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Dying from a Broken Heart

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:17:33 +0100

The Dangers of anxiety, depression, anger and hostility

Many times situations occur that we can do nothing about, yet inability to change the inevitable does not buffer the sting. We are then left with the decision to wallow in pain or to appreciate what is good despite unwelcoming circumstances. Ancient Greeks believed that negative emotions led to physical illness.⁵ Not surprising, modern research has found that failure to govern hostility and depression can kill you.^1,2,3,4,5 In a world of poverty, sickness and injustice it is highly probable that we all will experience negative emotions; however, frequently repeated episodes of anger, depression and anxiety can lead to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)⁶, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)^{1 ,}Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)⁴and cancer.³ CVD affects one in every five Americans and is the leading cause of death. CVD claims more lives than the top five causes of death combined. Anxiety disorders affect 20 million annually. Depression affects 17million.⁴

The Surgeon General defines mental health as: “a state of successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. Mental health is required for an individual to maintain social relationships with others and contribute to society. ²” Recently noted anxiety, depression, anger and hostility have become the new threats to mental health. The symptoms of depression involve loss of interest in pleasurable activities, notable weight gain/loss, insomnia, agitation, fatigue, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished ability to concentrate and recurrent thoughts of death. Chronic patterns of five out of the nine constitute major depression. Major depression impairs daily function and results in a sadden mood for two weeks or more. Anxiety results from feelings of being unable to predict, control or obtain desired outcomes. Feelings of anger emerge from feelings of being treated unfairly. Hostility results from a deeply rooted mistrust of people.⁵

Incapacity to govern unconstructive emotions can lead to immense health risks. The American Heart Association found that proper application of anger management techniques reduced risk factors related to CHD.⁶ A 2001 study found that an improvement in mood decreased stress and enhanced quality of life. Fifty percent of CHD patients assigned to stress management and medical care witnessed a decline in cardiac reoccurrences.³ The American Heart Association noted that anger is a stable personality trait identifiable by frequency, duration and intensity, thus individuals with higher durations and intensity levels have difficulty managing threatening emotions.⁶

Patients with a history of heart related illnesses are more likely to struggle with anger, depression and anxiety.⁴ Negative emotions can potentially inhibit recovery efforts.³ Impoverished individuals with no heart related complications are likely to battle repeated episodes of anger, depression and anxiety, predisposing heart disease. Such populations have less than a high school education and support families on an income of $20,000 or less.² Insufficient income, food and housing promote psychological stress thus, poverty is a significant risk factor for heart failure.³

Individuals with high levels of anger, hostility¹ and depression³are at increased risk for heart disease. Surges of uncontrolled emotions lead to overactive heart rates and impulsive behaviors such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse and overeating.Engagement of unhealthy habits reduces sought medical attention, specifically among African-Americans. Unrecognized and untreated physical and emotional factors increase the probability of death in healthy and ill populations alike. ³

If it ain’t one thang it’s another. So what can we do about depression, anxiety, anger and hostility? We can develop an appreciative inquiry for life. An appreciative inquiry is a tool researchers use to evaluate the goodness of a situation rather than highlighting what is wrong. Count your blessings and focus on what really matters: your happiness. This research provides that a smile can be the difference between overcoming an illness and avoiding one in the first place. Feelings of helplessness and hopeless subtract days from your life. For every negative count three positives and you have completed your appreciative inquiry.

1. Allen, J., Markovitz, J. Jacobs, D. Knox, S. (2001). Social support and health behavior in hostile Black and White men and women in CARDIA. Psychosomatic Medicine, 63, 609-618.

2. Heflin, C. & Iceland, J. (2009). Poverty, material hardship and depression. Social Science Quarterly, 90, 5.

3. Schattner, A. (2003). The emotional dimensions and the biological paradigm of illness time for change. QJ Med, 90, 617-621.

4. Shapiro, P., Schulman, J. & Muskin, P. (2005). Psychiatry and cardiovascular disease. FOCUS The Journal of Lifelong Learning in Psychiatry, 3(2) 208.

5. Suls, J. & James, B. (2005). Anger anxiety and depression as risk factors for cardiovascular disease: The problems and implications of overlapping affective dispositions. Psychological Bulletin, 131 (2) 260-300.

6. Williams, J.E., Paton, C.C., Siegler, I.C., Eignenbrodt, M.L., Nieto, F.J. & Tyraler, H.A. (2000). Anger proneness predicts coronary heart disease risk: Prospective analysis from the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study. Journal of the American Heart Association, 101, 2034-2039.

Daddy Wasn't There

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:37:43 +0100

Daddy Wasn’t There

The Effects of Absentee Fathering

Will the REAL Black Men PLEASE stand up?

