The Psychological Importance of Self Definition and Labeling: Black Versus African American

Abstract

The term African American is currently being used interchangeably with the term Black and is increasingly being advanced as a self referent for Americans of African descent. As Black Americans deliberate and undergo this semantic metamorphosis, it is important to understand the reason, rationale, and significance of this name change for psychological self affirmation, cultural identity, and the collective progress of Americans of African descent. This paper explores a variety of issues related to self labeling and provides a theoretical argument supporting the conceptual shift from Black to African American. Finally the two terms are compared and evaluated in reference to contemporary psychological theories on self identity and mental health.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Akbar, N. (1979). Mental disorder among African Americans. Paper presented at the 13th Annual Convention of the Association of Black Psychologists, Atlanta, GA. August 1979.

Akbar, N. (1984). Chains and images of psychological slavery. New Mind Productions: Jersey City, NJ.

Anonymous (1989). Broad coalition seeks "African American" name. Jet Magazine. January 16, 75(15), 53-53.

Brotz, H. (1966). Negro social and political thought 1850-1920: Representative Texts. New York: Basic Books.

Bunge, M. (1983). Treatise on basis philosophy, Volume 5: Epistemology & methodology 1: Exploring the world. USA; D. Reidel Publishing.

Ghee, K. L. (1988a). RAAMUS (Responsible African American Men United in Spirit): A plan for action. Paper presented at the Southern Conference on Afro-American Studies, Greensboro, NC: March 23, 1988.

Ghee, K. L. (1988b). The history, ideology and behavior of positive Black men: Yesterday and today-A position paper. The Griot: Journal of the Southern Conference of Afro-American Studies. 7(2) 3-9.

Guralnik, D. B. (Ed.). (1984). Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language. New York: Warner Books.

James, G. (1976). Stolen legacy. San Francisco: Richardson Associates.

10.

Karenga M. (1980). Kawaida theory: An introductory outline. Inglewood, CA: Kawaida Publications.

11.

Karenga M. (1984). Selections from the Husa: Sacred Wisdom of Ancient Egypt. Inglewood, CA: Kawaida Publications.

12.

King, M. L. (1967). Where do we go from here: Chaos or community. Boston: Beacon Press.

13.

Kunjufu, J. (1986). The conspiracy to destroy black boys. Speech given at the Black Male Think Tank. University of Cincinnati, January 1986.

14.

Mazrui, A. A. (1986). Part 9: The Africans:A triple heritage G.W.E.T. Association (Film Series, Parts 1-9).

15.

Nobles, W. W. (1972). African psychology: Foundations for Black psychology. In R. L. Jones (Ed.)., Black psychology. New York: Harper & Row.

16.

Rufai, M. (1989). African or Black? A view from the motherland. The Final Call. Chicago. May 11, 1972.

17.

Redkey E. (1969). Black exodus; Black nationalists and back-to-Africa-movements, 1890-1910. New Haven, CN: Yale University Press.

18.

Redkey, E. (Ed.). (1971). Respect Black: The writings and speeches of Henry McNeal Turner. New York: Arno Press Inc.

19.

Rogers, C. R. (1947). Some observations on the organization of personality. American Psychologist. 2, 358-368.

20.

Storing, H. J. (Ed.). (1970). What country have I? Political writings by Black Americans. New York: St. Martin Press.

21.

Walsh, R. N. , & Vaughan, F. (Eds.). (1980). Beyond ego: Transpersonal dimensions in psychology. Los Angeles: Tarcher.

22.

Webster, A. M. (1988). Webster's ninth new collegiate dictionary Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam.

23.

Wright-Hendrix, B. (1981). Ideological change and Black identity during Civil Rights Movements. Western Journal of Black Studies, 5(3).

24.

Zimbardo, P. G. (1985). Understanding human personality. Chapter I 1 in Psychology and life. Chicago: Scott, Foresman & Company.