Types of Racism Observed in the World

Looking at slide 2, I’ve definitely seen these types of racism play out in real life:

Individual/Interpersonal Racism - I notice this all the time in everyday interactions. Like when I’m shopping and see security following certain people around more than others, or when people make snap judgments about someone based on their appearance.

Institutional Racism - This one’s pretty obvious in housing and employment. I’ve read about studies where identical resumes with different “sounding” names get totally different response rates. And we all know the stats about sentencing differences between racial groups for the same crimes.

Structural Racism - You can see this just by driving through different neighborhoods in most cities. Some areas clearly get more resources and investment than others, and it’s not random which neighborhoods those are. The effects of historical redlining are still super visible today.

Examples of Racism from Slide 3

From slide 3, these examples really stood out to me:

Microaggressions - These happen constantly. I’ve witnessed people compliment non-white friends on “speaking good English” (even though they were born here!) or touching Black women’s hair without permission because it’s “fascinating.” It’s subtle but really harmful over time.

Environmental Racism - This makes me think about how certain communities always seem to end up with the toxic waste facilities and industrial pollution. The Flint water crisis is a perfect example - no way that would have dragged on so long in a wealthy white suburb.

Housing Discrimination - This still happens despite laws against it. I’ve heard stories from friends about realtors showing different properties to different people or landlords suddenly saying an apartment is “already rented” when they see who shows up to view it.

Post-Racial Society?

Based on what I read in the chapter, I definitely don’t think we live in a post-racial society. Not even close. Sure, we don’t have “whites only” signs anymore, but racism has just gone underground or gotten more subtle in some ways. The stats don’t lie - there are still huge gaps in wealth, education outcomes, health care, and how the justice system treats people.

I think some people want to believe we’re “post-racial” because Obama was president or because they personally don’t see racism in their daily lives. But that’s part of privilege - not having to see or deal with something doesn’t mean it’s gone. If anything, the last few years have shown that racial tensions are still very much alive in America.

Personal Definition of Race

To me, race is basically a made-up system that groups people based on physical features like skin color, but then adds all these cultural assumptions and stereotypes on top. I strongly believe race is a social construct rather than biological.

Why? Because the science doesn’t back up race as a biological category. There’s more genetic variation within so-called racial groups than between them. Plus, who counts as what “race” has changed dramatically throughout history. Irish, Italian, and Jewish people weren’t considered “white” at one point in American history - now they are. That makes no biological sense but perfect social/political sense.

Resource on Race as a Social Construct

Resource: American Association of Physical Anthropologists’ Statement on Race (2019)

I found this statement from actual scientists who study human biology, and they flat-out say “The concept of race has no genetic or scientific basis.” They explain that human genetic variation doesn’t line up with our traditional racial categories and that there’s no such thing as “pure races” genetically speaking.

I totally agree with this because it matches what I’ve learned about human genetics. Race categories weren’t created because scientists discovered natural groupings - they were created for social and economic reasons (like justifying slavery and colonialism). The categories have always been fluid and changed when it was politically convenient.

Something Learned from Unit Materials

The thing that really clicked for me from the readings was the idea of “racial formation theory” - how racial categories aren’t fixed but get created and changed through historical and political processes. That explains why who counts as what race has shifted so much over time.

This matters because it shows that racism isn’t some natural or inevitable thing - it’s something humans created through social systems, which means we can also dismantle it. It helps me understand that fighting racism isn’t just about changing individual attitudes but about changing the structures and institutions that keep racial hierarchies in place.

From what I learned, traditional African societies had family systems that looked really different from the Western nuclear family model. Family wasn’t just parents and kids it was grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even people who weren’t blood-related but were considered family. This extended network provided so much psychological support and really emphasized community over individuality.

What really stood out to me was how these family structures helped African Americans survive through slavery and beyond. Even when slave owners deliberately broke up families which was absolutely devastating people found ways to create new kinship networks. They developed what’s called “fictive kinship” basically treating non-blood relations as family. This adaptation shows incredible psychological resilience in the face of trauma.

These African-centered values around family have continued to influence African American psychology today. I see examples of this in how many African American families still practice communal child-rearing, with grandparents, aunts, and uncles playing major roles in raising children. This reflects the African philosophy of “Ubuntu” the idea that “I am because we are.” It’s a completely different psychological framework than Western individualism, and I think it’s been a major strength and source of resilience.

Another interesting aspect we covered was psychological research on non-cognitive attributes and behaviors. For a long time, researchers measured African American behaviors against white standards, which led to a lot of misunderstandings and prejudice. But more recent research has started looking at these behaviors within their cultural context.

