African American Identity Research Articles

Name and Power Relation to African-American Identity in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man

This study aims to explore the relationship between names and African-American identity in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Through a qualitative descriptive analysis, the study investigates how power relations influence the construction of African-American identity in the novel. This study used semiotic approach by applying Charles Sander Peirce’s semiotic theory in examiningg the use of name, as well as sociological approach by applying Michel Foucault's concept of power relations in analyzing power relation to social identity. The findings reveal that names, while significant, are not the sole determinants of African-American identity. The study discovers that, after the Civil War, many African-American characters in the novel chose names of European origin in an attempt to avoid negative racial stigma and discrimination. Instead, the study finds that identity construction is primarily shaped by social categorization and comparison and that power relations play a crucial role in limiting positive representations of African-American identity. This study sheds new light on the relationship between names, power, and African-American identity in literature and provides insights into the ongoing discourse surrounding these important cultural and social issues.

How Parenting Facilitates Adolescents’ Tricultural Identity Development: A Mixed Methods Collective Case Study of Tridimensionally Acculturating Black Jamaican Immigrant Families

This article presents a mixed methods collective case study of the role of maternal socialization in shaping the tricultural identity development of Jamaican immigrant adolescents in the United States, who are known to acculturate tridimensionally. Seven Black adolescents (14–18 years; four male) completed online surveys and their Jamaican-born mothers completed online interviews during the dual COVID-19 and Whiteness pandemics. In-depth mixed methods case analyses and cross-case comparisons revealed both particulars and universals. Across all cases, adolescents had strong Jamaican private identities shaped by steady proximal and remote enculturation into Jamaican culture, and mothers’ skillful authoritative parenting supported their autonomy in acquiring and navigating U.S. cultural affiliations. Case particulars grouped adolescents into four profiles with one case fitting two profiles. 1) “Triculturals” had strong Jamaican or multicultural socialization with positive psychological and academic adaptation, but differing multicultural identity conflict. 2) “Reluctant Majority Culture Assimilators” had high achievement but differing psychological adaptation with mothers whose socialization first involved accepting their teens’ African American identities. 3) “Majority Culture Rejectors” had high belonging and no psychological distress but low average grades with maternal socialization that promoted the American Dream master narrative and resisted the alternative narrative of negative linked fate of ethnic minorities. 4) Finally, “Minority Culture Assimilators” had low multicultural identity conflict but differing psychological and academic adaptation and were being socialized by their mothers to resist being either victim or perpetrator of racial discrimination by harnessing cultural variability to play up and play down cultural identities and by avoiding use of ethnic-racial generalizations.

"The Role Of Magical Realism In Shaping African American Identity In Toni Morrison's Novel"

This research paper embarks on a captivating exploration of the profound and intricate narrative technique of magical realism within the literary world of renowned American author Toni Morrison. We delve into the mystical realms created by Morrison in her novels, transcending the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Through a comprehensive analysis of select novels, such as "Beloved," "Song of Solomon," and "Jazz," this paper uncovers the deep-rooted themes, motifs, and symbolism that enhance the reader's understanding of the African-American experience.Morrison's exceptional ability to seamlessly blend the real with the mystical invites readers into a world where the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural are blurred, offering unique insights into the complexities of human existence. In this journey, readers encounter characters grappling with supernatural occurrences, symbolic animals, and ghostly entities, all of which unveil profound insights into the intricacies of life. The six keywords that guide this exploration are Toni Morrison, magical realism, African-American literature, cultural symbolism, supernatural elements, and narrative technique.

The Politics of a Portrait: Biopics, Slavery and Contemporary Racial Politics in the United States

The article examines the connection between the past and the present, and between the personal and the political, in three recent biographical pictures directed by filmmakers of color: The Birth of a Nation (2016, dir. Nate Parker), Harriet (2018, dir. Kasi Lemmons), and Emancipation (2022, dir. Antoine Fuqua). By addressing the history of American slavery, the films not only come into a dialogue with the preexisting representations of slavery in music, photography and cinema, but also reflect on current racial politics and antiracist activism in the United States. They offer a commentary on changing attitudes towards the issue of race in America, and engage with the collective memory of slavery - a past trauma, which has shaped the African American identity.

