One definition of identity is who you are, what you do, and how you respond to the world around you. One develops this sense of self, an identity, during adolescence. Many contributing factors and variables affect this process to mold how an individual views him or herself. In addition to elements of the nurturing environment, inherent components also shape a person's identity and the stages they go through to develop it. This paper discusses several factors contributing to the psychosocial development of Black teenagers including which stage many Black teens may be identifying with, and why teen-inspired opposition movements may be at a virtual halt. Kids these days… It's just teenage angst… Ah to be young again… These are frequently heard declarations in U.S. society referring to the teenage demographic.
[...] The first four students were more than likely already associating themselves with the Collective Identity stage but in taking a stand they more than likely helped their fellow students develop past the Diffused Identity to join them in associating with the identity which strives for the survival of the race over the individual and the identity that takes action, takes a stand.[2] One more recent contribution by adolescents to the Black fight for freedom has been the hip-hop culture. While it left an impression on society through the graffiti art that came out of this culture and the music that ran social commentary on life for the Black teen is society, the white man took it away. [...]
[...] Researchers examining adolescent development from a psycho-social perspective have determined that White teens confront five significant issues during their identity formation: a)The question, am Establish independence, c)Establish healthy relationships, d)Become comfortable with one's sexuality, e)Seek success (Huebner So in the midst of middle school and high school drama these white U.S. teens, members of the dominant culture, have to muddle through and attempt to gain a firm grasp on these issues that are essential to their identity development. Doesn't that seem like a lot to handle? [...]
[...] “African American Identity Development: A Review of the Literature.” Educational Research Association - 25. Chapman, Paula L. and Ronald L. Mullis. “Racial Differences in Adolescent Coping and Self-Esteem.” The Journal of GeneticPsychology 161(2). Florida 160. Forbes, Sean and Patricia Ashton. Identity Status of African Americans in Middle Adolescence.” Florida, US French, Sabine E. et al. Development of Ethnic Identity During Adolescence.” Developmental Psychology Vol No 10. Greig, Ramona. “Ethnic Identity Development Implications for Mental Health in African-American and Hispanic Adolescents.” Issues in Mental Health Nursing Florida 317–331. [...]
[...] Summer 279. Miller, David B. “Racial Socialization and Racial Identity: Can They Promote Resiliency for African American Adolescents?”. Adolescence. Vol No Libra Publishers, Inc. San Diego, CA. Fall - 499. Nahum-Miller, Betsy. “Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.” Library of Congress; Exhibitions Online. October Washington D.C. July http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/brown/brown-brown.html. Sellers, Robert M. et al. “Racial Identity Matters: The Relationship between Racial Discrimination and Psychological Functioning in African American Adolescents.” Journal of Research on Adolescence 16(2) 187–216. Semaj, L.T. Black Self; [...]
[...] The development of a White teen is the development of an individual and that's all because they are members of the majority in the U.S. It is not easy to be Black in the U.S. Let's talk about just how complicated things get for this group of teens. First of all it's important to realize that these individuals are teenagers and they are also members of the Black race, a non-dominant culture in America. They do not belong to one group instead of another. [...]
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