A young Black woman filled with rage stamps front stage. Pointing her fingers and waving her hands she riles a diverse audience. A series of censored profanities surge from her vocals. After a well executed made for reality TV drama scene, she anxiously awaits the object of frustration. A Black male then emerges. The crowd veraciously demonstrates disapproval of the alleged absent father, but the male is unperturbed by the crowd’s hostility. Raising his hands in celebration of manhood, the defendant is ready to repeal all allegations of neglectful parenting. After infinite minutes of see-sawing victimization, a classified envelope is delivered to the couple’s mediator. The audience gasps as the well groomed TV host announces the infamous words, “YOU ARE NOT THE FATHER!” The male rejoices at the evasion of responsibility, while yet another innocent child has to suffer the effects of absentee fathering. The child must learn to adjust to a cruel reality: Daddy wasn’t the

Cultural Expectation

For centuries the American culture has mislead populations to believe that parental male involvement is inessential to child development. Validated by psychological theories, a mother’s innate ability to care for her child ranked superior against male counterparts. ⁷These theories however neglect to address generational bastardhood.⁵Psychologist define absence as: away, not present, lacking missing or inattentive.⁸While many will argue that the mere existence of a silent provider resolves the complexities of child rearing, modern research provides that this is not true. The meager presence of a male figure does not substantiate emotional and psychological needs of developing minds. Researchers have found that children need the attentive presence of their fathers to gain confidence and boost intelligence.⁸

Psychologist Sigmund Freud glorified the absence of male parental involvement by noting in self-reflection that the psyche of male persuasion is so strong that it dispels unspoken correction and reprimand. Freud’s principles were strongly influenced by Judeo-Christianity under the premise that God, the Heavenly Father and all his omniscience reigns as a spiritual being; however His lack of earthly proximity does not impede authority.⁵Catholicism immortalizes the Virgin Mary as a central figure, an exemplar of impeccable maternal relevance needing no male supplement.

Not only has the immortal strength of motherhood diminished the relevancy of paternal involvement via religion, but absenteeism has become a cultural norm. In a study of 719 adolescent mothers, 41.9 % of African-American mothers reported low paternal involvement after birth. A trailing 26.2% of Mexican-Americans reported low male involvement and 19.4% Caucasian.⁹Many researchers attribute the increase of paternal absenteeism to broken family structures.⁸Relationship duration and stability and planned pregnancy impacts fatherhood commitment. Relationships of 12 months or less placed children at increased risk for father abandonment. African-American men are more likely than Whites and Mexican-Americans to father outside of marriage. Despite vast conception, African-Americans were least likely to desire children but more likely to report unplanned pregnancy.⁹

Additional factors influencing male modeling include immaturity, poverty, self-esteem, cultural expectation, coping skills and perception of fatherhood. Black males were also more likely than Caucasian and Mexican-Americans to father a younger age. At the time of delivery, Black males were more likely to be in high school or jail. Gang and criminal involvement and illegal drug usage was strongly associated with absenteeism among Mexican and African Americans. Educational attainment was a plaguing factor against financial support among Black men. Intimate Partner Violence was also central to lack of financial contribution. Black women were less likely to report being engaged, married or romantically involved with the child’s father. While, African-American women conceive children with undesired men, they are less likely than any other race to accept interracial dating.⁹

Locked Up

Incarceration creates a unique set of circumstances for families. An estimated 1.5 million children have at least one parent in prison. Of this populous, 94% have fathers in prison. A parallel 93% of incarcerated fathers will be released. Around 600,000 men will struggle to reconnect with families post annual release. A massive 67.5 percent will be rearrested within three years. Analysts link recidivism to the lack of familial ties. Harsh prison culture teaches inmates unruly social skills. Antisocial and selfish attitudes make it difficult for inmates to reconnect with family.Identity theorists lend that prison interrupts identity establishment resulting in fragmented and unsettled fatherhood validation.The identification process of fathers in prison is especially crucial due to the lack of physical proximity.⁴

Effective parenting is not a priority behind prison walls, thus many jailed fathers abandon paternal roles further decreasing the inability to reconnect with their children after release. Unresponsive parenting increases the probability that children will engage in socially offensive behaviors.⁴Children that lack positive coping skills end up in the criminal justice system. Imprisoned and formerly imprisoned fathers are less likely to demonstrate acceptable behavior. Principles of sharing and politeness are charges of parental fostering; however, fathers cannot effectively parent behind bars.Maladaptive behavior during adolescence proved to be consistent in predicting adult criminality. Childhood and adolescent predictors to criminality are likely to discount quality of life. Such identification markers decrease engagement of future parental roles, educational attainment and employment.⁶

Baby Mama Drama

Identity is established through role confirmation. An individual chooses an identity based on environment and associated expectations. These norms set an identity standard. Identity standards are negotiated based on environment. Identity settlement is reinforced by approval or rejection of an assigned role. Individuals engage in activities that result in acceptance. Individuals of close associations have the strongest impact on role assignment and subsequent behaviors.⁴The Neo-Freudian transition holds that even in physical absence, a mental representation of a father is evident. This representation is conjured by the mother’s conscious and unconscious perceptions of the father. Mothers set the tone for how the child perceives the absent figure.⁵Reinforced by cultural norms, many fathers feel as if they are an insignificant contribution to child development, thus a number of males struggle to select an identity as a father. Poor relations with the child’s mother reinforce lowered self-efficacy. The lack of identity leads to behaviors unsupportive of a father’s role. Discrepancy between reality and social norms create anxiety. Discombobulation deters male involvement. Where perceived inability to assume a fatherly role exists, males cannot successfully adopt the identification of a father.⁴