Reconstructing the Identity of African-Americans in Countee Cullen’s “Heritage”: Why Race Matters in America

The present paper argues that it is the color of the Africans that is an object of mockery and humiliation hurled at them by the whites. To escape from this color-induced discrimination and identity crisis, yearning for the ancestor’s native heritage is the sole sanctuary for the American people of color. This paper examines the subtle use of the symbols of dark images to show how Countee Cullen, in his poem “Heritage,” shows black people's identity crisis based on color. The dark color symbolizes a constraint on civilization and creates a distinct bifurcation between synchronization and harmony in the nation. Hence, the recurring dark color in the poem leads the minority group to quest for identity through social strengthening. The poet calls for African Americans' personal, social, and geographical identity based on hereditary identity. In the context of America, the question of true identity in the new nation leads black people to feel a deep anguish of estrangement and alienation. Drawing on Cullen’s poem as the primary source for analysis, this paper applies Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancis, Winthrop D. Jordon, Michael Banton, and Lois Tyson’s racial theory and search for identity for textual analysis. Racial discrimination creates gloom and generates inferiority among individuals. The minority group seeks identity establishment for social inclusion. Therefore, this study concludes that national coherence in American society invariably rests upon minimizing gloom, distancing, and uneasiness.

Resurrecting the Past to Find the True African American Identity: Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson

Resurrecting the Past to Find the True African American Identity: Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson

The representation of African American identity on screen for a Spanish audience

Existing studies of translations of audio-visual productions that explore African American issues focus exclusively on African American Vernacular English and culturally specific references, the standardisation or omission of which are seen to compromise the originals’ critique of race and their value for in-group identity. This article takes a multimodal approach to three such productions dubbed for a Spanish audience. Firstly, it examines how characters’ African American identity is rendered not only by language but also visually and aurally. Comprehension in dubbed versions is more likely to be affected by non-linguistic matters, such as casting of voice talent. Secondly, it is shown how translations shape the audio-visual creation of a fictional world and extra-diegetic elements that address a particular audience and thus enable in-group identification along ethnic lines. Lastly, an alternative translation strategy is outlined that targets audiences from the international Black diaspora to whom such productions might appeal.

THE M/OTHER STORY IN TONI MORRISON’S BELOVED: THE TRAUMA OF MOTHERHOOD/MOTHERLAND AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IDENTITY

Inspired by the story of Margaret Garner, Toni Morrison’s Beloved revolves around the story of Sethe, among those of other slave mothers, and her struggle to experience motherhood against the horrors and terrors of slavery and white exploitation. In light of Lacanian theory, this study deals with the traumatic nature of motherhood in the institution of slavery, while exploring the unconventional m(other) portrait drawn by Morrison in her novel. Connectedly, drawing on Stuart Hall’s insights about the issues of identity and belonging, this paper also investigates the role of the trauma resulting from lost motherhood in the loss of the African motherland and the molding of the African-American identity.

50 Why are Black and Mexican American children more vulnerable than White children to upper respiratory viral infection?

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: There is an excess risk of upper respiratory infection (URI) among Black and Mexican-American children in the US. Factors that underpin these disparities are largely unknown. We evaluated the extent to which socioeconomic status (SES), serum cotinine, obesity, and household size explained the association between race/ethnicity and URI. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We studied children, 6-17 years of age, who identified as Black, Mexican-American, or White in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2007-2012). URI was defined as a self-reported cough, cold, phlegm, runny nose, or other respiratory illness (excluding hay fever and allergies) in the past 7 days. The proportion of the association between race/ethnicity and URI explained by SES, serum cotinine, obesity, and household size was estimated as the average causal mediation effect (i.e., the indirect effect of race/ethnicity via the mediator) divided by the total effect of race/ethnicity. The average causal mediation effect was derived from survey weighted logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Black children were nearly 40% and Mexican American children were ~60% more likely to report a URI than those who identified as White (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.06-1.77 and OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.21-2.13, respectively). Lower SES explained ~25% of the association between Black and Mexican American identity and URI (percent mediated 24.7; 95% CI, 23.0-26.6 and 26.1; 95% CI, 24.2-28.2, respectively). Obesity explained ~7% of the association between Black and Mexican-American identity and URI (percent mediated, 7.6; 95% CI, 7.3-8.0 and percent mediated, 6.7; 95% CI, 6.4-6.9, respectively). Nicotine exposure explained 8% of the association between Black identity and URI (percent mediated, 7.9; 95% CI, 5.6-10.1). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Lower SES explained a quarter of the association between race/ethnicity and URI. Low SES is a broad concept that may work through different mechanisms to lead to disparities in URI by race/ethnicity. Future research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and to identify modifiable aspects that can serve as targets for intervention.

SHATTERED MEMORIES AND A SENSE OF IDENTITY IN BELOVED BY TONI MORRISON

This paper examines and explores the complex relationship in Toni Morrison's ‘Beloved’ between the feeling of identity and the scattered memories. The novel employs the experiences of its characters—especially Sethe, whose recollections of her horrific past interfere with her ability to construct a cohesive identity—to illustrate the eerie legacy of slavery. Through a qualitative analysis of non-linear narrative structure of the novel, the paper investigates how Morrison represented memory fragmentation as a mirror of the psychological damage caused by slavery. The study argues that the characters' sense of self is damaged as a result of these fragmented memories, which are frequently brought on by upsetting memories and the spectral presence of Beloved. This is especially true in light of their struggles to reconcile the past with their present identities. By examining pivotal scenes and character dynamics, this study elucidates how Beloved employed memory as a literary device to investigate the enduring effects of slavery on African American identity. Last, the paper concludes that Morrison's depiction of segmented memories not only highlights the internal struggles of the characters but also offers a wider reflection on the lasting impact of slavery's collective trauma on the development of African American identities.

