Dual Citizen
Often times, being black in America means learning to exist in two different worlds. The first world would include being around friends, family and those who share a similar cultural experience. The second world may include sharing academic, professional and/or social space which those who are not familiar with the first world. The HBCU/PBI experience acknowledges both worlds exist and prepares their students to successfully exist in both, while equally preparing them to change the culture by creating their own.
Why is there such a gap between the two? Historically, the predominant culture has showed little interest in learning and accepting any other culture other than their own. Consequently, in order to survive and thrive, young black Americans are taught to become familiar with the professional, academic and social environments dissimilar to their own upbringing. What does this look like? It may look like changing the pitch of the voice, wearing certain clothes, using their posture and movements to appear non-threatening and learning the language of the predominant culture, common referred to as “proper English”. Learning the predominant culture may also include being familiar with social nuances, humor, music, fads, foods, social activities and fashion.
While this is still a current and unfortunate truth, taking this approach allows young black professionals, in a sense, to maintain citizenship in their own world and become a thriving citizen of the non-black professional world in which they will more than likely participate and exist. By doing so, they increase their likelihood of integrative success, become a gatekeeper and bridge-builder for others making the journey and ultimately, moving toward the age of cultural acceptance and independence where dual citizenship is no longer needed.
Want your students to learn more about Dual Citizenship?
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Why is there such a gap between the two? Historically, the predominant culture has showed little interest in learning and accepting any other culture other than their own. Consequently, in order to survive and thrive, young black Americans are taught to become familiar with the professional, academic and social environments dissimilar to their own upbringing. What does this look like? It may look like changing the pitch of the voice, wearing certain clothes, using their posture and movements to appear non-threatening and learning the language of the predominant culture, common referred to as “proper English”. Learning the predominant culture may also include being familiar with social nuances, humor, music, fads, foods, social activities and fashion.
While this is still a current and unfortunate truth, taking this approach allows young black professionals, in a sense, to maintain citizenship in their own world and become a thriving citizen of the non-black professional world in which they will more than likely participate and exist. By doing so, they increase their likelihood of integrative success, become a gatekeeper and bridge-builder for others making the journey and ultimately, moving toward the age of cultural acceptance and independence where dual citizenship is no longer needed.
Want your students to learn more about Dual Citizenship?
Click/Tap below.