Papa was a Rolling Stone

In the words of the immortal Tupac, “A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how you did it?” In translation these lyrics from Dear Mama demonstrate the difficulty for mothers to raise children without paternal involvement. Welfare programs have been enacted to address generations of fatherless youth; however as the number of single-headed households increase, welfare reform decreases. Mothers are left alone to mother and father. “I finally understand, that for a woman, it ain’t easy tryin to raise a man.” (Tupac) Will the real men please stand up? The Feminist movement has instilled that women can do it all with one hand tied behind their backs, blind folded, hopping on one foot and most importantly without a man. It is a commonality in the Black community for fathers to be absent. Women have no choice but to do it all, but at what cost to the children? Single, female-headed households experience the highest poverty rates. Children of maternally operated homes are also at increased risk to crime, victimization of crime, gang and drug involvement.The incredible acts of providing nurturing and protecting not only diminishes the quality of supervision but promotes physical and mental impairment. Overburdened mothers report higher rates of depression, suicidal tendencies and substance abuse. Children of disorganized family structures are also more likely to suffer abuse at the hands of the caregiver.¹

Researches have noted that parental male involvement is especially crucial to adolescent development. In a case study of single mothers with adolescent aged children, a majority of participants agreed that parenting is more effective when the primary caregiver has financial, social and emotional support from the child’s father and family members.⁹A research conducted in 1974 found that a large number of African-American women pulled together to address, low-income, joblessness, single-parenting and inadequate government assistance. Although internal support networks have addressed issues surrounding enigmas of absentee fathering, such ties further create an economic strain for servicing individuals. Women tended to give what they could not afford to give cementing the permanence of poverty.³

Spoiled Little Mama’s Boys

The primary responsibilities of fathers are to support the primary caregiver and children and provide protection. Freud stated that there was no need as urgent as a father’s protection. As a measure of protection, fathers lay down the lay. A father’s rigid regulations secure the emotional well-being of a child, buffering him from the engulfment of a mother’s love. Without boundaries, mothers tend to obsess for the child’s well-being. This obsession is necessary for infant survival; however it becomes a dysfunctional practice as the child ages.⁷

Overachieving Girls have Everything but Love

Researchers found that females of absent fathers experienced high levels of insecurity and anxiety. Women reported feeling as if something was missing from their lives and envied others who had a fatherly presence. Females detached from their fathers also revealed having difficulty with intimate relationships. The compulsive urge to seek recognition through achievement was often driven by feelings of inadequacy.⁸

For many years social sciences, religion, cultural and societal norms have diminished the value of male parental involvement. Contrary to popular belief, fathers matter. Children need paternal input to flourish. The mere presence of a male authority is not enough. Any form of psychological and physical absence can be harmful to the well-being of the child and mother. Fathers must adopt a fatherly identity and engage in correlating behaviors. Due to unforeseen circumstances, some children will never experience an ordered family structure, thus men must intercede on behalf of absent parents. It is unresolved to complain about the state of the world and do nothing to change it. Will the REAL Black men PLEASE stand up? Put down your guns and dime bags and pick up your child.

1. Bloom, L. & Sawin, P. (2009). Ethical responsibility in feminist research: Challenging ourselves to do activist research with women in poverty. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 22(3), 333-351.

2. Clark, L., O’Brien, M., Day, R., Godwin, H., Connolly, J., Hemmings, J., & Leeson, T., (2005). Fathering behind bars in English prisons: Imprisoned fathers’ identity & contact with their children. A Journal of Theory, Research and Practice about Men as Fathers, 3(3), 221-241.

3. Curley, A. (2009). Draining or gaining? The social networks of public housing movers in Boston. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 26(23) 227-247.

4. Dyer, W. (2005). Prison, fathers and identity: A theory of how incarceration affects men’s paternal identity. Fathering: A Journal of Theory, Research & Practice about Men as Fathers, 3 (3) 201-219.

5. Freeman, T. (2008). Psychoanalytic concepts of Fatherhood. Patriarchal paradoxes and the presence of an absent authority. Studies in Gender and Sexuality, 9, 113-139.

6. Leschied, Chiodo, Nowicki & Rodger (2008). Childhood predictors of adult criminality: A meta-analysis drawn from the prospective longitudinal literature. Julliet, 50.4, 435-467.

7. Mayes, L., Swain, J. & Leckman, J. (2005). Parental attachment systems: Neural circuits, genes and experiential contributions to parental engagement. Clinical Neuroscience Research, 4, 301-313.

8. Stephenson, D. & Loewenthal (2006). The effect on counseling/psychotherapy practice of an absent father in the therapists childhood: A heuristic study. Psychodynamic Practice, 12(4) 435-452.

9. Wiemann, C. Agurcia, C. Rickert, V., Berenson, A. & Volk, R. (2006). Absent fathers as providers: Race/Ethnic differences in support for adolescent mothers. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 23(5-6) 617-634.

