African American Psychology by Christian Paredes https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks Made with a curious mind en-us 2022-04-21 05:40:23 UTC 2026-03-14 22:56:09 UTC hello@padlet.com 1.6 Who am I, First Experience with Race and Sense of Self cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2151555280 1. I am a son, brother, grandson, student, worker, somewhat quiet, serious person, owner of one dog who is of Mexican descent.
2. I honestly thought that I was an organized person who thought who had there life out all together and planned out in reality I am the opposite and don't know what I wanna do with my life anymore.
3. People think I am this quiet loner who doesn't really socialize. Though it can be hard for me to open up to someone.
4. I honestly be more outgoing and laid back sometimes but to tell you the truth at times I feel as I can be too tense, serious or even quiet.
5. My first experience with race as far as I can remember was learning about the civil rights and about Martin Luther King all the way back in elementary. Then learning about how African Americans were treated harshly because of the color of their skin. Also realizing how everyone is unique and different in their own particular way in fact.
6. It is from these experiences that i now realize how good it is to appreciate your culture and being most comfortable in your very own skin. As most likely there are people who are not currently comfortable in their own skin and have to learn to be. At this moment in time I personally feel that I am indeed comfortable in my own skin and living my everyday life as a Mexican American.]]> 2022-04-21 06:24:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2151555280 2.4 Ubuntu, Afrocentricity and Nguzo Saba cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2154114577 1. I indeed believe that the spirit of Ubuntu is alive and well in African American culture today. The reason it is alive today in African American culture because it has guided not only African based societies but other African American cultures societies. As the principles of Ubuntu is how interacts with other human beings and natures. For instance, one of the main concepts of Ubuntu is treating one another with respect. Today African Americans as well as people of other cultures treat one another with the up most respect. Today nowadays its not like the segregated times where people of color were being discriminated. Nowadays everyone including people of color treat each other how they would want to be treated by other which is with respect.
2. I'd say the similarities involving African and African cultures is that since both are people of color they come from ancestry that was segregated or discriminated in the past. The ancestors of both of these cultures must have faced slavery as all blacks had to face this problem together so long ago. The differences of Africans and African Americans is the cultural differences between these two as a whole. For example, for both of them the language is different. Most people in Africa speak different languages there such as Swahili. While other African American cultures speak other languages such as Spanish for the ones who live in more tropical places or basic American English for those who live in the United States today. Learning about Ubundu has changed my perspective on my worldwide view because how the aspects of it of it such as respect, community, caring, etc is important when interacting towards others and is relevant today towards society.
1.  Sankofa means to get back or retrieve. Sankofa is important towards African Culture because it expresses the importance of reaching back Knowledge gained in the past and bringing it into the present in other positive progress. An example of this can be applied today is with the recent Black Lives Matter Movement. History may be repeating itself and we must go back towards the segregated times and Civil Rights Movements to learn from our mistakes and move forward.
2. Maafa is a Swahili word meaning great disaster or great strategy. This term is used to refer to the enslavement and murder of Africans by white Europeans. I feel that this one is the least present in the African American community, the reason for this is because we've moved past this, slavery is no longer a thing and for the most parts whites are not totally in control on blacks as it was in the past. Segregation and discrimination is no longer as big as an issue as it was back then, for the most part everyone is of equal terms now. There is no longer no great disaster or great strategy to be put into fruition.
1. Ujamaa means extended family or brotherhood, I believe this is one is one of the most present in the African community today. For the African Americans Community for the most part family is everything for them, the closeness and bond that they share with their families is special and it can be applied towards friendships too, that most African Americans consider their close friends family. This can also be applied towards gangs, as gang members have such tight bonds with one another that they consider the member of their groups family sometimes.]]> 2022-04-22 20:38:40 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2154114577 3.1 - 3.3 Three Self Assessments cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2161598708 3.1 Multidimensional of Ethnic Self Identification

I identify with the following ethnic measures:
1. Within the category of for Natal Measures I chose the items of siblings and Ancestral lineages. The reason why siblings resonated with me more personally is because I share quite a strong bond with my siblings. I am the oldest out of 3, I have a younger sister and brother. Since I'm the oldest it has always been important for me to set an example for my younger siblings by sort of being a role model for them to do good in their lives. For example, I was the first one to graduate from high school and to attend college, now my sister has followed my footsteps and has done the same, and I am hoping my brother will do the same. My parents have always told me since I was younger to take care of my younger siblings. It is also important for me  to form a strong relationship with my two siblings because after our parents eventually do pass away in the future we will only have each other left of our immediate family. I am certain we will continue to love, support and help each other along the way in our lives when this tragic day is upon us. Ancestral lineage resonated with me the most because this defines who I am in this world which is a Mexican American born and raised in the United States from immigration parents. This is important for me personally as I have the privilege of saying that am documented, have the privilege of getting a proper education and becoming successful. Which isn't the case for individuals my age who were born and raised in Mexico.

