Labeling Theory of the Uneducated Black Man

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The Uneducated Black Male; Labeling Theory If the Looking Glass Theory is correct and people base their identity on how society views them then the Labeling Theory is the main cause for the education woes of the young Black male. I. Introduction Education should be for everyone, no one should be left behind yet forty four percent of Black men are illiterate. Why is this? There are many theories from lack of inclusion in society to Imperialist Patriarchy. Whatever the cause the issue needs to be resolved. Toby S. Jenkins (Mr. Nigger), Hooks (We Real Cool Black Men and Masculinity) and T. C. Howard ( Who Really Cares? The Disenfranchisement of African-American Males in PreK-12 Schools) attempt to address the issues that have led to the Black male being an underachiever and what can be done to resolve these issues and put Black men on the same playing field as their counterparts. Jenkins though somewhat more cynical than Howard offers a comprehensive view of labeling and its effects on the Black male and some concrete solutions to the educational problem. Hooks seems to be speaking more from personal experience than statistical facts and though she offers some solutions to the education problem facing Black males, her solutions are vague at best however all three authors concur that the uneducated Black man is a direct result of some form of labeling. II. Internal Critique The main theme of the three writings is labeling within an Imperialist Patriarchy. Toby S. Jenkins in his piece “Mr. Nigger” is concerned with the social, political, economic, psychological and educational issues that face the Black man today. Hooks piece examines how a patriarchal society has led to the black male being stereotyped and how these myths have... ... middle of paper ... ...ly destroyed beyond recognition the representation of an alternative black man seeking freedom for self and loved ones, a rebel black man eager to create and make his own destiny. This is the image of the black male that must be recovered, restored, so that it can stand as the example pf revolutionary manhood” According to Hooks almost all Black men have had to repress themselves emotionally so as not to be perceived as troublemakers or even risk being punished for allegedly making trouble. Curious Black boys are perceived as troublemakers while their white peers exhibiting same behavior are rewarded. All three authors concur for the educational status of black men to change then there has to be a restructuring of America and the education system and then and only then will Black males become overachievers instead of underachievers.

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