reasonable_doubter
Banned
Misinformation– There is a war for the control of the narrative concerning the Black male experience. For centuries a narrative has been created that betrays the authentic experience of Black male identity expression and performance. For example, for several years there has been a false narrative about the number of Black males in prison compared to the number of Black males in college. This narrative reinforces negative stereotypes associated with the Black male experience (e.g., Black males are inherently criminal).
Misrepresentation– From minstrel shows, to Blaxploitation films, to modern media, there has been an intentional effort to portray Black males as dumb, deviant, and dangerous. This has contributed to a perception held by society (and often by other Black males) that there is only one way to perform Black masculinity. This phenomenon creates significant conflict for Black males who experience competing images of Black masculinity both in the media and in their communities.
Hypervisibility/Hyperinvisbility– From a cultural understanding standpoint, Black males are one of the most known unknown social groups in America. Everyday we are given a front row seat to bear witness to the violence, underperformance, relational challenges, and criminality that society (via the mechanism of the media) has used to define the Black male experience. This hypervisibility constantly shapes the negative perception that society has of Black males as well as the potential negative perception Black males have of themselves and those that look like them. Additionally, the negative media overexposure renders the positive aspects of the Black male identity (e.g., community focused, emotional/relational connection, culturally influenced) invisible.
Generational trauma– For generations Black males have been carrying a narrative of violence, pain, and suffering due to the intersection of their race and gender. From the first time the Black male experience was reduced to being a sexualized beast of labor or having his identity and named erased during slavery to having to fight and potentially die to be recognized as a human being, Black males have endured significant trauma that has impacted their bodies, minds, relationships and spirits.
The top four challenges facing Black males
Misrepresentation– From minstrel shows, to Blaxploitation films, to modern media, there has been an intentional effort to portray Black males as dumb, deviant, and dangerous. This has contributed to a perception held by society (and often by other Black males) that there is only one way to perform Black masculinity. This phenomenon creates significant conflict for Black males who experience competing images of Black masculinity both in the media and in their communities.
Hypervisibility/Hyperinvisbility– From a cultural understanding standpoint, Black males are one of the most known unknown social groups in America. Everyday we are given a front row seat to bear witness to the violence, underperformance, relational challenges, and criminality that society (via the mechanism of the media) has used to define the Black male experience. This hypervisibility constantly shapes the negative perception that society has of Black males as well as the potential negative perception Black males have of themselves and those that look like them. Additionally, the negative media overexposure renders the positive aspects of the Black male identity (e.g., community focused, emotional/relational connection, culturally influenced) invisible.
Generational trauma– For generations Black males have been carrying a narrative of violence, pain, and suffering due to the intersection of their race and gender. From the first time the Black male experience was reduced to being a sexualized beast of labor or having his identity and named erased during slavery to having to fight and potentially die to be recognized as a human being, Black males have endured significant trauma that has impacted their bodies, minds, relationships and spirits.
The top four challenges facing Black males
