I am Janell, daughter of 2 Mexican parents whom I am very close to. I am also a younger sister to an older brother. I am also a dog owner to a pitbull/german shepard mix. I name these people/pets because they shape who I am and are some of the many people I spend my time with. More specifically I am a first generation college student with hopes of becoming the first nurse in my family. I find myself to be very empathetic and willing to listen to others. I can be very shy in new places with new people, but I can also be loud and outspoken with those that I am close to. I pretend to be someone who doesn't need help. Being the first person in my family to attend college I find myself figuring it all out. To my parents it may seem like I know what I am doing but it's not always easy. I believe that others who do not know me see me as shy or to myself. It can take me awhile to get comfortable with certain people while with others it comes naturally. To those who know me I believe they see me as hardworking, empathetic, nice, and funny (maybe). I honestly wish I could be more confident in myself. I am not someone who takes compliments that well. I am also someone who doesn't like being the center of attention. I do wish I could put myself out there more and conversate with others more naturally. I would say ethnic identity plays a part in my response regarding being first generation. I can not ask for help when it comes to college as my parents did not attend college and their main language is spanish.

Theme 2: First Experience With Race Activity

My first experience with race that I can remember would be having to fill out forms during school tests. In which it asked “Select your race?”. I am Hispanic/Latina so the option for that was not there as those options are not considered a race. I remember being confused and questioning who I was because physically I am not black and I am also not White. The other options seemed much closer to the right choice but then again it would feel like I was lying to myself. I would just choose not to fill that part out. I believe I was in middle school when it really became something I thought hard about. This experience to me was not negative or positive, it was just confusing. I do not think I have really talked about this since not many people ask. I believe this experience shaped my view as I wanted to learn more on the differences between race and ethnic identity.

Theme 3: Positive Sense of Self Brainstorm

I do believe someone that has a negative sense of self can still have a positive sense of ethnic identity. For example I explain how I am not always as open as I want to be but when it comes to my ethnic identity I am not ashamed of presenting it. Whether it be the language that I speak or the food I eat. I also believe that being proud of who you are can have a positive effect on how you carry yourself.

Theme 1: Ubuntu

Although I am not part of the African American culture I would still say from an outside perspective the spirit of Ubuntu is still alive. Ubuntu in a few words is described as respect, connection, helpfulness, and communalism. Ubuntu could be shown during the black lives matter protests. People in the African American community gathered to show their stance on what they believed was wrong. They were brought together and helped one another spread the word. At the end of the day they connected in fighting what they believed in together.

The difference between Africans and African Americans is that they have different views and practices on things like spirituality, roles, and sensitivity to time. Another big difference according to the article is the way in which their views on racism differs. For example African Americans tend to blame racism of the cause of things like poverty. On the other hand Africans see a country that offers them much more than what their home country does.

Theme 2: 7 Concepts of Afrocentric Psychology and Theme

From the seven concepts I believe Human Authenticity is the most prominent in African American culture. This is because I see those in the African American community truly be themselves without considering the judgment of others. They know who they are deep down and can connect that to who they are on the outside in terms of their feelings, thoughts, and values. Therefore being themselves authentically and knowing who they are.

I am not sure which concept is the least present but if I had to choose one it would be spiritness. This is because I do not see it talked about much among the community. Spiritness refers to the connection between a person and their spirit belief that they are a larger force.

Theme 3: 7 Principles of Nguzo Saba.

The principle that I have chose is Kujichagulia which means self-determination. It shows how a person chooses to name, define, and speak for themselves. I chose this principle because I would like to become part of the 7% of latina RN's. I believe that overcoming stereotypes and going beyond what is expected of me is important. I choose to give myself a title and not let how others seem me define who I am. In comparison I see this with the African Community as well. They have been stereotyped and seen as less then but many of them choose to overcome that. They choose to continue their education and work in places where many people think they should not. Yet, they have that self-determination to surpass it.

3.1:

Within the category of natal measures I chose natural parents, siblings, and extended family. This is because these are the people who have taught me my culture as well as who I share customs with. My parents are from Mexico therefore a lot of the food I eat and what traditions we share every year I have learned from them. As for my brother, him and I were born in the United States so we share different trends and activities with each other that my parents may not understand. As for extended family I can share both at the same time between aunts/uncles and cousins.

