The current paper under consideration “Institutional Seriousness Concerning Black Male Student Engagement” by Harper relates to a common and previously thought after socio-psychological issue, relating the uplift of the under deemed Afro Americans, an issue that has been prevalent for centuries. The author, Shaun Harper emphasizes many perspectives relating to them, with special emphasis on their admissions into Universities, and their incorporation into academia. Harper also emphasizes the ability of the black males to be literally engaged in several activities, despite being despised.
A comprehensive theoretical approach has been adopted, where many perceptions about the social lives of Black men, in particular, are evaluated. The acceptance of Black people into Universities and providing them a conducive working environment, where they could learn, improve and serve in the different walks of life with zest and vigor. He shows that it’s the fault of the institutions and the social setup that has deemed the black community, because of which a sense of insecurity prevails.
As a sample, random populations were selected, that vary as per the requirement of the objectives. For example, the first case study presented denoted the number of Black men who started college and were compared with the percentage of white men who enrolled in higher education. In the former case, only 32% of the sample was enrolled, which strongly depicted inequality. Later on, the author compares many cases of engagement, where gender-based population studies are conducted. He concludes that female blacks are more engaging in social activities, more involved with their white counterparts, and in general, are more ‘concerned’ about their future and tend to plan ahead.
The collection of data was a straightforward approach, where for example in terms of wages, data was generated by compiling and comparing salaries of White Bachelor degree holders, as opposed to their Black counterparts. It was depicted that the former population group earned $10,000.00 more—which depicted a socially biased approach towards skin color.
Likewise, in Universities, data was generated in the same two population groups—Black versus White men who took the GRE as an indicator for the aptitude of one to be ‘capable’ to enter into higher education. The sample was direct, in terms of numbers, and it was found that only 2% of black men took the GRE—probably due to their inner feelings which gave them a sense of insecurity and uncertainty that they too actually had an aptitude to clear the GRE and enter Universities.
Similarly, data was obtained in sports, and the author has repeatedly emphasized the fact that Black men excel in sports, as that is the only opportunity that they are provided, and on the contrary, sports is the only field in which Black men feel confident and have a sense of security. Direct data shows a higher percentage of Black men engaging in sports-related activities.
The paper has been comprehensively written, which further enlightens this severe problem from many different perspectives. However, although the author presents the severity of the social disparity, he fails to presents solutions to this problem that has prevailed since ancient History. The author seems to have a deep and thorough understanding of the biased society, and it deems fit if some proposals could have been presented as to how actually the society could present a true face of equality of mankind in this modern era.
References
Harper, S. R. Institutional Seriousness Concerning Black Male Student Engagement Necessary Conditions and Collaborative Partnerships. Chapter 8