2. Within the category of Behavioral Measures I identified more with the participation of religious activities. For the most part I view myself as a religious and spiritual individual. I identify myself as a proud Catholic. When I was younger I remember religion being quite a big aspect of my life during this particular time. Since my mom is quite religious I remember my mom would enroll my siblings and I in church school so that we may be Baptized and do our First Communion. I remember my mom would help me learn the prayers by reciting them every night. I was taught from a young age to pray to God to help me out of a bad situation that is currently occurring  in my life, and to also pray to God to thank him for the good positive things in my life. Finally, before the Covid-19 pandemic occurred my family and I would go every Sunday to church.

3. Within the category of subjective measures I chose Self- identification of a preferred ethnic group. The reason for me choosing this is because unlike my parents and ancestors I identify myself as a Mexican American instead of a 100% true Mexican. This is because as I mentioned before, even though I come from Mexican Ancestry I was born and raised in the United States. I feel because of this I am different than parents as  I have more opportunities, privilege and different outlook of life such as living and accomplishing the American Dream. Unlike my parents I have the privilege of speaking and reading both English and Spanish. Also as I mentioned before I have the privilege of getting a college and education and becoming successful instead of being stuck in a dead end minimum wage job.

4. Within the category of Situation-Context Measures I resonated with education and work the most. Education is important for me as its valuable for me for my future. Education is what's going to get me my diplomas and what's going to make me become successful in life. This is most important for me as I do not wish to be stuck in a dead end minimum wage for the rest of my life. Education is also important because Knowledge creates critical thinking and due to this is what ultimately gets you through life smoothly. 

3.2 Multi-Group Ethnic Identity Measure

As I mentioned before, I identify myself as a proud Mexican American. In terms of my score it turned out to be a 37. To me personally, what this score means to me is that I am indeed most comfortable not only in my own skin but in my own culture, ethnicity and ancestry/roots. I think that means that I have an upmost strong bond with the Mexican American group as I am able to embrace two cultures. I am not only proud to embrace the Mexican culture within myself but as well as the American one. I feel that this makes me unique and these two cultures is what shapes my identify and it is how society views and looks upon not only myself but as well as other individuals with the same background as me. Unlike our ancestors we Mexican Americans actually have the opportunity to do something with our lives and make a difference. What surprised me the most about this analysis is how I am quite lucky and how proud I am of embracing two cultures.

3.3  Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale

My Rosenberg's Self Esteem scale was a 20. What my scores means to my understanding of my particular self-esteem is that I understand my current wants and needs. I am aware of my currents expectations for myself and what I want for myself. My relationship with self esteem has been quite positive over the past couple of years actually. I remember a few semesters ago I was at rock bottom with low self esteem when I failed a statistics class. This hit harder for me personally because math isn't my best subject as I've always struggled with it in the past and when I realized I was so close in passing that statistics class as well. I ended up with a D and I was so close in getting a C. Though the following semester resulting in me getting an A after I retook statistics which raised my self esteem for myself. Another experience Ive faced \ is that growing up I've always been mostly quiet and shy. Due to this it affected me making friends in general and forming close/strong bonds with them affecting my self esteem as a whole. However, as I've gotten older I have learned to get out of my bubble, talk and just open up more towards people. Which this has lead me in making new friends and forming strong relationships with them and resulting in acquiring high self esteem for myself. I believe my score is what it is because for the most part I am aware of myself and my identity, though there may be things in my life that may be holding me back to fully grasp this aspect of my life that I must learn to find and prevent.

]]> 2022-04-28 05:38:04 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2161598708 3.4 Racial Identity Development cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2161647492
I believe that I am in the Ethnic Minority Stage of Integration. The reason why I believe this is because this stage values integrating one's own culture towards the majority one. The reason why I believe I am in this majority is because  I embrace both of my cultures with great and upmost pride. I identify myself as a Mexican American so I embrace the language, culture, and traditions  that both them. Both the Mexican and American cultures shape my identity and they defines who I am a person. am  For instance, I have the ability to read, write, speak in both English and Spanish which makes me bilingual. I am not only able to communicate in both of these languages but I am also able to express myself. I also celebrate the holidays traditions of these two cultures. For example, I celebrate Americanized holidays such as the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. While I celebrate Mexican holidays such as Cinco de Mayo and the Mexican Independence Day which is the 16th of September. Its fun for to be Mexican American as I have more holidays to celebrate with friends and family. One thing that I've learned from this process is how much I fully embrace, enjoy and am proud of being a Mexican American as I feel it makes me unique that these two cultures shape my identity as a whole.]]> 2022-04-28 06:22:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2161647492 3.5 Racial Identity Resource cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2161673623 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/young-latinos-born-u-s-carving-their-own-identity-n908086

