January’s Book Review

So, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to dedicate time to read at least one book a month. Here is the review for my book for January.

Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority by Tom Burrell
Published by SmileyBooks; 1 edition (February 1, 2010)
Paperback: 283 pages
Source: Purchased from Amazon for $11.99

This book not only challenges the narrative of inferiority of African Americans in the US, but also provides an interesting analysis of the “brainwashing” that has infected the psyches of many African Americans. It breaks down how deep rooted insecurities  reaching back to the days of slavery still has a grasp on Black Americans today.

Burrell shows how words and images in music and the media have been used for years to manipulate how blacks are viewed in this country and subsequently how many of us have unconsciously viewed ourselves. While many will argue that racist media propaganda died with the end of the Jim Crow era, Burrel breaks down how mainstream news outlets today still focus heavily on the negative aspects of the African American life, while at the same time ignoring or downplaying our contributions. From the damning portrayal of light skinned black women as sex vixens in music videos to black comedians  and their jokes on serious issues of dysfunction such as “bitch black women, deadbeat dads, bad ass kids and battling black parents”.

If he has done nothing else, Burrel gets the audience thinking and perhaps starting to devise solutions to changing the way blacks perceive themselves and eventually how others perceive us.

I would highly recommend this book to any individual that wants to be enlightened.

Rating:

 

If anyone is interested, I will be reselling my copy (used, with normal wear and tear) for $7.99 +shipping and handling.

Does the mothering role need public endorsement?

On May 9th 1914, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, declared the second Sunday of May as a national holiday as, “a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

So this poses the question, should we not express love and reverence for our mothers on any other day of the year?

For those who have a genuine relationship with their mothers, a day that is solely dedicated to force expression is not necessary. Unfortunately, Mother’s Day has become like almost every other holiday in the US-commercialized. Similar to Valentine’s Day when driving down the road you can find makeshift flower stands at every corner, and just like Valentine’s Day is this not just another day set aside to do something we should be doing every day. To honor those who mean the world to us, and to thank them for all their love and support.

to complicate matters further…

Although mothers are ideally depicted as loving and nurturing this unfortunately is not always the case. There are also those who do not have any connection with their mom, whether it be due abuse, abandonment or neglect but are made to feel judged for not wanting to celebrate at all.

The entire day is a celebration of women who are able to bear children, however this excludes women who have not given birth or are unable to, and may cause them to feel as though they have failed as a woman. In the 21st century, womanhood should not rely solely on childbirth. The fact that a woman may not want to or is unable to have children should not classify her as inferior.

Additionally, the pain of one who have lost a mother is unimaginable. Consider this,  a friend who lost her mother a few years back and every Mother’s Day she becomes isolative and withdrawn. She does not go to work, church and tries to avoid coming outside altogether as the pain of seeing everyone celebrating this holiday, or worst being asked what did she “do” for her mother on that day is a stab at an already deep wound.

This post is not to bash those who celebrate Mother’s Day, but while celebrating I think we should make a conscious effort of being aware that for many, this is a difficult day. Most of us know someone who has lost a mom, a child or are battling with infertility. A small gesture, a text, a call to acknowledge the pain that they may be facing on this very special day will go a long way.

The family unit is a complex matter that reaches far deeper than the pursuit of big business for profit. Life is too short to wait for one commercial day.

Hold those you love close and celebrate every day, as tomorrow is promised to no one, and only fools rely solely on tomorrow.

What do you guys think? Has Mother’s Day become too commercialized? Do you know someone who suffers a great deal on that day? Comment below.

Don’t suffer alone

As a woman of color and a mental health professional, one of the topics that is near and dear to my heart is the prevalence of mental illness in the African American community. May is mental health awareness month and after reading a very touching piece by a fellow blogger on how he is dealing with recent diagnosis of schizophrenia, I was moved to write a post on the subject.

 

In the African American community there are many misconceptions when it comes to mental illness. The topic of mental illness is often seen as a taboo and most don’t speak on the topic at all. Many believe that a mental health condition is a personal weakness or some even a punishment from God. This leads to many being reluctant to discuss mental health problem or even seek treatment because of the shame and stigma that comes along with a psychiatric diagnosis.

 

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to report having serious psychological stressors than non-whites, yet despite this, young adult African Americans, especially those with higher levels of education, are less likely to seek mental health services than their white counterparts. The top four reasons for failure to seek treatment included:

Socioeconomic Status: In the US where health insurance is closely tied to employment, the high rate of unemployment in the African American communities coincides with a high rate of individuals who are uninsured or under insured thus leading to lack of diagnosis and treatment.

Distrust: Many African American professionals, especially those who climbing up their respective professional ladders, are often faced with institutionalized racism and often are compelled to be strong. In the corporate world, many African Americans face social isolation and often and they feel that they can’t trust anyone or share anything and must go it alone.

Lack of African American Mental Health Professionals: In 2015, only 3.7% of members in the American Psychiatric Association and 1.5% of members in the American Psychological Association were identified as African American. A person’s beliefs, norms, values and language plays a vital role in their health, including mental health. Cultural competence is a doctor’s ability to recognize and understand the role culture plays in their patient’s treatment outcome and to adapt to this reality to meet your needs. Cultural incompetence can lead to insensitive mental health provider and greater mistrust from the patients.

Most African Americans rely on faith, family and social communities for emotional support rather than turning to health care professionals, even at the point where medical or therapeutic treatment may be necessary.

Faith and spirituality can play a vital role in your mental health recovery process but should not be the only option. Spiritual leaders and other members of your community can provide much needed support. However be aware that spiritual communities can also become a source of emotional distress and even the origin of the social stigmas if members of this community are uneducated on mental health.

Don’t let fear of what others may think prevent you or a loved one from getting better. One in five Americans are living with a mental illness. You are not alone. Help is just a click away. People often don’t get the mental health help they need because they don’t know where to start. Use these resources to find the help you, your friends, or family need.

 mental health screening tools. 

http://ok2talk.org/ 

Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by dialing 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1

http://www.militaryonesource.mil/transition?content_id=267534
In Crisis? Call 1-800-273-TALK

The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists offers numerous resources for LGBT people who are experiencing mental health conditions, including a directory of LGBT-friendly therapists.

Text “NAMI” to 741741

It’s important that those living with mental illness know that they are not alone, and sharing your personal experiences can also help with your personal recovery. Have a story that you’re comfortable telling? Share below.

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Reference: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-Communities/African-Americans#sthash.znJFsuO3.dpuf

Copyright 2017 by travelingsistaz.  All rights reserved.

Edited by Kevin Khan RPAC