For example, nonverbal communication styles that might be seen as “too animated” or “disruptive” in mainstream settings actually have deep roots in African traditions. The use of rhythm, movement, and call-and-response patterns creates connection and shared meaning. When teachers or researchers don’t understand these cultural differences, they often misinterpret normal cultural behaviors as problems.

The research on racial socialization was eye-opening too. African American families have developed specific ways to prepare their children for navigating racism while still developing positive racial identity. Parents teach their kids about cultural pride and history while also giving them strategies for dealing with discrimination. Studies show this kind of preparation actually improves psychological well-being and resilience.

Racial identity development is another area where I learned a lot. The process of developing a healthy racial identity is complex, especially in a society with so much racial bias. Models like Cross’s Nigrescence Theory show how people might move through different stages in understanding their racial identity. Having a strong, positive sense of racial identity has been shown to protect against the psychological damage of discrimination.

What I’m taking away from this unit is that African kinship and family systems have provided psychological tools that have helped African Americans survive and thrive despite centuries of oppression. These systems weren’t deficient compared to Western models - they were actually adaptive and protective. I think modern psychology needs to incorporate more of these cultural perspectives instead of assuming Western models are universal.

I’m curious about how other students see these connections between African kinship traditions and present-day psychological strengths in African American communities.

Date: May ,7,2025

Course: Psychology 110

Unit 5.6: Racial Autobiography Outline

Introduction Paragraph: Definition of Race

Introduction Statement:

Race has been used for centuries as a way to classify people based on physical traits, most commonly skin color. However, modern psychology and sociology reject the idea that race is biological.

Is race biological or social?:

Race is not biological, but rather a social construct. It is a system created by society to categorize people, often in ways that uphold inequality and systemic bias.

Body Paragraph 1: Self-Assessments/Scores/Analysis

Main Point 1:

I completed the Cross Racial Identity Scale (CRIS) and scored highest in the “Internalization-Afrocentric” section, which indicates I have a positive connection to my racial identity.

Supporting Detail:

This score shows that I strongly identify with Black culture and values, and I feel empowered by my connection to the Black community.

Main Point 2:

I also took the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI), which showed high scores in racial centrality and private regard.

Supporting Detail:

These scores mean that being Black is a core part of how I see myself and that I have a positive personal view of my racial group.

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

Main Point 1:

I believe I was in the Pre-Encounter stage when I was younger, because I did not yet understand how race would impact my life.

Supporting Detail:

At that time, I was mostly surrounded by Black peers, and I didn’t recognize racial issues or inequality as something I would experience personally.

Main Point 2:

After experiencing subtle racism in school and learning more about Black history, I moved into the Encounter and then Immersion-Emersion stages.

Supporting Detail:

These stages helped me connect more deeply with my culture and understand how racism affects my community. Now, I believe I am in the Internalization stage, where I feel confident and secure in my identity.

Body Paragraph 3: Post Racial Society Critical Analysis

Main Point 1:

I do not believe we live in a post-racial society because racism continues to affect areas such as education, housing, and healthcare.

Supporting Detail:

Even though laws have changed, the lived experiences of many Black people still reflect inequality and systemic oppression.

Main Point 2:

The belief in a post-racial society can actually harm progress by ignoring the realities that communities of color still face.

Supporting Detail:

This mindset can make it harder to address racial injustice and may lead people to deny the existence of ongoing discrimination.

Conclusion Paragraph

Summary Statement:

My racial identity has developed through personal experiences, education, and reflection. I have moved through several stages of racial identity and now feel empowered and proud to be Black.

Closing Statement:

Understanding race as a social construct and exploring my own development has helped me better navigate society and advocate for equity within my community

Resource

Tatum, B. D. (1997). “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” Basic Books.

What is the Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like you don't belong or deserve your success, even when you've worked hard for it. It's that nagging feeling that you're a fraud and everyone's gonna figure out you don't know what you're doing, even though you actually do. For women of color especially, it's like constantly questioning if you earned your spot or if people think you're just there to fill a diversity quota.

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

In school, it makes you second-guess everything - like not raising your hand even when you know the answer because you're afraid of being wrong and confirming stereotypes. You might work twice as hard as everyone else but still feel like you're not good enough. Then when you get into your career, it follows you! You might not apply for promotions you deserve, stay quiet in meetings when you have good ideas, or overwork yourself trying to "prove" you belong there. I've seen friends with straight A's still feeling like they don't deserve to be in certain programs, and then they carry that doubt right into their jobs.