This article is most important to me because it made realize something about myself, which is the pressure of being a Mexican American in general. For instance, it can be quite difficult for some Mexican Americans to grow up in the United States while at the same time not forgetting about their culture and community. For instance, there are some Mexican Americans that don't even speak Spanish. Just because the American culture and language is the most dominant because we are living in the United States doesn't mean we must forget about our Mexican roots. Mexican Americans must learn to not make one culture more dominant than the other. Where they have to find something in between, to balance it and to express and embrace both cultures equally. I personally express my Mexican American Culture communicating and expressing myself in both languages. I know for certain when I do have kids in the future, I wouldn't want them to forget their ancestry. I would not only want them to speak English but Spanish as well. As this is what shapes our identify as a whole.]]> 2022-04-28 06:42:51 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2161673623 4.4 Race and Racism cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2164690523 1. The types of "isms" that I identified in the audio clip were about racism, sexism and gays. While the types of racisms that I noticed from the audio clip is racism against African Americans and racism against Asian Americans. For racism they were telling the story of an African American women and a Asian American women. The African American Woman named Kalila experienced racism, microagression when she presented in front of a crowd, someone came up to her and told her that she was articulate and she spoke so well. Kalila found that offensive as she has a PHD and has been teaching at a University for 10 years and for someone to disrespect her like that is just wrong. It is a possibility the person that said that to Kalila was surprised how a black person can be so bright and intelligent as they believe that blacks aren't capable of this and she based her entire stereotype about African Americans around this judgment. Kahila shouldn't have been told this as anyone who has gotten a proper college education can be for the most part be articulate enough to express themselves. For the Asian American, a woman named Maria was told that the reason why she was thin and received good grades was because she was Asian. Maria shouldn't have been told this as anyone who works hard can receive good grades and just because she's Asian doesn't result in her being thin its a possibility that she takes care of her body or she's just naturally thin. Finally about sexism and gays in the audio clip they discussed stories of people saying how women should look a certain way if they're lesbian and how women shouldn't be gay because they're too pretty to be gay in the first place. This shouldn't be an issue as it doesn't matter your sexual orientation you can look the way you want to, as they were saying how gay women should have short hair instead of longer hair. Also women can be attracted to whoever makes them the most happy, safe, and comfortable which sometimes it doesn't always have to be a man to accomplish this as in fact in can be another woman.

2. After going through the chapter reading I believe we still do not live in a post-racial society as there are still going to be people who are going to be racist. For example, the stories of Kahila and Maria are prime example of this as people said racist comments about them only because of their ethnicity and the way they looked, which those people shouldn't have treated them the way they were treated. The Black Lives Matter Movement was not too long ago. Although, George Floyd might have committed a crime for using counterfeit money before hand, this does not mean he should have been treated the way he was and ultimately cost him his life. In my opinion George Floyd  didn't commit a unforgivable crime such as rape or murder that it deserve for a white police officer to compress his throat and kill him. I feel that George Floyd was treated the way he was because of the color of his skin, and police brutality. It is examples like these why I believe that currently in today's world we are not living in a post-racial society. 

3. My own personal definition of race is how people view you and treat you differently because of your own culture, ethnicity, and basically on how the way you just look in general. I believe race to be a social construct. The reason for this is because race is used as a social construct by using it sort of as a human-invented classification system. It was invented as a way to define differences between people, but most importantly as a tool for oppression and violence. In other words it allows people to distinguish other groups of people biologically and socially. For instance, today most people view most African Americans to be associated in gang or drug related activities. Although, obviously in reality this isn't the case as not all African Americans are apart of this but its the stereotypical norm that makes us believe that it is the case.

4. What stood out to me about the podcast is how openly comfortable some individuals can be to express they're racism. Literally, the individuals who said those things about Kahila and Maria could've just kept that to themselves. No, instead they just went up to them and said that to them straight up in their face. I also learned that individuals apparently expect you to look a certain way because of your sexual orientation. Honestly you can look the way you want to regardless of sexual orientation. There are some individuals who express their sexuality more than others and its completely fine if others may not express their sexuality as much. 

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiwieME2tis

6. One thing that I learned from this unit is migroagression. Migroagression is a indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a particular group. What this basically mean is my own words is that even though were not trying to be racist, something so subtle that we say to a particular group can be viewed a certain type of way or even offensive towards them. For instance, I'm sure the individual who said that Kahila was articulate just honestly wanted to compliment her and was impressed of the way she presented herself towards the crowd. Though, in the eyes of Kahila there was no need to publicity say that to her as African Americans are more than capable enough to sound articulate just as anyone else is capable of.]]> 2022-04-29 17:49:16 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2164690523 5.5 Kinship and Family cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2169732688 1. What makes the African American family unique is the amount of strength they have. Think about it, this goes way back towards when we had slavery. African Americans had to find the strength within them to endure being separated from their families during slavery times. African Americans also had to find the strength to face prejudice, racism and discrimination for many years. Due to slavery and facing discrimination this has only made African American families stronger and therefore leading them in forming stronger, meaningful relationships with their family members. African American families are aware that as a family they must unite and face the challenges together of living in society as a race that for many years was thought to be inferior to white majorities. Another aspect of what makes African American families unique is honestly how they're just able to come together and unite to support one another. The amount of loyalty and love they have for each other is very special and wholesome when African Americans stick together.

