Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

Oliviah Marshall
Course 3110
Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity
22 October 2013

Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

Abstract:
Within this assignment, Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity, discussed are
many factors of an African American history and lifestyle. I have interviewed a 23 year
old African American male, Isaiah Mason, who was born, raised and currently resides in
Detroit, Michigan (Personal communication, October 19, 2013). The paper is through
Isaiahs point of view, but will be touching on general issues of cohesion, identity,
strength, stress, discord, strife and cultural values. My hopes for this assignment is to
broaden my thinking and understanding of another race, one of which I will be working a
great deal with as a social worker. A reason why I choose to interview an African
American was because no matter what field in social work I choose: disability, veterans,
gerontology, child services etc, there will always be clients of this race present. I hope to
gain more knowledge through this interview, which will in turn benefit my career
practices.

Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

To begin the interview, I asked Isaiah how his race is viewed in the light of their
collective history. My answer: slaves. When I asked Isaiah to elaborate more, he told
me as soon as other races think of black history, all they know is slavery. He told me that
though it was a negative thing, they grew from it, continuing to find independence and
build new values from it each day. A perfect example of cohesion would be how in the
past slaves unified together to help reach their freedom. In present day America, Isaiah
explained that another form of unity is shown through gangs. Although its not a positive
form of cohesion, many African Americans join gangs for the protection, bond and
security that they may be reward with inside the group. Detroit has a reputation and
increasing amount of gangs, he stated.
Though identified as a minority, the African American race is quickly outgrowing
that status. According to the 2010 Michigan Census report, approximately 9,883,640 live
in the state, and 1,400,362 are African Americans residents (US Census Bureau). Isaiah
also addressed that simple identifying factors of African Americans, are dark
completions, wide bridged noses, brown eyes, ultra curly or thick hair and many female
body types are referred to as thick while a male is stocky, he explained. I asked
Isaiah to state strength he has seen his race to have and he told me through all the
stereotypes in the media and discrimination faced in everyday lives, they still hold theyre
heads up high and dont forget where they came from. Though slavery was abolished,
racism is still alive; to endure it while still maintaining the best life you can for yourself
--that is strength.
Stress is a factor that no one can escape, no matter what race, gender, culture or
background you come from, it will always be apart of your life. However, stress can help

Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

grow an individual to strengthen them emotionally, physically and mentally. In the

African American society, much stress is placed upon them. For instance, the city of
Detroit: it is bankrupt, covered in graffiti, the former mayor was recently sentenced to 28
years in prison, schools are being shut down, gang rates are increasing, more fathers are
incarcerated than with their families, applications for government assistance continue to
be filed etc. Listed above are negative forms of stress on the city, which is home to a
majority of African American residents. These are not factors of an easy lifestyle even
inside the community, but just think of all the added stress placed upon the residents
when they travel outside of the city for any reason. Many easily become victims of
individual discrimination, just imagine how much extra discord and strife is now forming
aside from the groups everyday reality, which, to add, is emphasized greatly by the
media. It is suggested from many studies that gender roles are culturally impacted and
shaped by influences in childhood. Isaiah explained that in relation to gender, African
American males often are seen in the streets where as women are with children at home.
Walking down the block you would see more men outside than females, which could
have a lot to do with the violence in Detroit, and the stereotypes it holds. However, Isaiah
said that many have the mentality every man for themselves. When it comes to making
a living and earning money, you see both genders employed quite equally. In relation to
age, Isaiah did not have too much to say. He stated that kids go to school and come home,
like any other race. Found in a scholarly article, It is not surprising that there is a
connection between the educational performance of African American (males) and the
hardships they endure within the larger society. In fact, it would be more surprising if
Black males were doing well academically in spite of the broad array of difficulties that

Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

confront them. Scholars and researchers commonly understand that environmental and
cultural factors have a profound influence on human behaviors including academic
performance (Noguera, 2003). Consequences of role assignments could easily be
increasing incarceration rates among men, teen pregnancies, drug rates and school
dropouts increasing. This assignment was an insight to the groups cultural reality in that
Isaiah provided me with first hand examples of daily lifestyles for many African
Americans. According to the Ukrainian Library for Schools (1995), Culture gives a
society or a nation its identity. Societies are indeed identifiable through their cultural
expressions. Hence, every society makes efforts to preserve its particular cultural heritage
by transmitting it from one generation to the next. However, there is also the issue of the
dysfunctionality of certain aspects of traditional culture, that is, there may be aspects of
traditional cultures which have proven to be no longer acceptable for some reason, and
therefore should no longer be passed on. Thus, there is a need to review and assess which
aspects of culture should be preserved, renewed or discarded.
Compared to many other groups we have discussed in the assigned literature,
African Americans are considered a minority group. They are overcoming stereotypical
obstacles and boundaries trying to identify themselves differently than history makes
them out to be. As a social worker in a micro environment, one-on-one interviews can be
conducted with clients. Commonly seen in the profession are situations of juvenile
counseling, substance abuse and guidance with clients. On a macro level, a social worker
can interact with their clients and the government by providing resources such as TANF,
WIC, bridge cards etc. A very popular field in social work, Child Protective Services
(CPS) can influence both micro and macro practices in that a social worker focuses on

Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

the clients needs and protecting the children, as well as governmental, group and judicial
factors within each case.
Aspects of the African American cultural structures and values may oppress,
marginalize, alienate, create or enhance privilege and power through factors that have
been previously stated through out this assignment: slavery, educational oppression,
gender roles and the negative attention widely displayed through the media. Coming from
a past of slavery, many African Americans struggle to reach success because of poverty
and discrimination; also the fact that their race is a minority plays a great deal in their
alienation from other races.
Spending time with Isaiah and interviewing him provided me with a fantastic
insight to his African American roots and current realities. As a social worker, with this
information, I can only grow in understanding my future clients. To come from a race of
such brutal history, current discrimination and struggle to succeed, those who can rise
from the negative influences truly are an inspiration. With that being said, I choose to be
a social worker so that I can help the less fortunate individuals with the potential passion
inside of them to succeed, but need extra guidance to the top.

Assignment 2: Study of a Familys Ethnicity or Diversity

Mason, Isaiah. Personal Communication. 19 October 2013.

Noguera, P. A. (2003). The trouble with Black boys: The role and influence of
environmental and cultural factors on the academic performance of African American
males. Urban Education, 38(4), 431-459.

Ukrainian Library for Schools. (1995). The Education for All Teacher-Training Package.
Volume 1. Retrieved from
http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Js1439e/8.3.2.html

US Census Bureau. (2010). Retrieved from

http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=26