socialization can affect black families in both of positive as well as a negative manner. Being black, you'd probably have your parents inform you of the injustices and oppression black people have to face in society. By parents informing their children of such injustices, they'll be able to prepare themselves for what the world has to offer. However, this can cause black children to grow up feeling less self-esteem compared to their peers.

Based on our reading, what factors do you think have impacted Black families the most since slavery and why?

There have been a variety of factors that affected how black families function due to slavery. The main notable factor is generational wealth. As slavery tore black people down, we didn't have any sort of wealth to pass down to our future generations, which severely impacted us. Not to mention, black children as disciplined much harsher compared to other children as a way to prepare them for society and how difficult it'll be for them.

Search and find one academic resource that helps you understand this topic better and post it to your Padlet. State three main points from the resource and how it helps you understand this topic.
1 - The following article above goes into depth regarding valuing kinship in families, specifically people of color.

2 - To add on, the following source was written by someone who had gone through the foster care system. This can give you an idea on how the foster care system truly is.

3 - In conclusion, the source ends the article with how kinship care is necessary to preserve racial equity.

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.

Something I'd learn is the "Jumping the Broom" tradition. Its significant as it is a part of history that is never (or rarely) mentioned in history classes. They do not teach you such traditions in schools.

What is the Imposter Syndrome?

The Imposter Syndrome is the inability to appreciate and cherish your own accomplishments and feel as if you do not deserve it, causing you to question your own skills.

How does the Imposter Syndrom affect a student in their educational journey AND into their career experiences?

Imposter Syndrome can affect a student negatively as it can affect their self-esteem and confidence. They'll question why or how they've made it so far in life as well as wondering if their skills are mediocre.

How does the Imposter Syndrome specifically affect the self-esteem and mental health of African American women in the workplace?

Being an African American woman in the workplace can be difficult depending on the sort of environment you are in. You have to present yourself a certain way and talk in a particular manner. You cannot express your disinterests or speak out if someone is wronging you because you would end up being seen as the aggressor.

How do race and gender play into the African-American woman's experience in the workplace?

If you are an African-American woman, you will have to work harder in life. You will be unable to have the same workplace environment as others. Females already aren't treated equally in the workplace, as they aren't ever taken seriously. If you are black working in the workplace, you'll have to work harder than someone who is white to get the same recognition.

State one strategy that you believe would be successful in addressing this issue and improving the workplace for women of color.

Although companies tend to have "training" for their employees to not have so much hatred in their hearts, this is clearly ineffective as racial events still happen in the workplace. Something that I think would help the workplace culture is allowing more opportunities for women of color. Add more diversity and representation.

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 in the Imposter Syndrome video was how white teachers had 30 less hope in black students and 40% less hope for black students to graduate high school. This just goes to show you how corrupt society is.

What would you say are the psychological consequences of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color?

The psychological consequences of explaining subconscious racial slights as a person of color tend to circle around affecting how the person affected views themself as a person. Mainly, a person of color who has been affected by microaggressions (or racial slights) can feel as if they have to act a certain way to feel validated. In simpler terms, you'll feel like an outcast and isolated. Racial slights can also cause lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

What stereotypes are perpetuated when racial microaggressions are thrown around towards a person of color?

"You speak so well. You are so articulate. You are so proper." comes across as "Oh wow, you speak so well for your kind. That's a rarity out of your race." (People of color aren't as intelligent as Caucasians.)

"Where are you from? No like, WHERE are you from?" come across as "Oh, you do not belong here. Definitely some kind of foreigner. " (You don't belong in America and belong somewhere else.)

"I cannot be racist as I have several (affected race) friends." comes across as "I am immune to racism because I have your race in my friend circle."

Considering Intersectionality, what other issues does this theme affect in the African American community?

Intersectionality affects everyone in a variety of ways (as the definition in simpler terms shows how said person has faced oppression and discrimination.) For the African American community (specifically women since I've experienced it and would be easier to explain), can be stereotyped into being "ghetto" just due to the way you present yourself. You can't talk back when you are being wronged as you are considered "loud and aggressive". You are sexualized more for the way you dress as well as getting labeled "ghetto". You are an African American woman with children. With microaggressions, you are a "single mother".

State how these theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias or white privilege affect one's understanding of "sense of self" or ethnic identity?

The following theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias or white privilege affect one's understanding of "sense of self" or ethnic identity as it changes how they view themself as an individual, feeling like an outcast to their race and generally questioning their identity. Being told how "well-spoken" and "proper" I am, it distorted how I viewed myself and caused me to question my own identity.

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. 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/biancabarratt/2020/06/19/the-microaggressions-towards-black-women-you-might-be-complicit-in-at-work/?sh=7345b1e72bda

The following source explains how microaggressions affect black women, which was something I had talked about in the previous questions.

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.

A strategy that I personally feel can be effective would be to properly educate people in schools about microaggressions and how they can affect said people. Microaggressions are subtle and difficult to comprehend at first, which is why it would be best to educate people on why they are harmful.

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. 

Something that I learned in this unit was how harmful microaggressions can truly affect you. It seems like something small and subtle at first until you begin to question your own identity.

STRENGTHS: What are the strengths of Black neighborhoods and communities and how have they manifested over time?

Black neighborhoods and communities have a strong sense of resilience. Despite the oppression that we still go through as a community, we are always together. Black neighborhoods typically view each other as family. We hold traditions and family functions as a way to unite.