2. Again like I stated before the main strength of Black families includes being able to cope with racism, discrimination and honestly the PTSD/Trauma of being an African American in the first place. For instance, it must of been very difficult for female African American slaves especially, as they were the ones targeted by white slave owners for forced pregnancy or in other words rape. Rape can be a very traumatic experience for anyone, and it takes much courage to realize that you have been raped and to move along with your life from the experience of being raped. While the challenges of Black families is living in a society while being black. Even in today's times, African Americans have to face the realization that they are treated differently by Society because of the color of their skin. Even today, blacks are the ones mostly targeted for murder and police brutally. For the longest time now blacks weren't even granted any rights by society, society viewed them only as property.

3. Racial Socialization has affected parents and children in blacks families where the parents would have to raise their children to become socially aware of themselves from an early age. Parents would have to teach their children that because of the color of their skin, society may judge you, view you and treat you differently. The children from an early age will learn and know what racism, prejudice and discrimination exactly is. From learning racial socialization from their parents at an early age this will grant African American the ability of knowing their identity. 

4. The factors that has impacted black families the most since slavery is honestly poverty. During slavery it was whites who had the money and power, while the slaves had nothing at all. The whites had money because of land, while they had power because they were the ones who owned the slaves in the first place. Today, it has been statically proven that blacks are the ones that face poverty the most. Poverty is so drastic that it leads towards African  American children being orphaned, this is an issue as it is a known fact that black children are rarely ever adopted. It results in black children being separated from their parents as poverty has lead them being unable to support them, therefore breaking African American families apart. Poverty has also impacted black families of being unable of creating a better future for the family as a whole. For instance, because of poverty black children won't have access to a proper education, this is an issue as they will become illiterate and education for the most part results in a better future for all, as without it can be quite difficult to get through life.

5. https://www.encyclopedia.com/reference/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/african-american-families

6. What stood out to me was honestly the many hardships African American families and African Americans in general had to face. For instance how slaves were separated from their families, the people they love and care for. Then the former slaves had to face the difficult task in locating and reuniting with their family members after slavery was over. Also how even today African Americans had to face poverty which sometimes it meant they didn't have the necessary basic materials in order to survive such as food or water. This still resulted in separation towards African American families as parents had no choice but to send their children to orphanages because they were unable to support their children.

]]> 2022-05-04 11:08:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2169732688 5.6 Outline and Resource cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2171001662 2022-05-05 06:55:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2171001662 6.5 Education and Work cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2173196449 1. Imposter syndrome is the inability to absorb one's accomplishments and the persistent fear that one will be exposed as a fraud.

2. Imposter syndrome affects students in their educational journey and into their career experiences because this will make them believe that they aren't capable of graduating high school or even attending a 4 year university. This will result in them not even showing their true potential of what they're indeed capable of regarding the workplace. This will cause them to acquire low self-esteem as they will believe they don't have to offer much towards the workplace and won't even try to aim for their dream careers.

3. Imposter syndrome affects self-esteem and mental health of African American women in the workplace because it down plays their overall confidence of what they are able to accomplish in the workplace. African American women if they're told that their presence is limited in the workplace, and that they will not be able to get so far because of who they are, a woman of color.
They will not even try to work as hard enough or have the motivation to pursue the career paths they want. African American women will follow what they are told and what they are able to do in the workplace, which is lesser paying jobs. This will result in them of thinking that they limited in their abilities regarding the workplace and overall low-self esteem.

4. Race plays a role into the African women's workplace experience because they are told what career they should and shouldn't pursue in their life all because of the color of their skin. For instance, Morgan Jenkins was told that she shouldn't look into the idea of being a Director and it was best for her to do behind the scenes work, where basically she wouldn't be credited or praised for her accomplishments. The realization though was that she wanted to become a Director and writer but she was told she shouldn't look into that career, and were trying to enforce another career path on to her when she didn't want to in the first place. Gender plays a factor towards the workplace experience because women will come towards the realization that they aren't capable of pursuing the same career paths as men. When in reality they are more than capable of. Sexism comes into fruition as individuals believe women are less experience than men regarding work and the workplace in general.

