Blog Post 12

 Multiracial and Black Individuals and Families

Not all Multiracial people may identify this way. According to the PowerPoint presented in lecture, “There is no one right way for a Multiracial person to identify” (Rhodes-Carlson, 2021b, slide 16). Many factors play into the way Multiracials may choose to identify, including cultural knowledge and their environment. Each Multiracial person is free to identify in whatever way they are most comfortable with. For example, if one of their cultures is more prevalent to them, they may identify with just that one racial group. On the other hand, some Multiracial individuals may feel very in touch with each of their cultures, so they may be more inclined to identify as Multiracial.

Both Multiracial people and monoracial people of color face discrimination. Both of these groups can feel that they don’t belong and will face similar psychological stress. Each group will have to learn coping skills on how to go about racist comments. At the same time, though, there are differences between discrimination of Multiracials and monoracial people of color. For example, some Multiracials can pass as White, while monoracial people of color do not have this “advantage.” Due to colorism, monoracial people of color could face more discrimination in this aspect. Multiracials often have to deal with questions asking what they are. This type of question can be stressful and uncomfortable. In addition to this, Multiracial people may more often feel that they don’t belong, because they do not just have one race to navigate.

According to an article by Helling and Chandler (2021), Black students face many negative experiences that affect their mental health, including, “discrimination, stereotype threats, imposterism, alienation, stigma, cultural mistrust, and feelings of isolation” (pp. 154-155). The Changing Minds, Changing Lives program (CMCL) presented in Helling and Chandler’s (2021) article works to help Black college students in a very easy going, open space. Helling and Chandler’s (2021) article reads, “We have learned to listen closely for the strengths and resilience embedded in stories of adversity… [and] to allow greater openness with less judgment and receive the lived truth that is offered in these dialogs” (pp. 172-173).

According to a lecture PowerPoint, “Black families [are] shaped by slavery, discrimination, and povery more than by African cultural traditions” (Rhodes-Carlson, 2021a, slide 7). Black families are less likely to be headed by two parents mainly because of high incarceration rates. Black families also place heavy importance on family connections, such as grandparents. A better future for Blacks heavily depends on what is happening today. Classes (such as this one), cultivating safe spaces, and breaking down the roots of discrimination are important for improving opportunities for Black families and individuals.

References

Helling, J., Chandler, G. E. (2021). Meeting the Psychological Health & Growth Needs of Black College Students: Culture, Resonance and Resilience. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 35(2), 152–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/87568225.2019.1660291 

Rhodes-Carlson, J. (2021a). Black individuals and families [PowerPoint]. Purdue Brightspace. https://purdue.brightspace.com/d2l/le/content/464001/viewContent/8454950/View 

Rhodes-Carlson, J. (2021b). Multiracial Individuals and Families [PowerPoint]. Purdue Brightspace. https://purdue.brightspace.com/d2l/le/content/464001/viewContent/8454949/View