Why All Children CAN'T Learn

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:51:47 +0100

The Extinction of Public Education

Tonya McDowell, 33, a homeless mother from Norwalk, Connecticut was arrested just days ago for using a babysitter’s address to register her kindergartener in the Norwalk School District. McDowell was accused of stealing over $15,000, the cost of her son’s education. She was arrested while eating lunch at a homeless shelter. McDowell admits that her babysitter allowed her to remain at the home until he left for work, at which time; she had to leave during the day. Ms McDowell was formally charged with first degree larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny. She was released on a $25,000 bond. ⁶

McDowell quoted,"The school was better than the one in Bridgeport. I want the best for my child. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him. I think a lot of parents in my situation would have done the same."6

The 2001, Bush legislation adopted No Child Left Behind (NCLB) a doctrine holding that “All Children Can Learn.” Despite English-speaking capacity, disability and socioeconomic status, all students are expected to achieve 100 percent proficiency in the areas of Language Arts and Mathematics.² Proficiency is noted by percentile scores, compared from state to state. Categories of achievement include advanced, proficient, basic and minimum. All federally funded school districts must demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). AYP refers to an elevation of test scores each school term. Demonstration of proficiency is expected to exceed beyond the achievement of subsequent terms. Districts failing to meet AYP are listed as a “needs improvement” school. Parents may transfer students from a needs improvement school to a neighboring passing district.⁷

Failing districts must allot 10 percent of Title I funds towards score enhancing services such as tutoring and technology. Title I funding is based on the number of free and reduced lunch participants. If a failing district does not demonstrate progress for three consecutive years the government may opt to take possession of the district.⁷ In compliance with the law, students must be educated by “Highly Qualified” teachers. Highly qualified teachers comply with federal and state mandated certification. Requirements typically involve basic knowledge and subject area testing, bachelor degree attainment and compilation of student-teaching hours. After these requirements are fulfilled an educator may apply for certification in the state of intended practice.⁵

But what does all this mumbo jumbo mean? How does it affect teachers, students, parents, the community and society as a whole? NCLB development was strongly influenced by the Texas accountability model. The model was praised for its measurable objectives and outcomes and attention to special needs learners. The overzealous doctrine identified markers of failure and success and provided possible interventions. NCLB answered the age old question: Who is to blame for the state of our youth? The stated goal of NCLB is to provide children with the highest educational attainment possible.⁴ But how realistic is it that children of limited English-speaking capacity read, write, comprehend and “select the best answer” on a standardized test? How possible is it for a child that is struggling in basic math score proficient on a test loaded with algebraic formulas? How likely is it for a child to correctly respond to questions regarding music and art appreciation when they are pulled from electives for tutoring in math and reading? It’s all about numbers! Numbers, that in many cases do not work.

Despite the evident limitations of the Texas curriculum, the Bush administration adopted the policy as a national standard. Under the guises of the Texas accountability model a large number of schools have been identified as “low performing.” The quick fix for such negative labeling was increased installment of special education programs. Further damning was a significant increase in 9^th grade retention. With two years of 9^th grade education, students were able to make Adequate Yearly Progression. Mandated testing required a high-school exit exam thus, drop-out rates increased as well as G.E.D. attainment. While the accountability model was aimed at equal opportunity education, a majority of low performing schools were comprised of minority students.⁴ Florida schools exhibited similar results under the “If you fail as a student, I fail as a teacher” clause. Failing districts were found to have a significant number of low-income residents and parental educational attainment. Parents with limited knowledge are less capable to emphasize the value of education and transfer of knowledge. Impoverished districts deter motivation to learn. While Title I funds are thrown to close achievement gaps, such monies do not address socio-economic factors related to academic deficiency.¹

There is no solid correlation between multiple choice testing and actual learning.The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) found that high-stakes testing schools displayed poorer performance than low-stakes schools.¹ In a 2004 survey of New Jersey educators, 376 teachers admitted to neglecting Math and English basics for sake of test taking skills. Educators complained that there was not enough time to teach real world application. Edward Deming, 2004 noted that such pressures result in “score tweaking.” Expectations are too high to be feasibly obtained.³For many educators, job security is contingent on student performance. As a measure of accountability, students are asked to put their names and the name of their English or Math teacher on the testing booklet. Teachers that have subsequent numbers of basic and minimum performing students are poorly evaluated and less likely to be re-employed the following school term despite qualifications.

Tonya McDowell wanted her little boy to receive a quality education as prescribed by the federal law, yet she was arrested. Despite written law, justice is unequivocally distributed. It’s time for us to wake up, people of color and smell the coffee. Our children’s education is headed for extinction and we’re going with the flow. Title I schools are just another way of restating “poor, ignorant and insignificant.” It has been my experience that these poor babies (our children) drop out of school, try for their G.E.D. and fail the G.E.D. test because they can’t read. Our children’s knowledge is limited to the test-taking rule, if you don’t know the answer, mark “C”. But what if it is an essay? Is the answer still C? Is the answer still “C” when filling out a job or college application? I commend McDowell for her courage to want better for her son than what she has now. Education is the escape. A 1994 study known as the Bell Curve conducted by Murray and Hernstein falsely noted that dumb Black people make dumb babies. Let’s be wiser, smarter and active. This is our children’s future. Write Obama and let him know that change begins with educating our children and amending NCLB to adequately meet the needs of our children.