5. One strategy that I think would be successful in addressing the issue and improving the workplace for women of color is to simply protest. By protesting, women of color will be able to stand up for themselves, speak their minds, and just be able to let their voices be heard, on how they can be treated rather unfairly in the workplace. Women of color should be given the same benefits in the workplace as everyone else, they shouldn't be a second thought and be told what career they can and cannot acquire for themselves. 

6. One thing that stood out to me was in the video how people today still question the Intelligence of African Americans and how they try to downplay their success. Morgan Jenkins even though she was black went out to do outstanding things in her life such as attend a 4 year University and become an acclaimed writer. Even though she's black it doesn't mean she's less intelligent than you, me, or anyone else. African Americans as well as other minority races are capable of achieving a level of intelligence that allows them to express themselves with articulation and class. It also surprised me how the 2016 survey stated how 40% of the population believe that blacks will not graduate from high school, while 30% believe blacks are not able to graduate from a 4 year University. I find this quite insane as this happened quite recently, 2016 was only 5 years ago it's mind blowing that there's people out there that think that blacks aren't capable of accomplishing these things. Again blacks and other minorities are capable of accomplishing so many things in their lives just as whites are if they have the motivation and put in the hard work and determination.]]> 2022-05-06 17:04:14 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2173196449 6.6 Two page Autobiography Paper cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2173599651 2022-05-07 02:26:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2173599651 7.6 Intersectionality, Bias and Microagressions cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2180768560 1. Psychological consequences of experiencing of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color includes a lifetime of microaggressions that can be quite devastating to a person’s mental health, racism can result in a host of mental health concerns including things like increased anxiety and symptoms of depression. Individuals that are faced with racial slurs in an educational or work setting will feel attacked and won't feel comfortable being in that particular place.

2. An example of stereotypes that can be thrown around a person of color includes thinking that Blacks and Latino's are involved in gangs and drug related activities. These are the two race and ethnicities that I tend to hear most often that people associate with these bad things such as drugs and gang related activities. Another example is associating blacks under poverty and being non intelligent. 

3. One thing in particular that stood out to me personally regarding intersectionality in the African American community  is the overall lack of media coverage or in other words the total lack of Information covered of the murders of African American females. I find this an issue as does the media not care what happens to African American American females compared to males? I find this true as I personally do not hear as much news about the killings of African American females compared to the males. I found it quite shocking when I did learned about an incident regarding Ahmaud Arbery, who was a 7 year old African American girl who was shot in the head brutally by a police officer.

4. The realization is that because of white privilege it makes the problem concerning microagression, racial bias a bit more difficult to solve and resolve. It is that hostile environment whether it would be in a school or work setting of people looking down towards us because of the we look is what affects us the most and leads towards our mental health deteriorating. We live in a society where people look down on themselves and see each other as a burden based upon of what other people think or treat one another differently based on our race, ethnicity.
 
5. https://www.tasbrmf.org/learning-news/insiderm/home/coverage/liability/racial-discrimination-recognizing-the-problem-and-addressing-it.aspx
  
This article talks about the hardships concerning microagression and how it can affect the mental health and lives of students and workers. It recognizes the problem of migroagression, racial bias, slurs and how to ultimately address it.


6. One strategy that I feel that can be successful in addressing the use of microagressions is to simply just standing up for themselves and protest. By protesting people of color will be able to spread the word out of this cause and be able to speak their minds out towards the situation/problem. The public must be more aware of the racial slurs happening on a daily basis around the world in schools and workplace.

7. The thing that stood out to be after getting through this unit is how the realization of many lives of people affected in the education and workplace due to racial slurs, bias, etc. It can make people feel really uncomfortable, and can create tension, awkwardness towards classmates or co-workers. Something to subtle can cause someone's feelings to be hurt and we must be careful of what we say do, or even act. 


]]> 2022-05-12 07:10:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2180768560 8. Final Racial Autobiographical Paper cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2183603276 2022-05-14 03:06:41 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2183603276 9.4 SWOT cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2190780642 1. Strengths: The strength of black neighborhoods and communities includes being strong willed and minded to deal with unfairness and racism. Blacks have gone through different stages of being treated unfairly by society, where before they were only thought as property regarding slavery, with little to no rights and facing segregation. Blacks are treated unfairly today as they're mostly targeted for police brutality and murder. Black neighborhoods and communities have manifested over time by passing down from generation to generation the hardships of being an African American in general to their children and learning to cope and deal with racism.

2. Weaknesses: One of the weaknesses of black neighborhoods and communities includes having to deal with poverty on a daily basis. It is a known fact that it is mostly black neighborhoods and communities that experience poverty, so much in fact that the term "ghetto" is heavily associated with the black Community. For instance, there are many black communities in Africa that have nothing, which includes little to no access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter or education. One solution to fix this problem is for blacks to be there for one another, if you have access to more food than others make sure to share and help the less fortunate.

