The Male Socialization Process of African American Males

All humans are situated in an historical as well as a cultural process. Any understanding of African American men is predicated on an understanding of African American history and culture. This means that counseling approaches must be based on an understanding of and sensitivity to the personal history of African Americans. Young African American men in contemporary society face many challenges that may have an impact on their development. Manhood historically has not been a birthright for the African American male.

Given the forces that impinge on the development of African American men, it is imperative that committed counselors help them develop attitudes and behaviors that help them function at optimal psycho-social levels in a demanding world. African American men run into great difficulty as they grow older and become stronger. The chief problem is that they are nurtured in a hostile and non-supportive environment. The environment often includes poverty, criminal justice, unemployment, inequitable educational opportunities, and negative media images.

Historically, African American males have often been betrayed. African American men are not likely to share personal vulnerabilities. This tendency is not only a gender-related characteristic, but it is a racial characteristic, given the psychohistory of betrayal in the lives of African American men. Most African American men see no need for therapy. Their struggles with self doubt, vulnerability, relationships, or inability to cope with life events do not necessarily lead them to seek out mental health services.

Therapy is perceived as compromising “manliness” and “machismo.” African American male socialization teaches that men should be able to solve their own problems and that one should never drop his defenses with white people or risk his personal safety. The institution of slavery undermined African American men’s sense of trust, power, and control in many ways. Treatment for African American men must not only embrace the impact of racism and the contemporary concerns of African American people but also reflect aspects of African heritage, cognitive styles and psychological defenses. All African Americans, regardless of educational achievements and socioeconomic, have to some degree been traumatized by pervasive racism.

2019 is yet another year for most people, but this is a crossroads year for the African-American male in America. Our country hasn't seen this level of open hate and divisiveness since the inception of the civil rights movement. Young black boys are an especially vulnerable population because of the negative views placed upon them by some in our society. Mental health in the black community is slowly becoming more accepted in the mainstream of our culture. Hurt people "hurt people" and the only way to end a perpetual cycle of mental pain and anguish is to address it as a community regardless of skin tone and racial background. The first steps towards equity in our world is making sure the most oppressed individuals receive the care they need to become whole and be their best selves. 

https://therapyforblackboys.com/

http://africanamericantherapists.com/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/therapy-for-black-children/#sthash.8Rvqbbtg.dpbs

https://www.jstor.org/stable/25608742?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/black-men-mental-health-challenges-therapy/