Send a stamped envelope to:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

If you are unsure of how to write a letter to the President, visit: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/writingletters/government/president/

Email the President at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

<!-1. Baker, M & Johnson, P. (2010). The impact of socioeconomic status on high-stakes testing re-examined. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 37(3)193-199.

<!2. Brown, C. (2010). Children of reform: The impact of high-stakes education reform on preservice teachers. Journal of Education, 61(5) 477-491.

<!3. Cawelti, G. (2006). The side effects of NCLB. Educational Leadership,64(3).

<!4. Giambo, D. (2010). High stakes testing, high school graduation and limited English proficient students: A case study. American Secondary Education, 38 (2) 44-56.

<!5. Mississippi Department of Education (2001). Highly Qualified Teacher criteria: The NCLB Act of 2001. Retrieved from www.mde.k12.ms.us/.../Highly_Qualified_Definition_Clarification_OEL1.pdf

<!6. Nickerson, J. & Conners, B. (2011). Police arrest homeless woman for using a false address to send her son to higher income school district. Standford Advocate, NBC, Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_62865.shtml

<!7. Porter, A., Linn, R. & Trimble, C.S. (2005). Effects of state decisions about NCLB Adequate Yearly Progress targets. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practices, 24(4) 32-39.

Are Christian teachings of submission a slap in the face for women?

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:06:28 +0100

Domestic Violence and the Pulpit

In the familial, social and religious order, men are ordained in the capacity to provide and protect; however, for an increased number of years, Black men have neglected to optimally perform in the better interest of their intimate counterparts and offspring. Such viral inflammations can be traced back to slavery, an era in which a Black male was physically, emotionally and economically torn from his most vital asset, his legacy. Women were left to balance the grunt work of laboring, childrearing and defending. Unprotected by the said order, Black women became increasingly vulnerable to worldly demise, but what happens when the essence of world creation must be shielded from her provider and protector? The world becomes an increasingly unsafe place for her and her carried seed. Already worn from years of neglect, abuse and rape of “Massuh” she is naked and ashamed. But where is her cover?

Intimate partner violence (IPV)/domestic violence/family violence as defined by the National Violence against Women Act (NVAWA)and the International Violence against Women Act (IVAWA) as an unwelcomed attempt or act characterized by exercising of control, verbal abuse, threats, stalking, rape, coercion and/or economic control.⁴The Center of Disease Control and Prevention, 2006 (CDC) identifies intimate partner violence as abusive power to control another (punching, burning, stabbing, biting, rape, creating psychological terror, destruction of property and intimidation). The CDC charges that violence among intimate cohorts is a preventable, public health crisis. The NVAWA revealed that women are more likely than men to report domestic abuse, while African American women and Native American/Alaskan Native women reported higher rates than Whites and Asian Pacific Islanders. Issues of poverty, societal stress, substance abuse, witnessing violence and poor health are contributing factors.¹

IPV has a substantially negative impact on children and families. Women of abusive relationships find it difficult to maintain and obtain suitable employment. Bruises and black-eyes keep victims away from social interactions, resulting in poor job performance and limited access to viable support, while diminishing the ability to care for children and/or reproduce.⁴Cognitive and health implications for children mimic those of the mothers. Children of dysfunctional parental relations are more likely to exert aggressive behavior, depression, cognitive and social incompetence and physical health issues. A large number of women have reported depression and thoughts of suicide. Afflicted women also experience symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome contributing to cognitive impairment. Repeated exposure to trauma causes brain injury to the cerebral cortex. This area of the cranium is responsible for memory and recognition. Damage to the cortex alters memory retention, disabling the ability to recall traumatic events. ⁵Care-givers unable to manage emotional stressors are most likely to engage in some form of neglect or abuse of a child. Children prone to neglect and abuse develop high levels of fear, anxiety, distrust and insecurity. Negative childhood influencers considerably impacts personality development well into adulthood and further degenerates the family structure.

African-American women are more likely to distrust the advice of health professionals. Black women also tend to overcompensate against stereotypes of weakness, ignorance and inability to positively contribute to family and community structures, thus many perceive domestic violence as an emotional and spiritual challenge, diminishing the frequency of secular help. ⁵While these stigmas create barriers to professional counseling, a large number of women turn to ordained men of God for refuge. The institution of church is viewed by many as a solid solution to modern day stressors. According to the 2000 Census Bureau Blacks account for 12.3-12.9 percent of the total population. The 2008 Pew reports that among these numbers, approximately seven percent attended historically African-American churches. A massive 90 percent of African-Americans believed that church is the pillar of the community. Out of 1,431 conservative Christians surveyed in 2006, 46 percent experienced IPV at least once in their life time.¹

Christianity and subdivisions of Christianity (African Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, Seven Day Adventist, Presbyterian, Full Gospel Church of God, Nazarene Assemblies of God, Evangelical, Catholic and non-Denominational) teach that God’s hierarchy of family order is rooted in female submission.³ These faith-based teachings lend that marriage is a sacred institution and needs to be protected at all costs. Such emphasis promotes a tolerance for violence and discourages divorce, leaving a large number of battered women in conflict as whether to take it or leave it. A 2003 study revealed that, women received mixed messages from pastoral advisors. While many faith-based curriculums support that the body is a holy temple deserving of proper care, women are encouraged to submit and forgive despite physical and mental abuse. Clergy offer that God supplies strength to sustain abuse. Battered women must have faith that God will intervene on their behalf. These notions promote exposure to repeated abuse.

