African American, Research Paper Example

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of the Racial/Cultural development model (RCID), as proposed by Sue and Sue (1998). The model is applied to that of the African American citizen in the USA.  The 5 stages for the minority group are examined from the viewpoint of a therapist and how the different viewpoints are explained.

Introduction

The Racial/Cultural development model (RCID), as proposed by Sue and Sue (1998), comprises 5 stages as follows:

1. Conformity
2. Dissonance
3. Resistance and Immersion
4. Introspection
5. Integrative Awarenesss

Stage 1: Conformity — In this stage the “individual completely embraces the dominant culture beliefs and customs”  (Sanchez, 2010). During this time personal characteristics of the individuals culture are rejected and viewed with contempt.  This stage is considered to have the most adverse effect on minority groups and experience of low self-esteem for not being accepted by the majority group.   One of the best examples of this is the character of Adolph in Uncle Toms Cabin[1] who was Augustine  St. Clair’s personal slave, who wears his masters cast-off elegant clothes and considers himself superior to the other slaves who he considers inferior.  Adolph rejected his ethnicity and his fellow Africans because he felt elevated by being given special privileges.  In fact he lacked the self-esteem of not being accepted as equal to his Masters.

Stage 2: Dissonance —  This is where conflicting messages and observations are inconsistent with your own views and cultures. It questions the belief from the conformity stage. Traumatic events can quickly push you into stage 2.  An example of this might be the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King who was an advocate for peaceful reform by the African Americans who were being rejected by American Society.  In fact individuals were feeling persecution and rejection from the white population.  This lack of equality prompted a violent response but Dr King proposed a different route.  His assassination through all of this into a state of confusion and turmoil.

Stage 3 : Resistance and Immersion — This is where a person completely embraces his own cultural values and rejects those of the dominant culture. ” They resist the oppression from the dominant group in terms of guilt, shame and doubt”.  (Sanchez, 2010).  A good example of this is the emergence of the ‘Black Power’ movement after the Civil Rights activists ” The Black Power movement of the 1960s and 1970s followed in the wake of the non-violent American Civil Rights Movement. The movement promoted racial pride and ethnic cohesion in contrast to the focus on integration of the Civil Rights Movement, and adopted a more militant posture in the face of racism”  (Anon, 2009).

Stage 4 : Introspection — This is where individuals realise the more extreme nature of their feelings. It is a question of attempting to feel more objective about your cultural values / views and move towards integration of your own culture with that of the more dominant culture and a desire to end all forms of oppression.  The Champion of introspection is Dr. Martin Luther King and his ” I have a dream speech” . Dr King inspired a nation in his non violent advocacy for human rights and equality of all African Americans:

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed — “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today”  (Edwards, 2010)

Stage 5: Integrative Awareness — Here the person develops an inner sense of security and approves of both unique aspects of their culture and that of the US culture. It represents a full state of awareness and compromise that accepts the views of both sides.  Perhaps the most famous and historical example here is that of President Obama that has made the breakthrough on behalf of all African American people to the top job in the USA.  A magnificent achievement and the dawning of a new era in American history. There have been many famous and noted African Americans including Morton Anderson, Maya Angelou, Josephine Baker. James Booker. Corrine Brown, William Lewis Brown. Grace Bumbry etc[2]

Works Cited

Anon. (2009, 7 19). African American Culture. Retrieved 6 3, 2010, from http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/33603-african-american-culture-african-part-european.html

Edwards, S. (2010). Analysis of Martin Luther King’s . Retrieved 6 4, 2010, from Presentation Magazine: http://www.presentationmagazine.com/martin-luther-king-i-have-a-dream-speech.htm

Sanchez, C. (2010). Research/Cultural identity development: Integrating Various models into one. Iowa: University of Iowa.

[1] Uncle Tom’s Cabin was produced by Harriet Beecher Stowe (born 14.6. 1811).

[2]  See a long list of famous African American people : http://www.aawc.com/paa.html