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

It's straight-up exhausting for Black women! You're constantly overthinking everything - how you speak, how you dress, how you wear your hair - on top of just trying to do your job well. That constant stress leads to anxiety, burnout, and depression. When you're always feeling like you need to be "on" and perfect, you never get to relax at work. Plus, there's the isolation of often being the "only one" in the room, with nobody who truly gets your experience. All this chips away at your confidence over time, making you doubt yourself even more.

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

It's a double whammy dealing with both racism AND sexism at the same time. Black women often face higher scrutiny and lower expectations. People might assume you're less qualified or educated than you are. You might get mistaken for support staff instead of leadership. There's also the "angry Black woman" stereotype that means you have to carefully manage how you express yourself, even when rightfully frustrated. And let's be real - Black women often get paid less while being expected to mentor others and do "diversity work" on top of their regular jobs. It's like having two jobs but only getting paid for one.

Companies need to create strong mentorship programs SPECIFICALLY for women of color, paired with sponsors who have actual power. Mentors give advice, but sponsors actively advocate for your advancement. Having someone in leadership who believes in you, vouches for you in rooms you're not in, and helps navigate workplace politics can make a huge difference in combating Imposter Syndrome. Plus, seeing other people who look like you in positions of power shows that success is actually possible.

What really stood out to me from the readings was learning about how Afrocentric educational models actually improve performance and self-concept for Black students. The traditional Eurocentric approach to education often ignores cultural differences in learning styles. When education connects to students' cultural identity and community values, students engage more and perform better. Made me think about how many talented people we're losing in the system because the system itself isn't designed with everyone in mind.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

May 7, 2025

Psychology 110

Unit 5.6: Racial Autobiography Essay

Racial Autobiography Essay

Race has long been used as a way to categorize people based on physical characteristics, particularly skin color. Although this concept has shaped societies for centuries, modern psychology and sociology agree that race is not a biological reality but a social construct. It is a system created and sustained by society to classify individuals in ways that often reinforce inequality and systemic oppression. Understanding race as a social construct allows us to explore its influence on personal identity and the lived experiences of those navigating racialized societies.

To begin exploring my racial identity, I completed two psychological self-assessments: the Cross Racial Identity Scale (CRIS) and the Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity (MIBI). The CRIS indicated that I scored highest in the “Internalization-Afrocentric” stage, suggesting a strong, positive connection to my Black identity. This result aligns with how I see myself—deeply rooted in Black culture and values, and proud of the traditions, history, and community that shape my worldview.

The MIBI further reinforced these findings. I scored high in both racial centrality and private regard, indicating that my racial identity is central to how I define myself, and that I have a positive view of my racial group. These assessments helped me understand not only where I am in terms of racial identity development but also affirmed the pride and strength I associate with my identity as a Black woman.

Reflecting on my life experiences through the lens of the stages of racial identity development, I recognize that I began in the Pre-Encounter stage. As a child, I was surrounded primarily by other Black peers and family members, so I did not yet recognize the significance of race or the systemic challenges I might face. At that stage, race felt more like a background detail than a defining aspect of who I was.

However, this changed during my school years, particularly when I began to experience subtle forms of racism and microaggressions. These encounters led me into the Encounter stage, where I began to understand that my racial identity would play a major role in how I navigated the world. This awareness deepened during the Immersion–Emersion stage, when I actively sought knowledge about Black history and engaged more deeply with Black culture and social justice movements. Now, I believe I reside in the Internalization stage. I feel confident and secure in my racial identity, and I integrate it into my daily life with a sense of pride and empowerment.

I do not believe we live in a post-racial society. Although legislative and policy changes have been made to promote equality, racism continues to affect nearly every aspect of life—from education and housing to healthcare and employment. Structural inequality still limits opportunities for many people of color, and the impacts of historical racism continue to be felt across generations.

The idea that we live in a post-racial society can be harmful because it denies these ongoing realities. When people assume that racism no longer exists, it becomes harder to address the systems and attitudes that continue to perpetuate injustice. Ignoring race does not eliminate inequality it simply makes it easier to overlook. As someone who has experienced and witnessed these systemic issues, I believe that recognizing race and addressing racial injustice is essential for meaningful progress.

My racial identity has evolved through personal experiences, education, and self-reflection. By taking assessments like the CRIS and MIBI and analyzing my own development through the stages of racial identity, I have gained a deeper understanding of who I am and where I stand. I am proud to be Black, and I value the cultural richness, strength, and resilience of my community. Understanding race as a social construct has given me the tools to navigate society more effectively and advocate for equity and justice wherever I can.

Tatum, B. D. (1997). Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? Basic Books.

Theme: Racial Microaggressions

1. What would you say are the psychological consequences of experiencing subconscious racial slights as a person of color?
   Microaggressions may seem small, but they really do add up. They can make people feel like they don’t belong, like they’re always being judged or not good enough. Over time, that can mess with your mental health and confidence, even if it’s not something people talk about out loud. It creates stress that most people don’t even realize you’re carrying.

