Dr. Sherle Boone argues African Americans share more than psychological connections to White Americans than other Blacks in new book
(via PRWEB press release) March 26, 2012 — In his new book, “Meanings Beneath the Skin: The Evolution of African Americans,” psychology professor and African American scholar, Sherle Boone, argues the psychological make-up of African Americans is more closely aligned to White Americans than blacks originally from countries other than the United States.
Driven by extensive research and a series of surveys conducted from 1996 to 2008, Boone contends with growth in knowledge about themselves, fewer African Americans are likely to view race in terms of cultural and psychological connections to all other people of African descent. According to Boone, “African Americans are approaching a ‘cross-road’ with respect to their relationship to other groups as they learn more about the distinctiveness of their history.”
Research findings within “Meanings Beneath the Skin: The Evolution of African Americans” also suggest as African Americans increasingly embrace their distinctiveness, they may become more selective in rendering support on behalf of other non-white groups or nations. That is to say, African Americans may be more inclined to explore partnerships with other ethnic groups from the standpoint of collective self-interest.
Boone stated, “Other minority groups have benefited from the sacrifices of African Americans – but without reciprocity of even sufficient acknowledgement of African Americans. This may very well be a driving factor to African Americans subconsciously – and consciously – weighing the benefits and costs that may result from helping other African descendants, globally.”
Sherle L. Boone is a Professor of Psychology at William Paterson University of New Jersey. He also is the founder and president of the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute, Inc., housed on the campus of Princeton University.
Related Links
- The W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute– Dr. Sherle L. Boone interviewed by Al Duncan
- Black Educator– Is Princeton’s DuBois Institute’s Scholars Summer Program trying to create a 21st century ‘talented tenth’?