3.  Opportunities: Three ways in which black neighborhoods and communities could play a role in the progressive movement of the black community include becoming more educated, becoming more family oriented and becoming more involved in their community as whole. Becoming more educated means graduating high school, and seeking higher levels of education by attending a 4 year university, which will then lead to higher paying jobs and better opportunities to avoid poverty. Becoming more family oriented is being closer with family members to unite and help each other out. Finally, becoming more involved in the community in general will mean doing things such as voting to seek for change in black communities.

4. Threats: 3 ways in which black neighborhoods and communities could have a detrimental effect on the progressive movement of the black community is being involved in negative things such as drugs, gangs, or criminal activities such as shoplifting or murder. All of these things are stereotypes of what society believe blacks are associated with, which is the reason the black community is then associated with poverty and being called ghetto. Though, if members of the black Community would stop doing these negative things, then more time and effort can be put into progressing the movement of the black community.

5. https://www.viacharacter.org/news/united-in-strengths-briefing-june-2020

This article explains what the black community does right, while at the same time it shows its flaws of what the members of this community can do to improve. Strengths of the black community includes teamwork and being there for one another. Though, weaknesses includes things such as poverty. This gives a better perspective on the reality of how black neighborhoods and communities are actually like.

6. What stood out to me in the unit are the different strengths and weaknesses that are associated within the black community. It gives the perspective of learning more about the beliefs and values coming from someone who isn't black. For instance, a strength that I found similar within the black and hispanic communities is having a strong work ethic. For Hispanics work is everything for us as it provides a roof over our head, it help us provide for ourself and our family members, work is so important to the hispanic community that most hispanics may even have two jobs. It's good to know that blacks share this similar mind set regarding work ethic as hispanics.]]> 2022-05-19 06:10:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2190780642 9.6 Thesis, Direction and Resources for Critical Analysis Project cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2191028982 2022-05-19 09:10:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2191028982 10.5 Self Reflection cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2193667797 1. 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.

Well one thing that I learned from this unit was that black females need positive people in their life just as much as black males do. Adolescent can be the most difficult years for anyone and being a African American female is no different. African American females need friends in order to maintain high self-esteem during adulthood. It creates a some sort of confidence, friendship and sisterhood.

2 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? 

I feel that it only makes people think of African American as more as objects or property as stated before. It means that men sexualize African American females as things only used for sex. African American females are also glorified where men think they must now have an African American for themselves as due to the fact the hottest rapper is using African American females in their latest music video.

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

The main reason is that not only black women are becoming more independent on themselves. The norm where women stay at home to take care of the children while the men work is starting to decrease. Women are starting to pursue jobs and higher education. Black women and women in general are no longer as reliant on marrying to be financially stable.

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

I feel that nowadays there are more consequences while living in society today while being a gay black. For instance, look at Lil Was X people were bashing him on social media for being black and gay. It is so big of an issue where that hardly any big artist want to make a musical collaboration with him. I just think people are more homophobia regarding the black community in general. Which is a shame.

5. 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://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2021/06/emotional-lives-of-black-women/

This article brings up the hardships of being a black females living in today's society. It explains how unlike other women, black women must be strong in particular as society views, judges and treats them differently. In a way black women as viewed as lesser with not only being a women but also as a woman of color.



]]> 2022-05-21 03:01:37 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2193667797 11.5 Cognition, Language and Learning cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2200502479 1. What code switching exactly is when an individual alters between two or more languages when they speak. Code switching affects African American in the work environment in particular. Code switching will allow African Americans to modify their speech to adapt to sociocultural norms. Which will change their behavior to suit the setting and circumstances. This will involve African Americans to tone down a particular part of their personality or hiding an aspect of themselves.

2. Expecting code switching threaten diversity because it mostly affects people of color. People of color will feel the need to change the way they speak and express themselves around people of other ethnicities, especially around white Americans. This will result in people of color altering their speech and trying to sound the same how everyone else does. For instance, Mexicans and Mexican Americans will try to sound less hispanic, try to get rid of their accent, and try to their English more "White American".

3. Code switching affects a person's mental health by feeling pressured to sound like everyone else and how society expects you  to speak like. Having to show someone the true you by expressing yourself the way you speak will make you feel unmotivated to even speak in the first place. Also the constant fear of people judging from the way you speak. Finally, the constant need of the use of code switching in a social setting such as school or work can be tricky, difficult.

4. https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-costs-of-codeswitching
 
This article in particular talked about a time Barack Obama was president how he visited a locker room of a basketball team,  how people noticed that he interacted differently when greeting a African American player and White one. Barack Obama gave the white basketball player a simple handshake, while the black basketball player he felt more relaxed as he leaned in more to not only shake his hand but give him a hug. This show that even the President of United States has to experience code switching by not feeling judged when interacting with white people.