Feminist theorists believe that domestic violence is about masculinity and power. ²Cultural definitions validate masculinity through violence, the ability to exert physical control as a tool of discipline or teach respect. A charge to correct domestic violence is seen by many males as a challenge against manhood.⁵Common practices assert inappropriate biblical application for claims of family unity, while underlying motives ensure male dominance. Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family initiative support that women are responsible for stopping violence. Women able to endure long-suffering are the epitome of obedience, a charge for only the purest and the strongest. Clergy attempt to infuse unrealistic optimism by stating that an abusive man is ill and should not be abandoned in his time of need, further validating that his illness can be cured by love and prayer. Such teachings grant biblical permission to abuse.³

A 2010 panel of Christian priest advises that the victim’s needs should be attended first, while offering soul salvation to the offender should come thereafter.¹ Many religious leaders choose to ignore or misrepresent scriptures because they have not been trained to address IPV. Fortune, 2000 found that it is infrequent for ministers to visit women’s shelters or invite violence counselors to speak at their churches.²In an attempt to remain objective, clergy tend to suppress such interventions for fear of offending friends and tithe paying members; however, religious politics and/or ignorance are no excuse to deny civil liberties to battered women. If the church and our Black men will not cover us, who will? Uncovered we are naked and ashamed. While the good book teaches that wives submit to husbands, God also encourages us to submit to one another.

1. Dyer, J. (2010) Challenging assumptions: Clergy perspective and practices regarding intimate partner violence. Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 29, 33-48.

2. Knickmeyer, N., Levitt, H., Horne, S. and Bayer, G. (2003). Double binds: Religious oriented strategies of Christian battered women. Journal of Religion and Abuse, 5 (2)

3. Pyles, L. (2007) The complexities of the religious response to domestic violence: Implications for faith-based initiatives. Journal of Women and Social Work, 22 (3) 281-291.

4. Schneider, E. (2008). Domestic violence law reform in the twenty first century: Looking back and looking forward. Family Law Quarterly, 42.

5. Valente, S. (2002). Evaluating intimate partner violence. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 14, 505-515

Marriage and Money

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:20:02 +0100

Does It Really Take Two to Make A Thing Go Right?

Who needs love when you got money? A large number of upper and middle class Americans have changed their “I do’s” to “I might” one day. In the days when Big Mama and Paw-Paw was coming up, it was part of the social order to get a little education, find a job, get hitched and raise Junior. The family code was protected at all costs. If Junior was conceived before vows were traded, a judge-signed document was to unhesitantly follow. Families were not “official” or “legitimate” unless the construct was supported by a wedded, loving, mommy and daddy. Traditionally, the Black bourgeoisie status was based on dual-income households. Scholars such as Smith and Welch, 1986 believe that a decline in Black love will become the death of the middle class and economic prosperity. According to Andrew Cherlin, author of The Marriage-Go-Round: The State of Marriage and the Family in America Today, “Getting married is a way to show family and friends that you have a successful personal life. It is like the ultimate merit badge ¹.” Census data collected in 1980-2000 reveals that the number of unmarried individuals rose from 5.8 percent to 14 percent, while married couples living with children declined 64.6 percent to 48 percent.²

Family formation has taken a back seat while obtaining knowledge and big cheese has placed Americans on an aggressive scurry to the good life. According to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau, 16 percent of Blacks ages 25 years or older have a bachelor’s degree, while 24 percent of the total US population holds the equivalent.² The 2010 Time/Pew Research poll finds that the median age for first wives in heterosexual relationships is 26 and 28 for first husbands. Today’s marriage is contingent on socioeconomic status. For the less educated, and employable, rehearsed nuptials translate into economic growth, while for middle class Americans, marriage is one of many options. In recent years, more women than men have graduated from college, increasing the probability that a large number of males will meet, date, marry and share a handsome income with a prized bread-winner in a skirt. While some guys are lucky enough to cuff a woman with her own, Time/Pew reports that modern brides seek to connect with grooms of equal buying power.¹As Fergie mockingly sings, “My Daddy let his daughter know, If you ain’t got no money take your broke, butt home.” It has become increasingly evident that Benjamin’s bucks can be earned on a solo status. Ms. Independent need not stay in unhappy marriages, thus two-thirds of all divorces are initiated by wives.¹

A large number of men choose to be equally yoked as well. The ability to simply mother and maintain the household isn’t as sexy as it used to be. Paid males are looking for a mate that can lend a hand up and not a hand out, leaving the poor to their own kind. ¹Edin and Kefalas, 2005 extend that money deprived women aspire to wed, but candidates on the auction line are shabby, particularly for Black women. Poverty ridden men are paid minimum wage, have been to jail, struggle with drug and alcohol abuse and may be violent. The union of two underpaid individuals increases the struggle to rise above the poor man’s rut. ²