Just Keep Dancing: Reclaiming African American Identity through Dance Performance

Just Keep Dancing: Reclaiming African American Identity through Dance Performance

The Song of Suffering, Reconciliation and Redemption: A New Critical Reading of “Sonny’s Blues”

This research paper examines the story “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin that depicts the everlasting sorrows and sufferings of two black brothers residing in Harlem, New York. The omnipresent suffering is caused primarily by their African-American identity that leads toward the split between the brothers and ultimately fuels the intra-racial conflict in the black community as a whole. In addition, amid the never-ending troubles and deeper wounds of the black brothers, jazz music, i.e., Sonny’s blues is offered as a soother and a healer that erases their pains and sufferings, and as a thread that reconciles, reawakens, and redeems the whole black community. To analyze such familial and communal upheavals which have directly afflicted the lives of the major characters in the story and the crucial role that jazz music plays in it, this paper draws the theoretical reading from a literary movement called New Criticism that treats a text as an autonomous whole, developed by Cleanth Brooks, Allene Tate, John Crowe and others.

African-American Cultural Expression: The Defiance of Black Aesthetics

This research delves into the transformative realm of Black Aesthetics as a profound and resilient cultural resistance strategy employed by African-Americans. In a historical context marked by the degradation of the genuine image of African-Americans through Western perspectives, Black Aesthetics emerges as a dynamic force challenging stereotypes and reclaiming agency over cultural narratives. The study explores the foundational influences of key socio-political movements, namely the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Power Movement, and the Civil Rights Movement, in shaping and catalyzing the development of Black Aesthetics. During the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance served as a crucible for cultural revitalization amid the multifaceted struggles faced by African-Americans. Fueled by a desire to break free from racial stereotypes, this movement laid the groundwork for the emergence of Black Aesthetics as a tool for empowerment and self-expression. The subsequent impact of the Black Power Movement and the Civil Rights Movement on Black Aesthetics is examined, revealing how these movements contested prevailing Western perspectives and sought to redefine the narrative surrounding African-Americans. The Black Power Movement, emphasizing self-determination and autonomy, stood in stark contrast to the assimilations goals of the Civil Rights Movement, collectively contributing to the nuanced evolution of Black Aesthetics. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this research navigates the intersection of art, ideas, and socio-political dynamics, elucidating how Black Aesthetics serves as a cultural resistance mechanism. It explores the multifaceted dimensions of this resistance, including the creation of alternative narratives, the celebration of cultural identity, and the reclamation of dignity. Ultimately, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Black Aesthetics as a transformative force in cultural resistance, shedding light on its historical roots, its evolution through significant movements, and its enduring impact on reshaping the narrative of African-American identity.

Adopting Digital Humanities to Explore Toni Morrison’s Oeuvre: A Literary Dimension

This research paper delves into a new literary dimension of using technology to unravel the rich tapestry of Toni Morrison. It uses digital tools of sentiment analysis,character networks, and text mining to unveil the hidden nuances of her narratives. As her novels are celebrated for their African-American identity, experience, and societal complexities, this study examines the cultural, historical, and emotional landscape of her narratives through the realm of digital humanities. It deepens the understanding of her characters through the geospatial data which traces the cultural, historical, and symbolic dimensions of African Americans. Besides, it offers insights in the integration of technology and literature.

Complex Variation in the Construction of a Sociolinguistic Persona: The Case of Vice President Kamala Harris

Over the past few decades, sociolinguists have begun to take greater interest in how public figures, such as politicians, may employ variation at different levels of linguistic structure in the construction of a public persona. These figures are of particular interest because their public and constructed usages may also illuminate wider social usages and indices of specific linguistic variables. This paper presents results from analyses of multiple aspects of ethnolinguistic variation in the speech of Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2019-2020 Democratic Party Primary debates. In particular, it focuses on her use of selected morphosyntactic features associated with African American Language (AAL), vowel systems associated with California and African American identities, and topic-based differences in the use of selected prosodic variables. Together, these results show how VP Harris selectively employs both enregistered and subtle linguistic variables in the establishment of a highly specific sociolinguistic identity that comports with her unique positions politically, socially, and racially. The results of this study expand our knowledge about how the complexities of speaker identity are reflected in sociolinguistic variation, while further illuminating how speakers in the public sphere use variation reflect and construct both who they are and who we want them to be.

