While reading this article, I initially found myself confused as to what exactly the authors were trying to convey. I am unsure if it is my issue with understanding research jargon, or it simply did not make any sense. As I was writing this post, I went back to review the article a second time, and attempted to formulate an understanding of the article. I think the article is saying that minority youth who have a strong racial and ethnic identity are more likely to overcome experiences of racial discrimination.
As I am reflecting on this article, I find myself thinking about how I handle(d) situations where racial discrimination is present. I have to consider, and question if my strong connection to my racial identity influences how I approach race and discrimination. I also think about my understanding of how America operates, and how historically, America was built on racial differences. The article stated that "youth who are more aware of discrimination due to their identity, socialization, or cultural orientation may understand a racial or ethnic affront as part of the way the world operates rather than as a personal derogation." I think that this statement holds some truth, and it depends on the temperament of the individual experiencing the discrimination. An individual who strongly identifies with their race may take a more militant or radical approach, or an violent approach to dealing with racial discrimination. Where as another individual with the same cultural identity may take an alternative approach.
I personally, through my growth and learning experience have developed mechanisms to constructively handle experiences with racial discrimination. Although, there are historical and cultural factors that are known, and taught to minority youth, I think it takes actual, first hand, direct experiences with racial discrimination to learn how to handle those situations, and to be prepared for them when they happen again.
The one question that comes to mind about this study is, is minority youth development affected by experiencing direct racial discrimination, or is it affected by historical understanding and cultural socialization? We have to consider how previous generations pass down their experiences to the next generations, and how those burdens affect development, and understanding of race in America.
Hello Hydeen,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to hear your views on the article. I actually worked with one of the authors a few years ago and much of my research is in this area. Although this article focused on ethnic/racial identity and socialization process as a whole, it is important to note that identity and socialization are multidimensional. There are several kinds of racial socialization messages and identities which have implications for how youth or adults cope with racialized stressors. For example, cultural pride messages, emphasizing the historical accomplishment of Blacks and the importance of having pride, are often associated with positive outcomes for youth. That is, youth who receive these messages in high quantities are often buffered against the negative psychological effects of racial discrimination. On the other hand, preparation for bias messages, messages that that prepare youth for experiences of discrimination, have been seen to have varying impacts. In low quantities, youth are ill prepared for discrimination and thus suffer psychological when they experience it. However, in high quantities, youth maybe overwhelmed by the prospect of discriminate and develop a learned helplessness. Moderate levels of preparation for bias acts similarly to cultural messages by buffering the negative effect of discrimination. In this article, the authors were attempting to dissect the mechanisms by which identity and socialization messages work to influence responses to discrimination.Understanding these processes and how different forms of socialization impact youth has influenced my approach with the young people I work with.