Blog # 5

There are many issues discussed in the Chapman article regarding relationships. The issue of stereotypes that Black men and Black women have about each other is a major issue mentioned. These men and women need to have a dialogue about their concerns and the stereotypes that they have, possibly organizing a seminar class for the Black community, where these stereotypes can be addressed and talked about. Another issue that was mentioned in the article was the high divorce rate among Black couples. One way we can reduce the divorce rate is implement programs that educate people on healthy relationships and teach people how to communicate with their spouse or significant other. I believe that bad communication is one of the main reasons relationships end. Another issue that was discussed in the article was the low number of Black males compared to Black females due to high incarceration rates for males. Many of the challenges Blacks face need to be addressed on a societal level with early intervention, programs designed to aid Blacks specifically, and the acceptable of larger society. To help lower the number of Black males that are incarcerated, early intervention and prevention is essential. By educating young children about the important things in life, like school, family, getting a higher education, this could help reduce these high rates. It seems like there is still cause for concern.

The stereotypes discussed in the Bethea article have had a negative impact on the Black families and relationships. Black men hold the stereotypes that Black women are "undesirable and domineering." Black women believe that African men are "unreliable and preoccupied with sexual exploitation." People have internalized these negative stereotypes and it has influenced their perspective on the opposite gender. Due to these stereotypes and a multitude of issues, Blacks don't pursue Blacks from their culture for marriage or as a suitable companion. They don't believe that relationships between each other will work out.

The Anti-intimacy beliefs:
I'll lose anyone who gets close to me: During the times of slavery, slaves were not guaranteed to stay with their families or that they wouldn't get separated from their loved ones. As slaves, they knew they had no control of where they got to go, or who they got to stay with, due to this many slaves did not get attached to other people, because they often were not allowed to stay with those they wanted to.
My body is not my own: Due to the fact that slaves were considered property of their masters and they were controlled by their owners, their bodies were not their own. The enslaved women were taken advantage of by their male masters sexually and the men were overworked and also taken advantage of. They had little control over their lives, especially not their bodies.

The two themes emerging as most prominent for the men interviewed in the study were responsibility-accountability and autonomy. These are the themes I expected to see that being accountable was a big thing for males. Taking accountability for your actions and being responsible for your actions and for taking care of your family is very important.