5. One strategy that I feel can be successful to address the misconceptions about code switching in the African American community is just accepting how you tend to express yourself by speaking. You shouldn't live in constant fear of how others will judge you from speaking, just embrace how you express yourself and think positively. You shouldn't alter the way you communicate and express yourself by trying to sound the same everyone else does, this reality makes you unique as you have your own way of expressing yourself.

6. One thing in particular that I learned from this unit is what exactly code switching is and realizing that I tend to use it in my everyday life. I feel that it affects people of color the most and especially if you speak more than one language. I relate to the hardships of code switching as you don't wanna be attacked or judge on how the way you articulate. Sometimes I feel I don't wanna sound too "Mexican" if it makes any sense.]]> 2022-05-26 06:40:15 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2200502479 12.5 Religion and Spirituality cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2202453188 1. Significant differences in terms of religious and spiritual practices of the African American community compared to the larger community is that they have a strong belief in religion/spirituality in general. In particular most African Americans have a strong belief in God that it affects how the way they live out their lives. African Americans believe in God as they believe that God has the power to  determine what happens in the world and God will ultimately judge people for their actions.

2. Black millennials exhibit different religious habits compared towards older African Americans who traditionally have attended historically Black protestant churches because they believe in God more. Black millennials pray to God everyday hoping for a better life and future for not only themselves but there family as well. In the past African Africans have attended historically Black protestant churches for fight for the rights regarding racism and segregation. This is the main difference between this, its no longer being religious to stand up for your whole community but for yourself and your own family/loved ones.

3. Attending church affects the mental health of African Americans positively as it allows them to continue to have faith in God and to call upon God whenever trouble arises in their lives. It is good to visit church as it is widely considered as God's home and it gets everyone the opportunity to that God for helping us either for the good things that are happening in our lives, or for helping us get through the bad times in our lives. Attending  church helps us feel closer to God and for some people it is important to attend church not only for their mental health, but self-esteem, and overall confidence.

4. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/02/16/10-new-findings-about-faith-among-black-americans/

This article assures that African Americans are indeed one of the most religious and spirituality races out there. One thing that I learned from this resource is that African Americans born here in the United States are actually less religiously involved, than immigrant blacks that come from Africa or other parts of the world. I find this interesting, because why is the case? Does the American society really hinder the religious beliefs of an individual? I guess because African American immigrants have more to worry about than non-African American immigrants, religion and God itself gives them hope for better opportunities in their lives.

5. One thing that I learned from this unit is how religion and spirituality is really important towards the African American community. I can relate to this as these aspects are also quite important to the Hispanic/Latino community. I remember growing up with a mother who has taught my siblings and I to always pray to God either for the good or the bad things happening in our lives. To always believe in God as he will always reward you for being a good person life, and help you get through the obstacles life throws at you.]]> 2022-05-27 17:54:21 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2202453188 13.4 Self Reflection cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2208506311 1. One of the major themes that stood out to me in this unit is the mortality rate of African Americans. What this means is that more African Americans are dying at a faster rate than any other race. I believe this is important because more people should be more aware of this to prevent the increasing number of African American deaths. African Americans should be aware of these statistics so that they can be more careful when they interact with others in society. I honestly thought that Mexicans and Hispanics had the highest mortality rate since Mexico can be a dangerous place. African American babies are also more likely to die from birth compilations when the mother goes into labor.

2.  A higher morality rate affects the African American community because it means the population of African Americans will decrease. If more African American deaths continue it means their population will start to deteriorate, meaning there will be less diversity in communities and society itself. This will lead to future generations to lack cultural diversity.

3. Some strategies too improve is to limit or even prohibit drugs and alcohol in the African American community. For instance drugs and alcohol leads into African Americans into joining gangs. It is a known fact people associated with gangs have a higher chance of costing them their lives. Drugs and alcohol consumed by pregnant African Americans will result in their babies being born with birth defects, which can end up killing these babies in the process. Less drugs and alcohol will be better for the African American community as a whole.

4.https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/08/30/the-black-mortality-gap-and-a-century-old-document

This article indeed statistically proves how African Americans have a higher mortality rate than any other race, which in this case a higher mortality rate than whites. This article states that African Americans have a higher mortality rate than whites at any point in their lives. The reasons for African Americans having a higher mortality rate in the first place can vary from health related issues such as birth defects or violent causes such police brutality. Though this is quite sad to know, but in reality African Americans face this issue at large.

5. One thing that I learned from this unit is how African Americans have a higher mortality rate than any other race, ethnicity. I had no idea this was the case as I thought that Mexicans and Hispanics in general had one of the highest mortality rates. Since, many places in Mexico can be quite dangerous as drugs and crimes are heavily associated with them. Knowing this we must do everything we can to make sure the numbers of the mortality rates regarding African Americans go down as quickly as possible.