WEAKNESSES: What are the weaknesses of Black neighborhoods and communities and state one solution to an issue you have raised?

The education in black neighborhoods and communities tend to be lackluster due to not getting sufficient supplies and textbooks. I had to go to schools that were in "white" neighborhoods to get a proper education. Despite our community being loving, the black community also holds a lot of violence. If you are succeeding too much, someone will be there to hold you down and ruin your life.

OPPORTUNITIES: What are three ways in which Black neighborhoods and communities could play a role in the progressive movement of the Black community?

By allowing minority neighborhoods more access to up-to-date supplies for school. Give them equal education to those who are in the white neighborhoods. There should be more city events that give out supplies and food to those in need, and hopefully, that will help people refrain from restoring to violence.

THREATS: What are three ways in which Black neighborhoods and communities could have a detrimental effect on the progressive movement of the Black community?

Black communities, specifically the youth, need to stop falling into the stereotypes society have set for us. It is not cool to get involved in gangs or do any sort of violence. It only tears us apart as a community. To add on, the amount of colorism the black community goes through divide us despite us being equal and the same race at the end of the day. Finally, the lack of proper education holds us back as a community.

Find one resource that helps you understand these themes and post it to your Padlet. State the resources' significance to this unit's material. 

https://www.urban.org/racial-equity-analytics-lab/structural-racism-explainer-collection/causes-and-consequences-separate-and-unequal-neighborhoods#:~:text=The%20poor%20quality%20of%20public,transit%2C%20with%20detrimental%20consequences%20for

The following article goes into depth regarding the struggles in urban neighborhoods and communities.

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 the most important thing that you learned from this unit's readings and how it has deepened your understanding of Black male and female interpersonal and close relationships.

One of the most important things in the unit readings was how adolescence males and females' youth both affect how they develop. For instance, African American boys are more likely to obtain "bravado" if they live in dangerous or risky neighborhoods. As identity and self-worth tend to also be a major factor in African American girls, they are more likely to bully others if they don't have this healthy development during their adolescence by positive female mentors. In fact, they are a lot more likely to gossip and bully others whereas boys would rather get physical. To add on, once these African American boys and girls grow up, the women tend to outlive African American men, and have lower chances of getting involved with the criminal justice system. This deepened my understanding regarding black male and female interpersonal close relationships as

How do long-standing stereotypes in the media of African American females being portrayed as property (i.e. in rap videos etc.) affect the psyche of those seeing these images and the African American woman's dating prospects?

Long-standing stereotypes in the media of African American females being sexualized affects the psyche of those, especially young African American females can be affected as it affects their youth as well as how they view themselves growing up. African American girls are expected to be mature and responsible unlike their white counterparts, which can overall lower their self-esteem and can raise distorted and unrealistic beauty standards in the dating community.

What factors are contributing to the rising number of single Black unmarried females?

The main factors that contribute to the rising number of single black unmarried females is how women tend to be better educated compared to black males. Black women are also more likely to live longer compared to black males, who have a higher rate of getting involved with the criminal justice system. There is also colorism involved, as only light-skinned black women tend to be preferred than other black women.

Why is there a stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community?

There is a stigma regarding the African American community due to white supremacy. Specifically, how severe the oppression on the African American community was, it has caused the community to set barriers and divides the community, which manifests on future generations. A great example of such is colorism, where light-skinned people are considered more beautiful than those who are brown or dark-skinned.

Find one resource that helps you understand these themes and post it to your padlet. State the resources' significance to this unit's material. 

The following source I have sourced goes into great detail regarding the "adultification" of young black girls. I have also sourced another that also goes into depth regarding the adultifcation of black girls and how they are sexualized. https://www.cpedv.org/post/war-against-black-girls-addressing-adultification-bias

What does it mean to code switch and how does this affect an African American's success in life?

To code switch is to switch up the way you speak and present yourself to an individual. This makes the person assume they are more proper and intelligent.

How does expecting code switching threaten diversity?

Code switching too often can make you lose your sense of self and identity. You won't be able to express how you truly feel and your true personality.

How do the effects of code switching intersect with a persons' mental health?

Code switching and intersect with one's mental health as they will get drained simply from not expressing themself to the point they lose their own identity.

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. 

State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the misconceptions about code switching that exist inside and outside of the African American community.

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. 

What are the significant differences in terms of religious and spiritual practices of the African American community compared to the larger community?

Why do Black Millenials exhibit different religious habits compared to older African Americans who more traditionally attended historically Black protestant churches?

How does attending church affect the mental health of African Americans?

Please locate a resource that helps you understand this theme. Analyze the resource and state the most important thing you learned from it about this topic.

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. 

From this unit's material, choose one major theme that stood out the most to you. State the theme and why it stood out to you on your Padlet.

How does the theme that you chose affect the African American community? Give an example.

State one strategy that could be used to improve upon the theme that you have selected.

Find one resource that helps you understand this theme and post it to your Padlet. State the resources' significance to this unit's material. 

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. 

Why do African Americans face higher COVID 19 rates according to the PEW Research articles?

How are the mistrust of the health care system and the general distrust of medical doctors during the time of COVID 19 affecting the African American community?

State THREE strategies that you feel can address the issues raised in questions one and two.

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. 

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.