From Black-ish to Blackness

Abstract

Prior research shows consumption of Black information affects the way people think. More specifically, it influences general racial group attitudes. However, the expectations about the amount of Black information and deeper understanding of its effect on racial identity development remain unclear. Using a unique survey data set, with large oversamples of Blacks, this article explores whether the amount of Black information consumed influences Black identity development. The findings show Black information sources positively affect racial identity development-creating a sense that race is a more important aspect of the individuals' definitions of self (i.e., racial centrality). The flip side, however, is greater consumption of Black information decreases public regard, prompting Blacks to believe other groups have a more negative feeling toward them. Thus, Black media plays a dual function in racial identity development-both positive and negative.

Collective ethnic–racial identity and health outcomes among African American youth: Examination of promotive and protective effects.

“…Yet, most contemporary models of racial socialization, in which youth are socialized about ethnic–racial identity, racial discrimination and tools to manage race relations tend to focus more on society’s negative views of African Americans rather than positive views (Hughes et al, 2006; Priest et al, 2014), which associated with lower collective ethnic–racial identity (Rivas-Drake, Hughes, & Way, 2009; Stevenson & Arrington, 2009; Tang et al, 2016). Studies have also documented that higher consumption of Black information via media outlets, such as listening to Black radio, watching Black TV shows or movies, or reading Black newspapers, magazines, or literature, decreases collective ethnic–racial identity (Sullivan & Platenburg, 2017), prompting African Americans to believe other groups have more negative perceptions of their racial group. It is also the case that through personal experiences with racial discrimination, African American youth are directly confronted with the negative stereotypes and biases that other groups associate with African Americans, which further decreases collective ethnic–racial identity (Rivas-Drake et al, 2009).…”

“…However, there is evidence to suggest at least two means by which collective ethnic–racial identity can be strengthened. First, several researchers have highlighted the promotive effect positive interracial interactions can have on improvements in collective ethnic–racial identity (Hughes, Way, & Rivas-Drake, 2011; Settles et al, 2010; Sullivan & Platenburg, 2017), as it provides personal experiences that contradict the belief that other races dislike or devalue African Americans. Second, it has also been proposed that teaching African Americans cognitive techniques to reframed their beliefs about society’s views of their race, such as noting the election of President Barack Obama as a historical shift in society on who can be president of the United States, can also improve collective ethnic–racial identity (Settles et al, 2010).…”

Relational maintenance, collectivism, and coping strategies among Black populations during COVID-19

“…Community resilience is a collective endeavor among people with shared identities (Coles & Buckle, 2004). Moreover, scholars note that Black communities are more racially centered, religious, and collectivist than their racial counterparts (Hayward & Krause, 2015;Stamps, 2020b;Sullivan & Platenburg, 2017). These characteristics suggest that identity-based group dynamics, including prayer groups, community meetings with local leaders (e.g., NAACP), and engagement in social organizations (e.g., Black Greek organizations) may offer social support, mentorship and group-based responses to trauma.…”

Exploring identity and coping among Black viewers of Marvel’s Black Panther.

“…Media influences the four components of racial identity, which consists of stable characteristics and context-dependent perceptions (Sellers et al, 1998). For example, findings from a recent study of 2,137 Black participants surveyed from across the United States demonstrated greater media consumption (inclusive of Black radio, TV shows, newspapers, magazines, literature, and movies) had both a positive and negative impact on Black racial identity development (Sullivan & Platenburg, 2017). Specifically, an aspect of one’s identity such as racial centrality, or the value of race to one’s self-concept, was positively associated with media consumption.…”

“…These results suggest although watching Black media may contribute to Black viewers feeling more connected to their race, consuming certain media may also shape Black people’s beliefs about how others perceive them. Although Sullivan and Platenburg (2017) examined the impact of several types of Black-oriented media, the current study specifically focuses on the relationship between consumption of ostensibly positive Black-oriented media and Black racial identity. We seek to contribute to the existing literature showing how media messages, both positive and negative, inform Black viewers’ racial identity development (Adams & Stevenson, 2012; Hoplamazian & Knobloch-Westerwick, 2014; Sullivan & Platenburg, 2017) by investigating the influence of watching Black Panther on Black viewers’ racial identity and coping with race-based stressors.…”