Please post a response to the google slide above. What types racism from slide 2 have you seen in the world? What examples from slide 3 have you seen in the world? As a Black woman from Compton, I have experienced both individual and cultural racism.
There were times when I was underestimated and dismissed because of my race and where I came from. One specific instance that stands out happened when I was in high school. Despite having the grades to apply to a university, my counselor told me I shouldn't bother that I should aim for community college instead. I was told my goals were too high and that I needed to be more “realistic.” It was clear that my potential was being judged not by my abilities, but by assumptions tied to my background.I’ve also experienced cultural racism.Coming from Compton, there's a stereotype that we’re all low-income and uneducated. People would come to our school claiming they were there to help offering internships or opportunities but many of them were just there to take pictures and say they "helped the kids in Compton." It often felt like they wanted praise more than they wanted to make a real difference. Their visits gave false hope rather than genuine support.

From the chapter reading, do you think that we live in a post-racial society? Please state why or why not.

No, I don't believe we live in a post-racial society in fact, I know we don't.Innocent people are still being killed because of the color of their skin, and racism is very much alive today. It doesn’t just affect Black people racism affects many different groups, and it's something that continues to be taught and passed down through generations. While some progress has been made, the reality is that racial inequality and prejudice are still deeply rooted in our society.

What is your personal definition of race and do you think that race is a social construct, a biological construct or something else? Please explain your reasoning . To me, race is about how you look and your visual features basically how people identify you just by your appearance.
I definitely believe race is a social construct, not something we’re born with or something that’s in our DNA. It’s something society created to put people into groups, but in reality we are all the same.

What is your personal definition of race and do you think that race is a social construct, a biological construct or something else? Please explain your reasoning. Resource:
I found an article called race as a social construction by Melissa N. Stein, who’s an African American woman. She says race isn’t something real in biology it’s something society made up based on how people look, like skin color.This matters because it shows that the way people get treated differently isn’t natural it’s something society created. That means we can change it.I agree with her. From what I’ve seen, people judge you based on how you look, not because of any real differences. Knowing race is made up helps me understand why unfair treatment happens and why we need to fight against it.

State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. State its significance. One thing that stood out to me from this unit was learning that racism is a system of oppression that's used to keep one group in power and make other groups feel inferior. It’s not just about personal bias or hate it’s built into systems like education and jobs . This helped me understand that racism is deeper than just individual actions it’s about how the whole system is set up to benefit some and hold others back.

From the reading, what do you think makes the Black family unique? What makes the African American family unique is how it goes beyond just blood relationships. It’s not a one-size-fits-all idea. In our community, family includes anyone who supports you, loves you, and helps you through life. For example, I have “play cousins” and “aunties” who aren’t related to me by blood, but they have been there for me like real family.

These strong bonds are built through trust, shared experiences, and care. For many African American families, family isn’t just about DNA it’s about who shows up for you and who you can count on. This closeness and sense of community is a big part of what makes Black families so resilient and unique.

What do you think are the strengths and challenges of the Black family? Black families are really strong and always have each other’s backs. We help raise each other’s kids and teach them to be proud and ready to deal with racism. Community is everything for us.But we also face some challenges, like not always knowing how to build or keep money because of a lack of education. Plus, racism and unfair chances still make things hard. Even with all that, we stick together and keep pushing forward.

How do concepts such as racial socialization affect parents and children in Black families? Racial socialization is when Black parents teach their kids about their culture and where they come from. But a lot of young parents find it hard to explain this because they don’t fully know it themselves. Much of Black history has been erased, and there’s a lot of deep rooted hurt and loss tied to that. Having these talks is especially tough when parents have to prepare their kids for how people and even the police might see them as a threat just because they’re Black.

These conversations are necessary, even though they’re hard. They help children understand the world they live in, stay safe, and be proud of their identity. For parents, it’s stressful but important work to pass on this knowledge and protect their kids in a world that isn’t always fair.

