Racial identity development theories
According to Chavez and DiBrito (vhbhb) racial and ethnic identity are vital to individual and collective identity overall framework. For some minority groups, racial identity is expressed in very conscious ways. Two conflicting cultural and social influences often trigger this manifestation. On the other hand the dominant groups, especially the white Americans, manifest racial identity mostly in unconscious ways expressed in their behaviors, beliefs, values and assumptions (gbhh).
There are several theories describing the development of racial identity however this paper is going to focus on two theories; these are Atkinson, Morten and Sue’s Racial and Cultural identity development theor, and Helm’s Model …show more content…
It mainly focuses on minority identity. The model has five stages. The first stage is conformity. At this stage one identifies with the values of dominant (white) group more strongly than her or his own group, which results in self-depreciating beliefs and attitudes; it further leads to admiration, respect, emulation, and “superiorization” of the dominant group values.
The next stage is known as dissonance. Here one starts being confused and starts questioning some values and beliefs of the dominant race. At this stage one begins having interest in his or her own group. The third stage is resistance and immersion. An individual practically rejects the culture of the dominant group and starts accepting her or his group’s values. The motivation now becomes the desire to end oppression against his group and at the same time starts to feel dislike and distrust for all dominant group’s …show more content…
The minority group that has a history of being overlooked is that of African American, additionally being gay African American makes it even more challenging. For many African American gay men, it can be difficult to choose which community to identify with, they have to choose between black community and gay community. The racism and anti-homosexuality insolences of the two communities are the contributing factors towards the tension between the two. On one hand the black community tries to provide coping strategies and help individuals to have a positive self-identity. On the other hand, the gay community offers an equally significant function through the provision of social and psychological support
According to Chavez and DiBrito (vhbhb) racial and ethnic identity are vital to individual and collective identity overall framework. For some minority groups, racial identity is expressed in very conscious ways. Two conflicting cultural and social influences often trigger this manifestation. On the other hand the dominant groups, especially the white Americans, manifest racial identity mostly in unconscious ways expressed in their behaviors, beliefs, values and assumptions (gbhh).
There are several theories describing the development of racial identity however this paper is going to focus on two theories; these are Atkinson, Morten and Sue’s Racial and Cultural identity development theor, and Helm’s Model …show more content…
It mainly focuses on minority identity. The model has five stages. The first stage is conformity. At this stage one identifies with the values of dominant (white) group more strongly than her or his own group, which results in self-depreciating beliefs and attitudes; it further leads to admiration, respect, emulation, and “superiorization” of the dominant group values.
The next stage is known as dissonance. Here one starts being confused and starts questioning some values and beliefs of the dominant race. At this stage one begins having interest in his or her own group. The third stage is resistance and immersion. An individual practically rejects the culture of the dominant group and starts accepting her or his group’s values. The motivation now becomes the desire to end oppression against his group and at the same time starts to feel dislike and distrust for all dominant group’s …show more content…
The minority group that has a history of being overlooked is that of African American, additionally being gay African American makes it even more challenging. For many African American gay men, it can be difficult to choose which community to identify with, they have to choose between black community and gay community. The racism and anti-homosexuality insolences of the two communities are the contributing factors towards the tension between the two. On one hand the black community tries to provide coping strategies and help individuals to have a positive self-identity. On the other hand, the gay community offers an equally significant function through the provision of social and psychological support