Within the category of behavioral measures I chose language use patterns and food preference. I chose these because I feel as if they are the most prominent in who I am. For example language use patterns consist of changing between languages (english and spanish) based on who I am around. I also find myself speaking "spanglish" when I am around both groups. As for food preference I would say I usually eat Mexican food at home and occasionally some american fast food. I also eat a lot of Asian foods and I believe this is because I live in California where it is very diverse and I have tried it and really enjoyed it.

Within subjective measures I have chose self-identification of a preferred ethnic group. I have chosen this because it is something that does not confuse me or make me think differently. For example it is easy for me to identify as hispanic/latina.

Within situation-contextual measures I have chose home-family, education, and religion. This is because from the list they are important to who I am. As mentioned before home-family are the people who I spend the majority of my time with. They influence my likes/dislikes, music, and humor. As for education I am a first generation college student so a lot of my previous education I have learned at school. While I have learned different ideas from my parents. As for religion I grew up catholic since my mom is very religious. I have learned certain traditions from her and continue to accompany her to church every Sunday.

3.2:

My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is 43.

To me this score means that I am proud and confident within my ethnic identity. I also feel like it means that my ethnic identity is important to what makes me as an individual.

I think that this means that I have a strong bond with the hispanic/latino because of my high score.

I do not think the score surprised me because I know that I am proud of my ethnic origin and I would not change it if I had a choice.

3.3:

State your score after taking the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale: 18

State what your score means to you and your understanding of your self-esteem: I believe that it means that my self esteem fluctuates depending on the situation. I do not believe I am at the place where I want to be but I also do not feel like I am a complete failure.

State why you believe your score is the number that it is. Provide examples: An example I can give that shows why my score is average is because for the first question I responded with feeling worthy equally to others. This is because I believe all of us as people no matter the difference are worth something. Yet, when I answered if I feel like I can be equally as best as someone else I replied with disagree. I believe this tests what we think our skills are compared to other people and I do not have many skills. Although I would not be able to compare skillswise it does not make me less worthy.

3.4:

I believe that I am in the internalization stage. This is because after reading all of the previous stages I feel as though I have surpassed them. In the conformity stage I feel as though I know I am not just a regular american. I am more than that and I do not try to emulate Whiteness through my actions as my speech, beliefs, and customs are different. The dissonance stage helped me understand that I may be different from white individuals and the I may not receive the same benefits as them. As for immersion and emersion stages I can understand why it may be easy to blame white individuals for things like sexism or racism since they are looked to be in a higher category but I know realistically that not every white person is that way. I also do not try to steer away from white people or make a judgment based on race. I can see where in my group sexism and racism is still prominent. So, only blaming white people would be hypocritical. One thing I have learned is that some people may be on the same stage as me while others may be behind or advanced.

3.5:

I chose this source because I find it to be one of the main components that make me as an individual. I know others who are in the same ethnic group as I can also relate. I feel as it can also tie into imposter syndrome which is a topic I may also want to incorporate in my paper.

Question 1:

From the google slide, the type of racism that I see in this world is cultural racism. Cultural racism is defined as assumed superiority of a language or dialect, belief, or value. In this case I would say racism has been shown when a person speaks a different language and a someone else will tell them "We are in America speak english." They will also tell them to "Go back to their country." A lot of the time people assume that a person is not from America because of their skin tone and the language they are speaking. From slide three I would say the type of racism I see is internalized racial superiority. I see this a lot when people believe they are entitled to behave a certain way around others without feeling as they should be disciplined.

Question 2:

I do not believe we live in a post-racial society. There continues to be many stories about people who experience racism daily. A lot of people live in fear because of racism and it continues to push people of different races apart. In my opinion I unfortunately believe that it will take many years and generations to even get close to a post-racial society. This is because racism is learned a lot of the time from homes and it could be easy for children to act up on it without fully knowing what they are saying. I believe this because I hear children and younger teens who make racist "jokes." They may think it's harmless but it just further pushes a racist society. That is why it is important to educate people.

Question 3:

Race to me is a combination of many factors but I would say it is mainly a social construct. This is because people are placed into groups depending on certain factors physically and behavioral.