]]> 2022-06-02 05:42:30 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2208506311 12.6 Final Critical Analysis Project cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2209983938 2022-06-03 08:48:22 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2209983938 13.5 Outline for Film Analysis Project cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2210095974 2022-06-03 11:36:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2210095974 14.5 Health Illness and Disability cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2210220281  Theme 3: 
1. There is a mistrust in the African American community and the healthcare system in the United States because many doctors take advantage of them by deceiving and targeting them for experimental trials without their consent. In many past experiments doctors have treated African American like lab rats only for their own selfish desires to learn more about diseases and illnesses. Examples of this is when many doctors used African Americans for experiments regarding the Tuskegee Study. Another example was when a clinic deceived the two girls in the video into getting birth control shots without the consent of their parents or themselves. Though, in reality the clinic deceived the two girls into getting surgery instead of shots and were ultimately sterilized manually under federal law.

2.  Besides the Tuskegee study and sterilization other ways in which the medical system fostered distrust in the African American Community is the incident with the Ebola virus and allowing them to suffer from other diseases in general. Since the Ebola virus disease originated from Africa it meant African Americans must have been the targets of these experiments in order to learn more about the disease and ways to cure it. I remember Ebola virus was such a big deal back in 2015 that the dead bodies of the individuals who died from Ebola had to be met with extra precautions. 

3. One strategy is to hire more doctors with diverse variety of backgrounds. This includes hiring non-white doctors and more doctors with Hispanic, Asian, African American, etc backgrounds. The reason for this is because it is a known fact that its mostly white doctors that deceive African Americans and other minority races. A second strategy is for African Americans to become more aware of when they're being deceived by doctors and clinics. This will help them to be more cautious and help African Americans to take more control of their health and lives in general. Finally, another strategy is for African Americans to protest so that they will receive better rights regarding medical assistance.

4.  https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/11/02/medicine-has-long-history-failing-black-people-let-change-that/JQTDySyqeOOjcgHlEG2FMM/story.htmlhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/11/02/medicine-has-long-history-failing-black-people-let-change-that/JQTDySyqeOOjcgHlEG2FMM/story.htmlhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/11/02/medicine-has-long-history-failing-black-people-let-change-that/JQTDySyqeOOjcgHlEG2FMM/story.htmlhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/11/02/medicine-has-long-history-failing-black-people-let-change-that/JQTDySyqeOOjcgHlEG2FMM/story.html

This article states how in the past medicine, medical clinics, and medical assistance in general hasn't been all too successful in function properly on African Americans and other ethnic minority races. This brings up into fruition that because of racial bias, in a way you can say doctors give less effective medicine and medical treatment compared to whites. Though this brings up the question. Is the life of a black man less valuable than a white man, and that is the reason why African Americans receive less effective medicine? This shouldn't be the case as everyone should receive the same health rights.

5. One thing that I learned is how many African Americas were really deceived and how blacks in general receive poor rights regarding medical procedures and health benefits. This is the case as 100,000 to 150,000 people were sterilized manually under federally funded laws. Also how it is statically proven how blacks suffer from more Diseases in general than their white counterparts such diabetes, cancer, asthma, etc. This shouldn't be an issue as the life of a black man should be just as important in saving as much as the life of a white man. African American shouldn't live with mistrust regarding the health care system and their own health in general.]]> 2022-06-03 13:55:25 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2210220281 15.3 Film Analysis Feedback Discussion cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2217759629 2022-06-10 18:40:57 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2217759629 15.5 Psychological Adaptation and Mental Health Discussion. cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2217775993 1. The role of the black church in the African American community is a means of escape to those who experience hardships in their lives such as poverty. Or mental health illnesses such as depression or anxiety. From attending church African Americans will gain confidence, high self esteem, and return back to reality.

2.  I believe that health care that is focused on providing treatment for illnesses that African Americans suffer in their lives on a daily basis which includes depression and anxiety will help in the long run. Treatment may include therapy or even medication. This is important as we must let African American to trust the medical field more so that their problems will be solved.

3. Three themes that help to may help to solve the problem include hiring more black health providers in general, required training to avoid racial bias, and finally educating the youth on the importance to reach and to have access to medical health providers.

4. https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/paths/improve-lives

This article is beneficial to this topic as it shows the importance of how psychologists can make the difference in the lives of one's mental health struggles. Psychologist help save lives for the better of humanity.

5. What caught my attention the most in this unit is how African Americans can overcome their fear of seeking medical assistance. This is important to know because in the past it has lead African Americans feeling untrustworthy towards doctors and medical clinics in general due to experiencing racial bias.]]> 2022-06-10 19:11:08 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2217775993 16.3 Final Recording of Film Analysis Presentation cparedes38 https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2217910112 2022-06-11 01:05:42 UTC https://padlet.com/cparedes38/Bookmarks/wish/2217910112