2. What stereotypes are perpetuated when racial microaggressions are thrown around towards a person of color?
   A lot of times, these microaggressions push stereotypes like “Black people are aggressive” or “they’re not as smart.” Even compliments can come off the wrong way—like when someone says, “You’re so articulate,” it can feel like they’re surprised we can speak properly. It sends a message that they didn’t expect much from us in the first place.

3. Considering Intersectionality, what other issues does this theme affect in the African American community?
   Microaggressions don’t happen in a vacuum. They connect to things like how Black women are treated in the workplace, how Black students are disciplined more in schools, or how Black men are perceived by police. When you add in things like gender, income, or even hair type, the stress multiplies. You can’t separate these issues—they all overlap.

4. State how these theories of intersectionality, racial microaggressions, bias or white privilege affect one’s understanding of “sense of self” or ethnic identity?
   When you deal with bias and microaggressions regularly, it can make you question who you are or how you’re being seen. Some people may try to change themselves just to fit in. But understanding these theories helps put things in perspective—it’s not you, it’s the system. That knowledge can help you build pride in your identity instead of shrinking yourself to make others comfortable.

5. Search online for a resource that helps you understand this topic more and post it to your Padlet. State why the resource shines some light on a perspective of this issue.
   Resource: “Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life” by Dr. Derald Wing Sue
   This article breaks it down in a way that really makes sense. It gives real examples that show how people experience these subtle slights every day and how damaging they can be—even when they’re unintentional. It helped me realize how deep this really goes.

6. State a strategy that you feel can be successful to address the use of microaggressions especially when the offender is unaware of how their reactions affect people of color.
   I think one of the best ways is to have honest conversations, especially if you have a good relationship with the person. If they’re open-minded, you can pull them aside and explain how what they said made you feel. Not in an attacking way, but in a way that invites understanding. Sometimes people don’t know until someone tells them—and how you say it matters.

7. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit.
   What stood out to me was how these microaggressions can feel invisible to the people saying them but leave a real emotional impact on the people receiving them. It reminded me that not everything has to be loud or obvious to be harmful.

I identify as African American. I chose this because it’s how I’ve always seen myself, and it reflects both my background and how I’ve been shaped by my environment. My family always talked about where we come from, especially the South, and how our people had to push through a lot. That stuck with me and gave me pride in who I am.

Behavioral Measures:

My everyday life reflects my identity. I go to a Black church, I support Black-owned businesses, and I love watching shows, documentaries, and reading things that tell our stories. It helps me stay connected and reminds me that our culture is powerful. These aren’t just things I do they’re part of how I live out my Black identity.

Subjective Measures:

Being Black is something I’m proud of. I don’t just see it as a category I feel it in my spirit. I feel connected to my people, even those I don’t know. When I see us succeed or stand up for ourselves, it does something to me. That emotional connection makes me feel grounded and strong in who I am.

Situation-Contextual Measures:

I’m definitely more aware of my identity when I’m in spaces where not a lot of us are present like work or school. I find myself being careful with how I speak or represent myself. Not because I’m ashamed, but because I know I might be the only one in the room and I want to be mindful. Those moments remind me just how layered our identity is.

3.2 MULTI-GROUP ETHNIC IDENTITY MEASURE

My Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure score is: [28]

This score really showed me how connected I feel to being Black. It wasn’t surprising, but it was nice to see something that actually reflected what I already felt. My racial identity isn’t something I think about only when it comes up it’s a part of me all the time.

To me, this score means that I carry pride in my culture and community. I’m intentional about learning our history, teaching it to others, and surrounding myself with people who understand what that means. I’ve built a lot of who I am around that connection.

I think this means I have a strong bond with the African American community because I’ve lived our shared experience. Even if our exact stories aren’t the same, I see myself in our people. I try to give back, support, and uplift in whatever ways I can whether that’s through work, at church, or just being there for folks.

What surprised me was how deeply the test could tap into feelings I’ve always had but didn’t have words for. It gave me a way to understand that this bond I feel isn’t random it’s real and meaningful.

3.3 ROSENBERG’S SELF-ESTEEM SCALE

My Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale score is: [20]

This score felt accurate for where I am right now. I don’t always feel like I have everything figured out, but I know I’ve come a long way and I carry a lot of strength. My self-esteem has been built through experience through struggle, through motherhood, through balancing everything on my plate.

This score reminded me that even though I have tough days, I still see value in myself. I believe in my ability to keep pushing, even when it’s hard. That’s not something I take for granted.