Question 4:

https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Southwestern_College/SOC_106%3A_Race_and_Ethnicity_(Brenner)/Chapter_1%3A_Defining_Race_and_Ethnicity/1.3_Race_as_a_Social_Construct

I chose this source as it explains why race can be defined as a social construct and I like how it gives historical context which gives further insight. I would agree with this source.

Question 5:

One thing that stood out to me from the reading was learning the ways racism affects African Americans. Although I do know how, it is interesting to me how people can still continue to be racist in general. Many time people believe racism is just shown through words but it does go deeper than that and it is harmful.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

1. Imposter syndrome according to the video is "the inability to absorb one's accomplishments and the persistent fear that one will be exposed as a fraud."

2. Imposter syndrome can affect a student in their educational journey by constantly doubting themselves. They could even downplay their work in order to prevent a target on themselves. For example, a student knowing they can write a good paper but feeling like their professor or teacher will wonder if they plagiarized. So instead they use basic words and does not elaborate clearly. This can then follow them into the profession as they will feel any little thing can get them into trouble although they have done nothing wrong.

3. Imposter syndrome has specifically affected the esteem of African American women by feeling as though they can not speak up. They are worried to be seen as troublesome. They also doubt themselves and can therefore it can show on how they present their work.

4. In the workplace African American women feel like they do not belong and as if they are a fraud. This can stem from mental illnesses. Research shows that 20% of African Americans have mental illnesses that they do not know about since they go undiagnosed due to lack of healthcare. This can add onto the stress they already have. Especially those in leader positions where the workplace is white dominated.

5. I believe that a strategy that can help women of color in the workplace would be to form groups with others. It does not have to be all people of color but just people who understand and they can be around. I feel like it could make them feel included.

6. In the require reading "What it means to be black in the American education system" the thing that stood out to me was how more black Americans experienced discrimination in a college setting than those with no college experience. This is because black Americans work their way to college and it is an accomplishments to them. Yet, when they get to college they still face discrimination from others without realizing that they got there the same way they did.

1. A person of color could experience mental illnesses like depression and anxiety from experiencing subconscious racial slights. This could lead to a person questioning their self worth and questioning if they belong. This is due to the constant questions they get that feels like the person is undermining their intelligence or character.

   
   

2. Questioning a person on the way they speak, especially if they are told they speak so well. It implies that the person of color should not know how to speak that way or that proper.

3. Other issues could arise depending on the way an African American person presents themselves. For example their gender, sexuality, or class. It could make room for many other types of microaggressions.

4. These issues could make a person struggle mentally and could therefore impact their quality of life negatively. For example living in fear or being treated poorly.

5. The link/resource I chose stood out to me since it gives definitions, examples, and shows the different types of microaggressions since it is not just verbal.

   
   

6. Although it could be too upfront I would say addressing this issue to someone who is unaware is to educate them. Letting them know then and there that what they say or do is not ok could be helpful.

7. One thing that stood out to me is that some people truly do not know what they so or do is a form of microaggression. I would think that by now they would know or understand.

STRENGTHS:

1. Due to being racism it is very likely for African Americans to come together. Therefore, teamwork/citizenship is a strength that manifested from racism and now African Americans come together to be involved in political and social justices.

WEAKNESSES:

2. One weakness in a black community would be poverty. It is harder for families in this community to live well as they face hardships. It is a cycle that can be hard to get out of.

OPPORTUNITIES:

3. Three ways could include guiding the youth, involving themselves in politics, and helping each other economically like starting businesses. This allows them to learn how things affect them and how they can be involved in policy changes.

THREATS:

4. Black neighborhoods and communities could have a detrimental effects include involving themselves in negative environments and refusing to learn about other communities.

5. https://ip-no.org/what-we-do/advocate-for-change/mass-incarceration-and-racial-oppression/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11488381126&gbraid=0AAAAADOiIug1IQmkdmZL5rtpZmPugD7Wy&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_8rBBhCFARIsAJrc9yD20om0CvG5dTGCMm2Lb0380WMIfNKhYxZWPcR7Cir3olilNI5vFr8aAtuaEALw_wcB

   This resource focuses in mass incarceration and shows how this can affect black communities and how to continues to.

