African Perspectives on Invasion

Ethnic Identity, Self-Efficacy, and Intercultural Attitudes in East African and U.S. Youth

“…It is argued that, for advances to be made, socially constructed and harmful constructs such as “race” must be recognized for the powerful influence they exert through access to goods and services and, in the denial of basic human rights (Helms, 1990). We agree that acknowledging the complexities of identity and developing an appreciation of various ethnic, tribal, and community identities are crucial processes in the development of just and democratic societies (Johnson et al, in press; Kibanja et al, in press).…”

“…This is critical in Uganda, where efforts are underway to punish gay and lesbian persons, and those that do not turn them in, with severe punishments including death (Sharlet, 2009). We argue that the targeting of sexual minorities in Uganda, spurned by United States-based evangelical movements represents a new form of intercultural conflict resulting from identity politics (Johnson et al, in press). There is an unfulfilled need in the literature to incorporate diverse sociocultural aspects of identity and their interactions in understanding youth development and civic engagement.…”

“…The potential for interethnic conflict related to resource and power inequities is particularly high in economically developing countries which also suffer the gravest and most immediate effects of climate change (Maathai, 1995, 2008). In sub-Saharan Africa, poverty and war have exacerbated the situation, making the cradle of humankind one of the least hospitable places for youth (Johnson, Kibanja, & Abdelali, in press). African countries lag behind in meeting basic human development indicators outlined in the United Nations Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs), including school attendance, literacy, and most health-related targets (United Nations, 2010).…”