I think my score is where it is because I’ve had to fight for a lot—whether it’s stability, opportunity, or just peace. But I’ve also had support. My mom showed me what it means to work hard and never give up. That’s shaped how I see myself. I’m not perfect, but I know I’m worthy and capable.

3.4 FIND YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY RESOURCE

My chosen racial identity resource is the scholarly article “The Development of Racial Identity in African Americans: The Historical Process of Collective Memory” by Adrienne Milburn published in the Journal of African American Studies (2019).

This article is particularly meaningful to me because it connects individual racial identity development with broader historical contexts and collective memory within the African American community. The author discusses how historical trauma and resilience are passed down through generations and become incorporated into our individual identity development process. This resonated deeply with me as I’ve often felt a connection to historical struggles that I didn’t personally experience but somehow feel present in my consciousness.

What makes this resource especially valuable is how it helped me understand that my feelings of connection to ancestral experiences aren’t just emotional but are documented psychological phenomena. The article’s exploration of how collective memory shapes personal identity development gave me a framework for understanding why certain historical events feel personally significant to me despite occurring generations before my birth. This perspective has enriched my understanding of how my personal identity is situated within a larger historical and cultural narrative.

Additional resources that have been helpful in my exploration of racial identity include:

1. “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates - This memoir written as a letter to the author’s son provided me with powerful reflections on the embodied experience of being Black in America and the historical forces that shape our contemporary reality.

2. The “Code Switch” podcast from NPR - This podcast examines how race impacts every aspect of society and has helped me understand the nuances of racial identity across different contexts and generations.

3. “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing” by Dr. Joy DeGruy - This book has been instrumental in my understanding of how historical trauma affects present-day identity formation and psychological well-being in the African American community.

4. The African American Museum of History and Culture (virtual exhibits) Exploring these exhibits has connected me with the material culture and artifacts that represent the journey of African Americans throughout history, adding visual and tangible dimensions to my understanding of my heritage.

1. STRENGTHS:

One of the biggest strengths of Black neighborhoods is how we always find a way to support each other, no matter what. Even when resources are low, there’s a strong sense of togethernessyou see it in churches, local businesses, and neighbors looking out for one another. That sense of community has kept us going through hard times, and it’s something that’s been passed down for generations.

2. WEAKNESSES:

A major weakness is how underfunded Black communities are. From schools to healthcare, we’re often left with less, and that leads to a lot of the issues we see like poverty, crime, and health problems. One solution would be to invest in these neighborhoods directly, especially through programs that come from the community itself—like job training, mental health services, and real school funding.

3. OPPORTUNITIES:

• First, Black communities can lead by example when it comes to unity and supporting our own.

• Second, we can build up Black businesses that help the community grow and keep money circulating locally.

• Third, we can focus more on youth programs mentorship, education, and leadership because the next generation needs to see what’s possible.

4. THREATS:

• Gentrification is a big one. It pushes people out and breaks up everything the community built.

• Crime and violence if we don’t deal with the root causes, it keeps holding us back.

• Environmental and health issues too many Black neighborhoods deal with toxins, old buildings, and bad air or water, which affects our long-term health.

5. RESOURCE:

Resource: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

Why it matters: This book broke down how segregation wasn’t just by chanceit was done through real laws and policies. It helped me understand how we ended up in certain neighborhoods and why those neighborhoods look the way they do.

6. ONE THING THAT STOOD OUT:

The idea of psychological vs. physical community really stuck with me. A place can look rundown, but the people in it can still feel deeply connected and committed to each other. That sense of belonging matters just as much if not more than the buildings or streets.

Date: May 21 ,2025

Topic:

Police violence and its psychological, social, and emotional effects on the African American community.

⸻

Thesis Statement:

While police are necessary, police violence negatively affects the African American community because it leads to mental health issues, contributes to violence in the community, and perpetuates fear.

⸻

Resource 1:

“How Police Brutality Harms Mental Health in Black Communities” – Verywell Mind

Link to article

Analysis:

From this resource, I discovered that police brutality is a public health crisis for the Black community.

• Main point 1: Police violence causes trauma

• Subpoint: Black Americans are disproportionately exposed to violent or threatening police encounters

• Subpoint: This exposure leads to PTSD, depression, and anxiety

• Main point 2: It increases community-wide mental strain

• Subpoint: Community fear is heightened even among those not directly affected

• Subpoint: Children and teens are especially impacted by constant media exposure

• Main point 3: Racism compounds the psychological effects

• Subpoint: Racial trauma can have generational effects

• Subpoint: Mental health services are underused due to stigma and distrust

⸻

Resource 2:

“The Psychological Toll of Police Stops” – American Psychological Association (APA)

Link to article

Analysis:

This resource outlines the psychological impact of frequent police stops, especially in communities of color.

