Young black men and personal RESPONSIBILITY
Last week I shared a post on Instagram of a scene from John Singleton’s “Baby Boy”, the coming of age film starring Tyrese Gibson and Taraji P. Henson. Gibson’s character Jody is a 20 year old father of two, who fails to accept responsibility in his own life. The poor decisions he makes throughout the film emphasize the internal struggle of defining and displaying manhood within a larger oppressive society. Other men in the film are manipulative, aggressive, and violent, which particularly disrupts the lives of the women who love and care for them.
When we consider the themes and characters of Baby Boy, we do well to note that what continues to frustrate and concern us about many young Black men engrossed in inner city life (like character Jody), is their attraction to and participation in illegal, antisocial and irresponsible behaviors. To unravel the dynamics of that concern and frustration is beyond the scope of this essay, but I would like to underscore the transformative power of literacy and critical thinking; the importance of developing a positive self image; and relevance of discussing responsibility with caregivers.
Responsibility for self is key in defining manhood, a stage in development with which many if not most Black men struggle. In considering this empirical truth, we must remember that Black men’s approach to responsibility exists in a society rife with images that portray them as immature, irresponsible, disinterested in providing, and blissfully unaware of self. In addition, political and social systems in America imply that personal responsibility alone will rectify the whole of Black men facing a poor quality of life.
As the saying goes, one can walk and chew gum at the same time. Said plainly, we can edify Black men and reform oppressive systems concurrently. In fact, we must.
LIteracy
According to recent data, the majority of incarcerated Americans are functionally illiterate, and those that receive help with literacy while in prison have reduced rates of returning upon release. To this end, sufficient reading and writing skills are clear indicators for success in the lives of Black men.
This is the just the start of an undulating journey towards academic, occupational and spiritual gains.
We to well to introduce young Black men to the many exemplars that attribute their success to reading writing. Moreover, literacy helps in decoding the structural oppression that prevents young men in understanding and accepting responsibility.
POsitive Self Image
Research suggests that adolescents with a good self image are more equipped to handle young adulthood. Assisting young black men in developing a positive self image involves care and planning, as most images around him will be destructive - even if his immediate family is nurturing and holds high expectations.
There are many resources that can address educational and occupational concerns - two areas that play a major role in self-image.
How does he feel about himself?
Who are his biggest role models?
talking things through
The constraints of Black masculinity make it difficult for parents and caregivers of young black men to sit down and talk. In many cases, they may be guarded and suspicious, so fostering an atmosphere of trust and dignity is crucial.
What is his understanding of responsibility?
References
CHANEY, C. (2009). Boys to Men: How Perceptions of Manhood Influence the Romantic Partnerships of Black Men. Western Journal of Black Studies, 33(2), 110–122.
Christmon, K. (1990). Parental responsibility of African-American unwed adolescent fathers. Adolescence, 25(99), 645–653.
NOGUERA, P. (2014). Marginalized Men. Nation, 298(16), 6–8.