In this commentary, the author sttes that she has gained much insight from reviewing the collection of writing on whiteness. While there is agreement among those authors that there is a distinction between the first wave and second wave whiteness studies, there is a unified theme to not minimize the consequences of inhaling racist air, which is a…

African-American clients have in general been treated by mental health professionals who assess their behavior in terms of white culture and society. By failing to examine these clients in relation to their own culture, professionals may often arrive at distorted diagnoses that result in ineffective treatment. (Author)

Although the suicide rate among Black Americans is rising, particularly among young Black females, little is known about the phenomenon. Much more research in this area is needed, as well as more effective suicide prevention programs. (RLV)

Defines the concept of racism and provides background on racism in the United States. Statistics showing the status of minority groups in the areas of the economy, government, housing, education, media, and health are presented. Attitudes toward Black managers in the corporate world are discussed, and several experiences with racism and prejudice…

The backlash theory in mental health is discussed in terms of its cultural antecedents and its contemporary applications to mental health research. (Author/RLV)

Compares and contrasts Eurocentric organizational goals and values with Afrocentric ones. While the Western model is based on materialism, hierarchical control, bottom-line profits, and competition, the Afrocentric model is based on support of all members, communal management style, and people over profits. (JPS)

John J. Gumperz' interactional analysis goes beyond traditional work in discourse analysis, conversation analysis, and ethnography and may, ultimately, lead to the development of new sociolinguistic theory regarding problematic interaction. The likelihood of the development of theory will be significantly impacted by Gumperz' ability to: (1)…

Responds to an earlier article by William Darity, Jr., which criticized the author's concept of equal economic opportunity. Claims that Darity misrepresented his viewpoint regarding racial differences in economic status. (GC)

Contemporary Black sociologists are more liberal and more politicized than their predecessors. They argue that major differences exist between themselves and their white colleagues and they emphasize norms, theories, and methods different from those of traditional sociology. (Author/MJL)

Using data from the current population survey, this article examines patterns of unemployment and employment among Black youth and compares the employment and unemployment patterns of Black teenagers to those of Black young adults (20 to 24 years old). (LRA)

This paper notes that most Americans believe that Black African firms operate their businesses along European lines. Within America's business community, the study of Black Africa now enters its third decade of benign neglect. Reasons for Americans remaining blind to Black African business principles include ignorance of Africa's complex past,…

Discusses the ethical issues surrounding anthropological research and the gap between professional social scientists and the native populations they study. Issues are presented from the perspective of Black Americans' reactions to investigation by White social scientists in a segregated society. (MK)

Research on transracial adoption indicates that most minority children in transracial placement adjust very well to their mixed-race environments. Most transracial adoptees have a sense of identity with their racial heritage, but the strength of this identity depends, to a large degree, on the commitment of the adoptive parents to foster it.…

Discusses three articles which document the interaction of physical and social components that stratify cities by race and cites differences in family size, work time, and expectations from a move that affect differences in perceptions and behavior between black suburbanites and white gentrifiers. (Author/LHW)

Argues that the Black heroes created by Afrocentric, Black playwrights are categorically different from the White heroes created by Eurocentric, White playwrights. Identifies traits of the Black hero (personal magnitude, self-irony, verbal skill) and describes variations on the heroic in a number of Black American plays.