• Main point 1: Repeated stops cause emotional harm

• Subpoint: Even non-violent encounters can feel threatening

• Subpoint: Black men report stress responses similar to trauma victims

• Main point 2: Trust in law enforcement erodes

• Subpoint: Negative police encounters increase alienation

• Subpoint: This decreases willingness to seek help or report crimes

• Main point 3: Psychological stress affects daily life

• Subpoint: Students report academic struggles from police anxiety

• Subpoint: Sleep disruption and hypervigilance are common

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Resource 3:

“Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women” – African American Policy Forum (AAPF)

Link to resource

Analysis:

This campaign and report highlight how Black women are often overlooked in conversations about police brutality.

• Main point 1: Police violence impacts women too

• Subpoint: Black women face abuse during traffic stops or mental health calls

• Subpoint: Gendered racism adds an extra layer of trauma

• Main point 2: Lack of media coverage erases victims

• Subpoint: Many Black women are killed without public awareness

• Subpoint: Families struggle for justice and recognition

• Main point 3: It influences mental and community health

• Subpoint: Women of color report heightened fear and hypervigilance

• Subpoint: Community efforts to resist violence focus on healing and policy change

⸻

5 Research Questions:

1. How does exposure to police violence affect the mental health of African American youth?

2. In what ways does police brutality contribute to community fear and instability?

3. How do repeated negative police encounters affect trust in law enforcement among African Americans?

4. What are the gender-specific impacts of police violence on Black women?

5. What mental health resources are most effective in helping African Americans cope with trauma from police violence?

Question 1: Most Important Learning

What really stood out to me from this unit was learning about how much history still affects Black relationships today. I never fully understood how things like mass incarceration and economic inequality create such specific challenges for Black men and women trying to build relationships. The readings showed me that you can’t just look at dating patterns without considering all the other stuff going on - like how fewer Black men are available because of the prison system, or how financial stress impacts families. This helped me understand that the relationship issues in our community aren’t just personal choices, but are connected to bigger problems that have been going on for generations. It made me think differently about why some of my own family members have struggled with relationships.

Question 2: Media Stereotypes and Dating Prospects

The way Black women get shown in rap videos and other media as just sexual objects really messes with everyone’s head. When I see those images constantly, it makes me think about how it affects how Black women see themselves and how others see them too. It’s like these videos reduce Black women to just their bodies instead of showing them as whole people with thoughts, feelings, and goals. This has to make dating harder because guys might have these unrealistic expectations or not take Black women seriously as potential partners. Black women probably have to work extra hard to prove they’re more than these stereotypes, which isn’t fair at all.

Question 3: Factors Contributing to Single Black Unmarried Females

From what I learned, there are several reasons why so many Black women are single. The biggest one seems to be that there just aren’t enough Black men available - either because they’re in prison, have died young, or are dealing with other problems. The readings also talked about how Black women are getting more educated and successful, but this can sometimes make it harder to find partners who are at the same level. Plus, there’s still pressure to only date within the race, which limits options even more. Economic problems in Black communities also make it harder for men to feel ready for marriage, so relationships don’t progress to that level.

Question 4: LGBTQ Stigma in the African American Community

The stigma against LGBTQ people in the Black community seems to come from a few different places. A lot of it has to do with how important the church is in Black communities, and many churches teach that being LGBTQ is wrong. There’s also this idea about needing to preserve Black families and have kids to keep the community strong, so being gay or lesbian gets seen as going against that. The readings mentioned how Black people already face so much discrimination that there’s pressure to not be “different” in another way. It’s sad because LGBTQ Black people end up facing discrimination from both the white community and their own community, which has to be really isolating.

Question 5: Additional Resource

I found an article from the Journal of Black Psychology called “The Impact of Incarceration on African American Families and Relationships” that really connects to this unit’s themes. This resource is significant because it provides specific data about how the criminal justice system has affected Black relationship patterns over the past 30 years. The article explains how mass incarceration has removed millions of Black men from their communities, creating what researchers call a “marriage squeeze” where there are significantly fewer marriageable Black men available. This helps explain a lot of the relationship challenges we discussed in class and gives concrete evidence for why Black family structures have changed so much. It also talks about how families adapt and stay strong despite these challenges, which shows the resilience that was mentioned in our readings.

For Unit 11, I focused on Theme 1, which explores the cognitive attributes of African Americans in relation to intelligence and Black English. In my Padlet post, I reflected on how African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is often unfairly judged in educational settings, despite it being a valid and rule-governed language system. Through the course materials, I learned how code-switching is often used as a survival tool in professional and academic spaces—but it can come at the cost of cultural identity and emotional labor.