Low income female headed households are at an increased risk to poverty due to the supplemental burden of childcare expense. ²At-risks families are likely to have developed before the completion of a high school diploma. According to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), White mothers were less likely than Black mothers to drop-out of school due to marriage or childbearing. Black females are twice as likely as Whites to have less than a high school education. Black women forming families between the ages of 20-24 suffered a 48 percent decline in drop-out rates. Women who withdrew from high school around the time of marriage and/or pregnancy left school within six months before or after family formation. The most significant barrier to the completion of high school for a large number of women is the mother’s education level. Women of mothers that completed high school are more likely to obtain a diploma. In 1945-1960, 30 percent of White drop-outs had mothers with less than 12 years education, while 65 percent of Black women had mothers without a diploma. ³

Socialists warn that although individuals single, and living alone (SALA) seem to have an ideal lifestyle, they have no offspring to submit an inheritance to. Marsh’s, 2007 projection states that the number of SALA’s is expected to reach record highs. ² But what is the point of gaining this world’s wealth with no one to share it with? In the words of lustrous Luther Vandross, “ A room is not a house and a house is not a home, when there is no one there to turn the key.” No matter how long it takes for you to find love, it is something that we should all pursue. Let’s not get so busy running that we forget to enjoy the scenery we run past.

1. Luscombe, B. (2010). Marriage: What’s it good for? Time Magazine (176)(22),(p. 48-56).

2. Marsh, K., Darity, W., Chohen, P., Casper, L. & Salters, D. (2007). The emerging black middle class: Single and living alone. Social Forces (86)(p.).

3. Turner, R. (1995). Early family linked to school dropout, especially among blacks. Family Planning Perspectives (27)(1), (p. 39).

Knock, Knock. Who is it? It's your brother. Let me in!

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:44:11 +0100

Social Responsibility in the Black Community

Category: Ethnic Marketing, Economics & Psychology

Watched TV lately? Wonder why suddenly caramel coated lady rap “sanger” Queen Latifah is Cover Girl’s spokes model or why Old Spice’s manly man, Isaiah Mustafa’s baked brown profile is featured between segments of the First 48? Could it be that our beloved Dr. Martin Luther King’s epiphany has manifested? In truth, two words explain why Black faces endorse brands traditionally catered to Whites: almighty dollar. Consumer researchers spend millions on think tanks strategically plotting ways to seduce the hard earned bills from your pocket to their cash register. Minorities are making money and the market knows it.

According to the Association of National Advertisers, businesses tailor 70 percent of ads to Hispanics, 59 percent to African-Americans and 27 percent to Asian Americans.⁷The Multi-Cultural Marketing Study notes that 78 percent of African Americans believe that “Blacks as a group have more economic status and empowerment than ever before” while 72 percent of Hispanics adhere to this belief; 77 percent of non-Hispanic Whites also find that Blacks are gaining financial momentum.³ African American, Hispanic and Asian populations have a combined buying power of more than a trillion dollars, making minorities the new majority of commerce.⁷Census data from 2006 reports that 17.4 percent of Blacks earn $75k/year and 16.3 percent earn between $50k-75k/year.⁶ The Los Angeles Sentinel tells that New York leads the nation in Black buying power followed by California and Texas respectively. Blacks are spending $145.2 billion on houses, 56.5 billion of food, 32.6 billion on cars, 23 billion on clothes and 18 billion on health care.

Tinted skin has come a long way since slavery. African Americans are increasingly obtaining all the symbols of success: living nice, driving fancy and eating well. E. Franklin Frazier classifies the emerging status of African Americans as the “Black bourgeoisie” also referred to as the “new Black middle class.”⁴Historically, the bourgeoisie emerged after a delayed discovery of the Emancipation Proclamation. Freed slaves applied talents and skills in the motivation of entrepreneurship. Noted pioneers in the strides of human enrichment are W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington. Du Bois and Washington deemed education as an identifying mark of socially significant person, thus the emergence of Historically Black Universities (HBU). HBUs served as a breeding ground for Black fraternities and sororities.²Despite success of the Black elite, there is a different version of life on the other side of the tracks. The partition of the haves and the have nots lead to question: Why do the bourgeoisie act so bourgeois? The initial efforts of Du Bois and Washington were to unify rather than segregate Black communities, yet upper class upper class African-Americans are often the gate keepers of a hungry man’s dream. It is well emphasized that well-to-do Blacks “forget where they came from.”⁴

A 2009 study conducted by Payne and Hamdi finds that the “hood rich” thug is more likely to give back to the community than those that dine on Sunday brunch or hold aspirations of perfecting a golf swing. Kobra, 29 a participant in the study quotes:

“…No I don’t see none of them (community professionals)…I don’t see none of them type [helping the community].”

