Assessing the Effects of Experiencing the Acting White Accusation

Abstract

Adolescence is a period when many youth are subjected to close scrutiny by peers. Acting white is one of the most negative accusations one African American adolescent can hurl at another. The accusation has been documented as early as elementary school; however, the research indicates it is most salient and first likely to occur during early adolescence. In this paper, the assessment of adolescents' experience of the acting white accusation is sought. A series of studies are presented that explore both qualitative and quantitative approaches to assessing the acting white accusation wherein the qualitative data and findings guide the formation of a quantitative assessment of the acting white accusation experience. Based on the results, a mixed methods approach is recommended to facilitate further understanding of the accusation.

The acting White accusation, racial identity, and anxiety in African American adolescents

“…A phenomenon embedded in the racial/ethnic identity, acting White has nothing to do with wanting to be White and everything to do with what it means to be Black. The accusation of acting White arises when an African American adolescent's racial identity is perceived as being not black enough by another African American adolescent or group of adolescents (Neal-Barnett, Stadulis, Singer, Murray, & Demmings, 2010). The racial identity perception is enhanced by action and behaviors (Fordham & Ogbu, 1986;Neal-Barnett, 2001;Neal-Barnett et al, 2010).…”

“…The indirect accusation is a more subtle form of the accusation. Regardless of whether it is direct or indirect, many accused adolescents experience the AWA as an attack on their racial identity (Neal-Barnett, 2001;Neal-Barnett et al, 2010).…”

“…This distress triggers a period of questioning focused on what it means to be Black, also known as the "acting White trap." Time spent in the trap may have a profound positive or negative impact on adolescent's racial identity development (Kunjufu, 1988;Neal-Barnett et al, 2010). This, in turn, can have a positive or negative impact on adolescents' anxiety.…”

“…In investigating the acting White accusation, several researchers have highlighted the importance of a variable labeled as "Bother" (Bergin & Cooks, 2002;Murray, 2008;Neal-Barnett, 2001;Neal-Barnett et al, 2010). Bergin and Cooks (2002) found that students were not intimidated, but rather were bothered by the accusation of acting White.…”

“…Additionally, Murray (2008) found that Bother was significantly correlated with adolescent anxiety. A review of the qualitative and quantitative acting White literature suggests that some adolescents may have a stronger (more negative) reaction to the accusation than others (Bergin & Cooks, 2002;Fordham, 1996;Kunjufu, 1999;Neal-Barnett, 2001;Neal-Barnett et al, 2010). For example, two adolescents both experience the accusation.…”