We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power by Caleb Gayle (review)

We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power by Caleb Gayle (review)

Equity, identity, and representation in outdoor recreation: ‘I am not an outdoors person’

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the recreational experiences of African American residents in Hillsborough County, Florida at varied levels: institutional, recreational, and personal. To investigate the intricacy of perceptions and experiences among African Americans in the context of outdoor recreation, the first author used qualitative methods to provide in-depth investigation into African American residents’ perceptions of recreation in Hillsborough County, Florida. Our analysis revealed four overarching themes: 1) Racialised Outdoor Leisure Identity, 2) Representation Matters, 3) Recreational Constraints and Opportunities, and 4) Equity in Leisure Experiences. The findings of this study add to the literatures on outdoor leisure identity and recreation of African Americans and their perceptions of outdoor identity, why representation matters, how safety constraints are negotiated, especially among women respondents, and of residents’ perceptions of equity within their parks.

Impressionistic Vision of the Color-line Problem in Rebecca Hall's Film Adaptation (2021) of Nella Larsen's "Passing"(1929)

"Passing" is the most controversial film adaptation by Rebecca Hall (2021) of Nella Larsen's novella (1929) with the same title. The winner of (2022) "Independent Spirit Award" for "Best Cinematography" has achieved unexpected success though it has been produced in black and white. Hence, this article aims to investigate the secret of this success exploring the phenomenon of passing and the color-line problem; their racist implications and camouflaged types. The misunderstanding of the African-American identity and their Double conscious diagnosed by Du Boi has developed different and contrasting shades of inner and outer social conflict in the USA in terms of black and white, submission and rejection, self-satisfaction and self-hatred, staying and passing. The importance of this article then lies in recalling the color-line problem as the main problem of the 20th century which unfortunately seemed to be unsolved in the 21st century through Larsen's literary impressionistic vision and Hall's impressionistic cinematography treatment. Therefore, the researcher has traced the literary impressionist techniques in both Larsen's novella and Hall's film adaptation to expose some personal, social, racial, and political viewpoints that reflect two different generations' visions. Finally, the conclusion has asserted that the color-line problem is ongoing and that the fair fight against racial injustice will not come to an end unless having all these segregation walls demolished inwardly and outwardly.

Presentation of Racial Discrimination: A Transitivity Analysis of Meghan Markle’s Interview at The Oprah Winfrey Show

The transitivity analysis of Meghan Markle’s interview at “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has been carried out to see how the experience of racial discrimination has been presented in language. It is descriptive-qualitative research where Hallidayan Transitivity Model, from SFG, has been employed to explore the meanings construed in utterances. SFG looks at the functions of language and transitivity deals with experiences narrated and conveyed through language. The analysis of the data reveals that the utterances construe an experience of racism as Meghan had a Black American identity. Her unborn child was mocked for his/her complexion, and was denied security, title, and an equal status in the Royal family. She also experienced bullying at the international level through international media and had to leave the UK. The most dominant processes found through the analysis are mental and verbal processes. The mental processes show that she understood, perceived, and therefore got affected by racism. The verbal clauses show that she was bullied, verbally, and questioned by the family. While the material and behavioural processes show her effective response towards racism and discrimination based on that racism, while the relational clauses identify it. The language is highly objective since circumstances are used thereby bringing validity and detail to her experiences.

The Intersection of Blues and Gospel in Langston Hughes's Poetry

This article delves into Langston Hughes's use of blues and gospel music in his poetry. It explores how his poetry has helped challenge traditional views of African-American art. Hughes promotes African-American identity and culture, and advocates for principles such as freedom, democracy, and brotherhood. Hughes's poetry celebrates both spirituals and the blues, recognizing their power to evoke emotions and capture the essence of the human spirit. Despite the differences between the two genres, Hughes sees a greater bond that unifies them as part of the broader African-American culture. Hughes believes that his poetry should be performed and recited with musical accompaniment to enhance and strengthen communication. In this sense, music serves as a strong and unifying force that can inspire participation, dialogue, and engagement with African-American culture. This article examines how Hughes's poetry reflects the blues and gospel traditions and how his art is not isolating but ultimately unifying. By analyzing specific poems, such as "The Weary Blues" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," this article demonstrates how Hughes's use of blues and gospel music speaks to a broader cultural context and how it is an integral part of African-American identity. Furthermore, the article highlights how Hughes's work has been influential in promoting African-American culture and identity. Through his poetry, Hughes seeks to challenge traditional views of art and African-Americans by asserting that African-American culture is worthy of artistic representation. His use of music in his poetry helps to underscore the importance of music as a part of African-American culture, and to foster a sense of community and unity among African-Americans. This article illustrates how Hughes's poetry is not only a reflection of the blues and gospel traditions but also a representation of African-American identity and culture. Hughes's use of music in his poetry helps to break down cultural barriers and promote unity and engagement within the African-American community.