In my post, I discussed how the expectation to code-switch creates a double standard, especially for Black students. It sends the message that intelligence is tied to speaking “standard” English, which isn’t true. AAVE reflects history, culture, and identity, and it’s important for educators to recognize its legitimacy and not treat it as a deficit.

This unit really made me think about how education systems can uplift Black students by valuing their linguistic backgrounds rather than penalizing them for it.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, especially from someone who chose Theme 2!

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

The African American community tends to be more religious than other racial groups in the U.S. Religion has always been more than just a spiritual practice

it’s been a source of healing, strength, and community. Compared to the larger community, African Americans are more likely to attend church regularly, pray often, and identify with a specific faith tradition, especially historically Black Protestant churches. While the larger community might see a drop in religious participation, the Black community still holds strong ties to the church as a place of support and empowerment.

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

Black Millennials have grown up in a different time than older generations. While our parents and grandparents leaned heavily on the church for guidance and connection, Millennials are more likely to question church traditions, especially when it comes to issues like LGBTQ+ rights, gender roles, and social justice. Many of us are still spiritual — we still pray, believe in God, and seek community — but we may not always find that in a traditional church setting. Some feel the Black church isn’t speaking to the realities we’re living in today.

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

Church can have a huge positive impact on our mental health. It’s a space where we can release, worship, cry, and not be judged. It gives us a sense of belonging, which is so important when we’re dealing with the stress of racism, poverty, or just everyday life. At the same time, church isn’t perfect — some churches don’t always support mental health conversations, which can cause people to suffer in silence. But overall, being in a supportive church family can help us feel seen, loved, and encouraged.

4. 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 the article “5 facts about the religious lives of African Americans” from Pew Research. One thing that stood out is that 83% of Black adults say religion is very important to them, way more than other racial groups. That tells me faith is still central to how we survive and thrive. It also mentioned that most Black people still attend churches that are mostly Black, which shows how church continues to be a safe cultural space where we can worship in our own way, with music, traditions, and messages that speak directly to our lived experience.

5. State one thing that you learned or one thing that stood out to you from the unit required reading, optional reading or audio material in this unit.

From the article Black Church, Black Mental Health, what stood out was the push for churches to be more open about therapy and mental health. That’s something our community really needs a space where both faith and healing through counseling can exist together. It reminded me of how much more powerful the church could be if we blended faith with mental health support.

Theme: The Long-Term Effects of Systemic Racism on African American Development

1. The theme that stood out to me the most from this unit was the long-term mental, emotional, and social effects of being African American in the United States. This stood out because it shows how racism doesn’t just affect people in the moment it follows them throughout their entire lives. The way racism shows up in income, education, health, and mental wellness is deep. It’s not just about individual struggles; it’s a whole system that’s been working against us for generations.

2. This theme affects the African American community in a lot of ways. One example is how Black children experience more emotional stress at a young age because of racial trauma, which can affect how they do in school or how they feel about themselves. This stress builds over time and can turn into anxiety, depression, or a lack of trust in systems that are supposed to help us like schools, hospitals, and law enforcement.

3. One strategy that could help improve this theme is creating and funding more culturally competent mental health programs in Black communities especially for youth. It’s not enough to just say “go to therapy.” The care has to be built around our experiences, our language, and our history. Community-based programs that build trust and offer both counseling and family support could make a big difference.

4. A resource that helped me better understand this theme is the National Urban League. They focus on equity in health, education, and economic opportunity for African Americans. This is important because they not only provide data, but also push real solutions that are made for us, by us. Their work connects directly to the struggles and strengths this unit talked about.

5. One thing that really stood out to me from the audio was when the professor said we need to look at research with a critical lens like who paid for it and who was in the sample. That hit home. A lot of research talks about African Americans like we’re one big problem, but if the data’s not complete or fair, it just adds to the harm. That’s why we have to think deeper, not just accept what’s written down.

Date: [May,30,2025]

Psych 110

13.5 Film Analysis Outline

Type the name of your chosen film below:

Black Panther

Type the three themes that have been identified in the film watched below that positively or negatively affect the African American community:

1. Black Excellence and Empowerment – The film uplifts the African American community by portraying African royalty, technological advancement, and strong leadership.

2. Diaspora and Disconnection from African Heritage – The separation between African Americans and their African roots is shown through characters like Erik Killmonger.

3. Systemic Oppression and Resistance – The film highlights the trauma of systemic racism in America and how it influences radical ideas about justice and revenge.

