TOXIC MASCULINITY AND BLACK MALE VULNERABILITY PART 3
In part 2, I discussed how Black boys are statistically more at risk of remaining stuck in poverty, because of many factors that negatively affect them. Such as: ongoing stereotypes that are forced onto young black boys and the neighborhoods they are raised in, negative societal influence, and mental generational trauma. It is very difficult for young black boys to break out of this toxicity. Thus, making it more difficult for them to be able to acknowledge and discuss this vulnerable side within themselves and their community. In part 3, I am going to discuss why that is, including why young black men have early deaths compared to any other race. Black men face a much higher chance of being incarcerated; they make up the largest share of prisoners, and are more likely to be forced into a life of crime. I will also discuss how to break this cycle, how to prevent it from continuing into future generations, and how to mitigate the negative influence.
Disparities against black men are real; we can see them amongst different communities. Statistically, within the black community, homicide is the leading cause of death for black males. At the same time, Black Americans are incarcerated at far higher rates than white Americans. Black youth have a hard time finding role models, not being stereotyped, being protected within their community, establishing trust, and being viewed as non-violent.
Offering more government/county/state programs for mentorship in more communities is something that will significantly lower these statistics. A lot of violence in specific communities occurs during the summer. Studies show that group mentoring paired with cognitive-behavioral skills has cut violent-crime arrests by ~50% and raised on-time graduation in randomized studies, so offering summer-based programs that are paid by the federal government or state can significantly lower violent crimes amongst young black boys. It is common to blame parents for a young boy's behavior, but trying to undue the harm inflicted on black boys requires a more holistic effort. It takes effort from not only the parent/guardian but the state, the community, and the federal government. If more of these resources are provided to these communities, there is no doubt that the lives of black men would greatly improve. However, criminal deferment programs, public school funding, and even court-sanctioned education is usually not offered to young black boys. If anything, the state and federal government step in when it is already too late.
Other resources that can help these youths, to prevent them from suffering from the stereotype that has been placed on them, are providing ways for black youth to celebrate and thrive more in their community. Exposure to African and African American history, fun activities, arts, celebrations, and achievements helps counter stereotypes and builds confidence within the individual. Another program that can help is free financial programs, helping to teach young black men about finances and youth investments, which is an encouraging way to show these black youths that they can also achieve financial freedom into their adulthood.
Extracurricular programs are probably being run in your local community, but how accessible are they to black male youth? A lot of people are not aware when resources such as these are provided, nor are they aware of the benefits. Extracurricular activities and community-focused child-rearing will help decrease the problem of violence, mental health, and toxicity in black boys' lives. This will help especially when they reach the level of an adult, as their lives will not fall into the toxic cycle that has been consistent for black men and black youth. Breaking generational cycles and stereotypes has not only a positive impact on young black boys, but also ultimately helps black communities craft a healthier schema about black men's masculinity and vulnerability.
Sincerely,
Kassandra Vivu
Author, Content Writer, Creator
Edited by
OG TRXDE
WORKS CITED
“Intervention Dramatically Lowers Violent-Crime Arrests for at-Risk Teens.” UChicago News, 29 Apr. 2015, https://news.uchicago.edu/story/intervention-dramatically-lowers-violent-crime-arrests-risk-teens
"The Evidence on Cure Violence.” Cure Violence Global, https://cvg.org/the-evidence-on-cure-violence
“100 Black Men of America.” 100 Black Men of America, Inc., https://100blackmen.org/