Based on our reading, what factors do you think have impacted Black families the most since slavery and why? Since slavery, systemic racism like segregation, housing discrimination, and mass incarceration have made it hard for Black families to build wealth and stay together. Family separation has caused lasting challenges. Despite this, Black families stay strong by supporting each other and building close communities.

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.''Surviving While Black: Systemic Racism and Psychological Resilience" by James M. Jones
Published in the Annual Review of Psychology, 2023

1 .Systemic Racism's Pervasive Impact:
The article examines how systemic racism affects Black individuals across various domains, including education, healthcare, and employment, leading to disparities in opportunities and outcomes.

2 .Psychological Resilience in the Face of Adversity:
It highlights the mechanisms that confer resilience and psychological well-being on Black people, enabling them to navigate the obstacles posed by systemic racism.

3. Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma:
The piece discusses how the legacy of racism is passed down through generations, influencing the mental health and coping strategies of Black families.

State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit. State its significance. One thing that really stood out to me from the reading was the idea of racial socialization how Black parents have to talk to their kids early on about racism and how to protect themselves. That hit home for me because I’ve seen that happen in real life, even in my own family. It’s a heavy conversation, but it shows how much Black parents care and want to prepare their kids for the real world. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary, and it really shows the strength and love in Black families.

What would you say are the psychological consequences of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color?Some psychological consequences that a person of color may experience from racial slights include feeling stressed and uncomfortable. These experiences can cause them to start believing negative things about themselves, like thinking they are not good enough. Over time, this can lead to imposter syndrome, where they feel like they don’t belong or aren’t truly capable, even when they are successful.

What stereotypes are perpetuated when racial micro aggressions are thrown around towards a person of color?Racial microaggressions push harmful stereotypes about people of color. Saying things like “Do you live here?” or “Can you afford that?” makes it seem like we don’t belong or can’t afford nice things. Comments like “Your hair is too big” or “Are you sure you know how to do that?” make us feel like we’re not smart enough or professional enough. Even asking “Are you buying that?” shows the stereotype that we’re suspicious. These small comments can really hurt and make people of color feel judged or out of place.

Considering Intersectionality, what other issues does this theme affect in the African American community? When you look at intersectionality, this theme affects more than just race. For example, Black women deal with both racism and sexism, and Black LGBTQ+ people face even more judgment. It makes things harder in jobs, school, and even healthcare. So it’s not just one issue it’s all connected.

State how these theories of intersectionality, racial micro aggressions, bias or white privilege affect one's understanding of "sense of self" or ethnic identity?These ideas like intersectionality, racial micro aggressions, bias, and white privilege have shaped the way I look at people because I’ve always felt judged. I’ve been dealing with microaggressions since I was a kid. White privilege is definitely something I’ve seen growing up. For example, my uncle married a white woman, and whenever I came over, she would only ask about my lighter-skinned, mixed cousin. But overall, these things haven’t changed my sense of self. They’ve just made me not want to be around people like that.

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 https://frontiersjournal.org/index.php/Frontiers/article/view/367 This article shows how Black women face both racism and sexism through micro aggressions, even abroad. It helps me understand how these experiences affect identity and the need for better support.

State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the use of micro aggressions especially when the offender is unaware of how their reactions affect people of color.It’s important to address micro aggressions directly and let people know their behavior is hurtful. However, it’s best to do this in a way that encourages understanding and growth.

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 is how micro aggressions are often questions that don’t and shouldn’t need to be asked, but they still have a big impact on a person’s sense of identity and self-worth.

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.

The most important thing I learned from this unit is how much outside factors like racism, history, and culture shape the way Black men and women connect in relationships. It helped me see that our relationships are not just about love or attraction but also about understanding, healing, and support. I learned that many Black couples and friends build strong bonds by leaning on shared experiences and resilience, even when facing challenges like stereotypes or inequality. This deepened my understanding because it showed me how love in the Black community is often rooted in strength, patience, and unity.

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 make it hard for African American women to be seen for who they really are. When women are portrayed as property or overly sexualized, it damages self-esteem and shapes how others view them. These images can lead to disrespect in dating and make it harder for Black women to find genuine love and appreciation. Over time, this can also make some women question their worth or feel pressured to live up to false standards.