State explicitly how you plan on describing the trajectory of the status of the African American community:

I will describe the trajectory of the African American community by analyzing how the themes in Black Panther reflect a movement from oppression and disconnection toward empowerment and cultural pride. I will focus on how Wakanda symbolizes what the African American community could be without colonization and systemic oppression. The film challenges both past and present stereotypes and offers a vision of self-sufficiency and unity, which ultimately strengthens the status of the community.

State explicitly how you plan on synthesizing the effect of the identified themes on the psychological/mental state of the African American community:

I plan to analyze how the themes of Black Panther affect identity formation and mental health in the African American community, particularly in terms of pride, cultural awareness, and the psychological consequences of historical trauma. I will explore how the contrast between T’Challa and Killmonger represents two psychological responses to systemic racism. I will also address intersectionality by connecting race, class, and cultural identity, especially how Black women and men are both empowered and challenged in different ways in the film.

What 4 resources have you looked up to help you analyze the themes that were identified as improving or deteriorating the African American community?

1. Resource Citation:

Coogler, Ryan, director. Black Panther. Marvel Studios, 2018.

Research Question:

How does the film Black Panther challenge or reinforce stereotypes of African Americans in Hollywood?

2. Resource Citation:

Tatum, Beverly Daniel. Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? Basic Books, 2017.

Research Question:

How do the themes in Black Panther reflect stages of racial identity development described by Tatum?

3. Resource Citation:

hooks, bell. We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity. Routledge, 2004.

Research Question:

How does Killmonger’s character reflect the effects of systemic oppression and masculinity on African American men?

4. Resource Citation:

Karenga, Maulana. Introduction to Black Studies. University of Sankore Press, 2010.

Research Question:

How do Afrocentric principles shown in Wakanda uplift the psychological well-being of the African American community?

Type your one-sentence argumentative thesis statement for the direction of your presentation below that can be proven or disproven:

Black Panther positively reshapes the psychological and cultural identity of the African American community by portraying a powerful, self-sustaining African society, addressing generational trauma, and offering a narrative of Black empowerment and unity.

This

Notes: (Optional for extra credit – feel free to expand while watching the film)

• Wakanda as a vision of uncolonized Africa

• T’Challa vs. Killmonger as a metaphor for unity vs. vengeance

• Shuri and the empowerment of Black women in STEM

• Erik’s pain as a symbol of generational trauma

• The final scene in Oakland and its message about reclaiming identity

For this unit, I chose Theme One: Minority Health Disparities because it’s both personal and professional to me. In my work as a case manager, I regularly support African American clients who struggle to access consistent healthcare. One example that sticks with me is a client who delayed getting treatment for a serious illness because of past negative experiences with doctors who didn’t take her concerns seriously. By the time she got seen, her condition had worsened, and her only option was emergency intervention. That delay wasn’t just about money—it was about trauma and distrust.

One thing that stood out to me from the reading “Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between Blacks and Whites” was the research that showed some medical professionals still believe Black patients have a higher pain tolerance. That floored me. It made me reflect on how these false beliefs directly shape treatment decisions and contribute to generational health disparities. It’s not just about getting in the door—it’s about how you’re treated once you’re there.

The intersectionality of unconscious bias, medical mistrust, lack of insurance, and limited health education all compound each other. For example, many low-income African American clients I work with don’t have primary care providers, so they rely on emergency rooms. But when they go to the ER, they’re often met with skepticism or long wait times, especially if they don’t speak in a “medical” way or advocate forcefully. That experience reinforces the idea that the system doesn’t care—so they stop seeking care altogether, unless it’s life-threatening. It’s a cycle that reflects how race, income, and lived experience collide.

My strategies:

1. Culturally competent health education should go beyond pamphlets and include outreach through trusted messengers—like Black doctors, faith leaders, and community advocates. Hosting regular wellness events at places people already trust, like churches and schools, can help break down fear and stigma around the healthcare system.

2. Bias training for medical professionals must be continuous, built into professional licensing, and led by people with lived experience. This could include simulations where doctors are confronted with real-time scenarios that test their decision-making under implicit bias.

3. Increasing Black medical representation should involve scholarship programs, high school outreach, and mentorship opportunities. Seeing providers who look like them and understand their backgrounds builds patient trust and helps challenge the system from the inside.

My resource is the Kaiser Family Foundation’s report: “Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity”. What stood out is that even when income levels are the same, Black Americans still experience higher maternal mortality, cancer deaths, and chronic disease rates. This makes it clear that racism—not just poverty—is deeply embedded in how healthcare is delivered and experienced.

This unit pushed me to reflect not just on what’s wrong with the system, but why those wrongs continue. Real change means listening to the communities who are impacted the most and building a health care system that reflects their voices, not just their data.