6. One thing that stood out to me is that there are many strengths and weakness in the black community and it is important to speak on it so that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses.

1. Black men and women develop differently throughout their age meaning they may want different things during different times. It can affect relationships. Black men also are more likely to be incarcerated during their 20's-30's meaning they leave a partner behind straining the relationship.

   
   

2. The way females are portrayed in rap videos can damage a females own image therefore leading to insecurity and feeling as they are only valuable when they act sexual.

3. Men's incarceration rates and unemployment can contribute to the rise of single unmarried black females.

4. Stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community can stem from the different values in religion that clash with the community.

5. https://tpcjournal.nbcc.org/the-black-gender-gap-a-commentary-on-intimacy-and-identity-issues-of-black-college-women/

   This source helped me understand the many different reasons why is can be difficult for black women to have relationships with black men.

1. Code switch means alternating between two or more languages and therefore switching the way they express themselves. It can make a person feel as though they can not act or speak like themselves but that they have to change.

2. Expecting code switching threatens diversity by believing that there is a correct way to communicate regarding one specific culture. Therefore losing touch of one's own natural way of speaking. For example how one may speak in their homeland and or their grandparents.

3. Code switching intersect with a person's mental health because they constantly feel as though they have to prove themselves. They are much more than the way they speak. In addition not speaking "American" can affect things like job opportunities making them feel inferior.

4. This source helps understand code switching in the workplace. Code switching not only changes how a person speaks but also what they talk about. It makes an African American person feel like they can not talk about with they like but what others like who may be of a different race.

5. A strategy I would suggest would be having support for those individuals and also teaching others in schools or in the workplace about what code switching is and how it affects others.

6. One thing that stood out to me is how important code switching is to African Americans. A lot of the times it is not to fit it, but it is to survive. For example having to speak to officers in a "proper" way in order to de escalate situations.

1. The significance of the Yoruba Orisha faith offers people a spiritual path and a strong sense of belonging.

2. There is a lot of traditional and cultural practices that can connect them back to their heritage.

3. The Yoruba faith treats health and healing spiritually. They also use herbal remedies to restore the balance.

4. This source goes in depth of the Yoruba religion and helps give a better understanding of practices and celebrations and what they believe in.

5. One thing that stood out to me is how many different religions and cultural differences groups have.

1. The reason there may be disparities between the amount of pain medication between African American women and White women is because of implicit bias. A doctor may believe an African American can tolerate more pain than a White woman.

2. Disproportionate number of African American infants who die in childbirth and African American mothers who die in childbirth can come from having limited healthcare. This puts a mother at risk since they are unable to care for themselves and their babies. Having a doctor who does not listen to their own patients because of bias or racism can also be part of the problem. It makes it hard for the doctor to believe or care for their patient.

3. I believe one thing that can help improve the experience African American women recieve is by implementing better healthcare policies as well as having doctors who care.

4. The source I chose helped me understand more ways in which African American women can be better cared for. Whether it be personally or from communities as a whole.

5. One thing that stood out to me from this unit was learning that African American women are 3x more likely to die during childbirth. It is a high amount and has to do a lot with race.

Theme 2

1. African Americans face higher COVID 19 rates according to the PEW Research articles because the lack of trust they have towards medicine and healthcare. They may also have other health conditions that make the susceptible to getting COVID 19. They may also be unable to receive healthcare.

2. Many African Americans have stated that their health care providers lack the quality of care they give. For example, doubting their pain tolerance and denying medicine. This can build distrust between the health care provider and the person. This can make it less likely for them to seek care want to partake in getting vaccines and getting checked out.

3. One strategy is educating people in the workplace and public areas. Teaching them the effects of COVID and why they may be at a higher risk. The second strategy could be having African American healthcare providers attend to African American patients in order to build trust and to feel heard. The last strategy could be answering any important questions and concerns a patient may have.

4. The source I chose helps understand the different parts that can show how COVID 19 mainly affects African Americans and breaks down each category to better understand.

5. One thing that stood out to me is how the African Americans are at a higher of COVID 19 and how it ties down to socioeconomic disparities not because of health conditions overall.