What factors are contributing to the rising number of single Black unmarried females?Some factors contributing to the rise of single Black unmarried females include economic challenges, limited partner availability, and higher education or career goals. Many Black women are becoming more independent and refusing to settle for unhealthy or unbalanced relationships. This shows strength and self-respect, even though it adds to the growing number of single women. It also highlights how Black women are redefining love and success on their own terms.

Why is there a stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community?There’s still a stigma in the African American community against the LGBTQ community because of traditional religious beliefs, cultural expectations, and fear of judgment. Many people were raised to see it as wrong, which has caused rejection and silence for those who identify as LGBTQ. Even though change is happening, there’s still work to do to build more love, understanding, and acceptance within the 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.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672123/black-love-matters-by-jessica-p-pryde/

This book is important because it highlights the beauty and challenges of Black relationships while pushing back against negative stereotypes. It connects to this unit by showing how love, identity, and culture all shape the way African Americans build and maintain relationships.

What does it mean to code switch and how does this affect an African American's success in life?Code switching is when you change the way you talk, act, or even carry yourself depending on who you’re around. For a lot of African Americans, it means switching between how we naturally speak and Standard English to be taken seriously or to avoid being judged. In Chandra Arthur’s TED Talk “The Cost of Code Switching,” she talked about how her ability to switch literally saved her life. That really hit me because it shows how code switching can open doors and even protect you, but it also gets heavy. It can feel like you have to hide parts of who you are just to be accepted or seen as “professional.”

How does expecting code switching threaten diversity?Expecting people to code switch basically tells them that who they are isn’t good enough. It makes diversity feel fake because people are forced to sound or act a certain way to fit in. Real diversity means letting people show up as themselves, including the way they talk.

How do the effects of code switching intersect with a persons' mental health?Code switching all the time can really mess with your mental health. It’s draining having to keep switching up depending on where you are. After a while, it makes you feel like you can’t be yourself anywhere, which causes stress, anxiety, and even self-doubt.

Resource that helped me understand this topic more:https://daily.jstor.org/black-english-matters/This article helped me see that AAVE isn’t “broken English.” It’s a real, structured language that’s part of our culture. It showed how society’s problem isn’t the way we talk it’s how people judge it. That really gave me a new perspective on how language connects to identity and equality.

A strategy to address the misconceptions about code switching: I think schools and teachers should start teaching about AAVE and language diversity instead of trying to correct it. If more people understood that AAVE has its own rules and history, it would change how they view African American students and how they communicate.

One thing that stood out to me: stood out to me the most was how much emotional energy it takes to code switch. It’s not just about changing your tone it’s about survival and wanting to be respected. It made me realize how much strength it takes to move through the world as yourself while still trying to be accepted.

What is the significance of the Yoruba Orisha faith also known as Santeria?The Yoruba Orisha faith, also known as Santería, is important because it keeps African spirituality alive in a world that often tried to erase it. It started in West Africa but spread to the Caribbean and the Americas through the slave trade. What makes it powerful is that it gave enslaved Africans a way to hold on to their beliefs, even when they had to hide them behind Catholic saints. Today, the faith still teaches people how to connect with their ancestors, nature, and spiritual energy. It’s about balance, purpose, and remembering who you are.

How does this faith provide a connection back to Africa for those African Americans choosing to join the faith?For African Americans who join the Yoruba faith, it’s a spiritual homecoming. The songs, rituals, and stories all come from African traditions that were passed down for generations. Joining this faith helps people feel connected to their roots and gives them pride in their heritage. It also brings a sense of community and understanding, like belonging to something much bigger than yourself. Many people say it helps fill the gap of identity that was lost during slavery, giving them a deeper sense of self and purpose.