Payne and Hamdi provide that a large number of well-to-do African-Americans fail to show “street love.”⁵ Hustlers, thieves, pimps and prostitutes of the 1960’s banded together to form the Black Panther Party; however radical in their approach, the organization showed “street love” to the Black and poor in a place where pin-stripped suits and ties were absent. Sy Landy attributes bourgeois attitudes to stereotype evasion. Traditional stereotypes of African-Americans include an uneducated, poor and seemingly hopeless populous. In an attempt to contradict the stigma, upper class Blacks repel the less fortunate. Landy maintains that it is the class of have nots that has enabled the status of the bourgeoisie. Lower income Americans have patronized Black-owned businesses, marched in masses at Civil Rights protests and assisted in the election of President Barak Obama.⁴Welfare programs mortar financial gaps for a representative number of African-Americans; however, all African Americans have a social responsibility to blighted communities and broken spirits.

Blacks are faced with much opposition, but interracial segregation should not be one of them. When our brother knocks we should answer, and remember the words of a great man who once walked the earth: “ For I was hungred and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger and ye clothed me not; sick and in prison and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him saying, Lord when saw we thee a hungred or athirst or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them saying; Verily I say unto you, insomuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Matthew 25: 42-46

1. Frazier, E. (1997). Black bourgeoise, New York, NY: Free Press Paperbacks.

2. Graham, L. (1999). Our kind of people: Inside America’s Black upper class, New York, NY: Harper Perenial.

3. Hill, C. (2009) New realities of empowerment pose a challenge for Hispanics and African Americans: New Yankelovich study finds. PR Newswire. http://www.yankelovich.com/products/Yankelovich%20Multicultural%20Marketing%20Study%202009%20Release.pdf

4. Landy, S. (2005). Cosby’s campaign against Black workers, Proletarian Revolution, 74. www.marxists.org/history/etol/writers/landy/2005/xx/cosby.htm.

5. Payne, Y. & Hamdi, H. (2009). “Street love:” How street life oriented US born African Men from giving back to one another and local community. Urban Review, 41 (1) 29-46.

Is your freedom of expression costing you in the job market?

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:39:10 +0100

Dreads and Fros Are They No's
By: Sheniynah Richardson

“I used to wear braids all the time…I don’t want to be prejudged. And I think a lot of times it is real easy for them [employers] to do that [prejudge] because they don’t understand how our hair works… I don’t want [my hair] to be the reason that I don’t get the job.” -Marti ²
It is well accepted that you get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one, but what does your hair say about you? Personal appearance symbolizes intelligence and the potential to succeed. Looking the part has a large weighing on hire and promotions. ⁴ Negative stereotypes tell that afro-centric styles represent the unskilled and unproven.² Dawgelene Sangster of dreadlocks.org identifies the different types of dreadlock styles. Many instantly associate dreadlocks with Rastafarian culture. Rastafarian dreads are no-fuss and defined by long chunky strains matted at the root, while similar versions are characterized by small to medium parting at the scalp and range from very short to very long lengths. Dreading occurs when hair is uncombed for a period of three-six months. ³Tradition provides that straight silky hair is the ideal standard of beauty, but corporate America now understands the implications of enforcing such an assumption. McManus-v-MCI Communications was the result of a Black, woman filing discrimination charges after the company reprimanded her ethnic hairdos and African wardrobe. Fear of “symbolic racism” holds many Blacks from embracing an ethnic appearance. Shorter-Gooden finds that many Blacks fear appearing “too Black.” ²
Law enforcement official Sereta expressed her fear of looking too Black upon entering the force. The officer holds that to her surprise Whites were more accepting of her hairstyle and often complimented her appearance. Sereta says that it was her Black colleagues that told her that her hair would be the stagnation of her career. Jeffery Bradley, another featured writer of dreadlocks.org encourages that dreads are for everyone. A common misconception is that locks are culture specific. Dreads are ideal for kinky hair, but can successfully be achieved with fine, silky, straight hair as well. The locking process depends on the hair’s natural curl. ¹Bradley notes that not everyone will love the lock look, but it is important to nobly accept criticism. Dread wearers should hold high levels of confidence and determination to succeed. In self-inventory the public should question if lack of credentials were factored in hire or promotion. Employees and applicants should maintain a well-suited appearance and strong work ethic. ¹ Make sure your clothes reflect the type of job you seek to obtain or aspire to be promoted to. Employees and applicants should be neat and exude an overall tidy appearance.⁴ “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too, can become great.” Mark Twain.

Sources:
1. Bradley, J. (2010). Do you want to find a job with dreadlocks? EzineArticles.com. Retrieved from www.dreadlocks.org on 12/12/10.
2. Rosette, A. & Dumas, T. (2007). The hair dilemma: Conform to mainstream expectations or emphasize racial identity. Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy: Gale Group. Retrieved from www.thefreelibrary.com on 12/12/10.
3. Sangster, D. (2010). Answers to your burning questions about dreadlocks. EzineArticles.com. Retrieved from www.dreadlocks.org on 12/12/10
4. Workforce Investment Network (2010). Dress for success. Retrieved from: http://www.mdes.ms.gov/Home/JobSeekerServices/DressforSuccess.html on 12/12/10