Gender Roles In African American Society

There are so many things that have affected African American males and females and how they conduct themselves in life in regards to work, school, social life, and relationships. From the beginning of time starting with our ancestors and their way of life, traditions and values have been passed down from generation to generation thus sculpting our way of thinking as well as behaviors. Life experiences as well as our upbringing impact us as people, and more importantly as an individual. The customs, values, and practices of western society has tried to change the African American ways and beliefs but we are strongly tied to our roots in many ways. It is up to us to realize them and build on them as a people. Traditional African societies …show more content…
Knox and Schacht demonstrate how gender is seen in the eyes of society and how gender roles are socially constructed in many different ways. Children learn gender roles at a very young age and adhere to those roles. Dixon gives insight into how even slaves reconstructed their way of bringing their children based on what they had seen. Mothers reversed the gender roles and taught them to her children in order for them to survive. “For the fear of the young male’s life she will psychologically train him to be mentally weak and dependent but physically strong. Because she has become psychologically independent, she will train her female offspring to be psychologically independent as well” (Dixon, 2007, p.25) Gender roles have been constructed throughout society and there are many factors that contribute to how a person learns and adapts to these roles. Not only does the family play a part in teaching their children at a very young age by showing them what is and isn’t acceptable based on the sex of the child, but as the children grow older, other outside forces play a part in shaping each individual. “Though parents are usually the first socializing agents that influence a child’s gender role development, peers become increasingly important during the school years” (Knox, Schacht, 2007, p.28). Children try to adapt and fit in to those …show more content…
Many times we do rush into relationships only hoping for the best and not actually taking things slow enough to get to know the person. This is the only way to figure out whether you should continue to try and get to know them or if the differences between you two are so skewed that it would be better to just move on in search of a better mate. Compatibility is major when it comes to a relationship. Basing a relationship off feelings alone can be risky and most likely will result in failure and destruction. You must determine what really works between the two of you, what draws you to each other, and what keeps you two connected. Of course people have their differences, but to have common ground in some aspects is important as well. I have learned so much from previous relationships about trust and honesty. Both are very important to me and a major factor when deciding to date someone. With so much going on in the world today, it’s very hard to know who to trust and who not to trust. I have been taught by my parents to be independent and depend on no one for anything. My dad says that if I have it for myself, then no one can take that away from me and I don’t have to depend on a man if things get tough. At the same time, I know that I shouldn’t be so strong willed and strong minded that I do not allow someone the chance to prove themselves