How does the Yoruba faith treat health and healing in their religion?In the Yoruba faith, healing is more than just treating the body it’s about healing the mind and spirit too. When someone is sick, it could mean that something is off with their spirit, ancestors, or destiny. They believe true health comes from balance between your body, your ori (spiritual head), and your connection to the orishas. They use herbs, prayers, rituals, and divination to restore that balance. I really like how this faith treats healing as something sacred and personal it’s about fixing what’s inside, not just what’s outside.

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.I read “Ancient African Religion Finds Roots in America” from NPR. The article talked about how the Yoruba religion is growing in the U.S. and how many African Americans are turning to it to feel closer to their ancestry. The most important thing I learned was that Santería isn’t just a religion it’s a cultural connection and a way to heal generational wounds. It reminded me that faith can be a bridge between past and present, helping people find peace and belonging through their heritage.

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 stood out most to me from this unit was how deeply the Yoruba faith connects the physical and spiritual worlds. It showed me how important ancestors are in guiding and protecting their families. I also realized how powerful culture is when it comes to healing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The idea that your well being depends on balance between your spirit, body, and community really stuck with me. It made me see how faith and psychology can work together to help people grow and heal.

After reading this Washington Post article, can you explain why there are disparities between the amount of pain medication an African American woman would receive compared to other women in the same hospital complaining of pain?From the video, I learned that a lot of the reason Black women get less pain medication is because our pain just doesn’t get taken seriously. The doctors and nurses assume we can “handle more pain” or that we’re exaggerating, and that’s crazy because we be saying something is wrong and they still don’t listen. The video showed how medical bias plays a big role, and how hospitals that mostly treat Black women don’t always have the same resources either. So even when we complain about the same exact pain as other women in the hospital, we’re not treated the same.

What factors are contributing to the disproportionate number of African American infants who die in childbirth and African American mothers who die in childbirth?The video broke down how it’s not just one thing it’s a mix of stress, racism, and not getting the right care on time. A lot of Black women said their symptoms were ignored until it turned into something life-threatening. Black women also deal with more pregnancy problems like high blood pressure and preeclampsia. On top of that, the “weathering” effect really stood out to me the idea that years of stress from racism literally wears down our bodies. And then you add in the fact that many Black communities don’t have good prenatal care or healthy living conditions. All of that together puts Black moms and babies at way higher risk.

What are some solutions that can be implemented to improve the experiences of African American mothers giving birth and African American infant survival rates?Some solutions from the video were things like training doctors and nurses on their own biases so they stop brushing off Black women’s pain and concerns. Having doulas and midwives, especially Black doulas, makes a huge difference too because they actually listen and advocate for us. Hospitals in Black neighborhoods need better funding, better equipment, and more staff so women can get real care and not be left waiting. And we need easier access to prenatal care so Black women can start getting checked early. The video also made it clear that fixing these issues means fixing the stress and conditions Black women live under, not just the hospital part.

Find one resource that helps you understand this theme and post it to your Padlet. State the resource’s significance to this unit’s material.I’m posting the PBS NewsHour video as my resource because it really broke everything down in a way that felt real and personal. Hearing the stories from Black women and seeing the statistics helped me understand just how serious this issue is. It connects perfectly to what we’re studying in this unit about racism, stress, health disparities, and the psychological impact all of that has on Black women and families.

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.The thing that stood out to me the most was that even rich or highly educated Black women are still more likely to die during childbirth than White women with way less. That really shocked me. It showed me this isn’t about money or education it’s about how Black women are treated in the system. It made me realize how much work still needs to be done to protect Black moms and babies.

Provide specific examples of the various types of racism that can be seen in this documentary. The film showed how Black women and incarcerated women were targeted for sterilization without real consent. Doctors assumed certain women shouldn’t have kids, reflecting eugenics and racism built into the system. It wasn’t one person it was a whole institution making decisions about women’s bodies without respecting them.

How has the medical system fostered distrust in the African American community?When the medical system lies, pressures, or harms people instead of helping them, it breaks trust. Black people have seen this happen for generations from forced sterilization to not being believed when we say we’re in pain. It shows why many of us don’t trust healthcare fully, because history proved we had a reason not to.

State THREE strategies or programs that you feel can address the issues raised.