Johnson & Quaye (2017)

Queering Black Racial Identity Development

Introduction

The article entitled "Queering Black Racial Identity Development" by Alandis A. Johnson and Stephen John Quaye, published in the Journal of College Student Development, explores Black racial identity through the lens of queer theory. This theoretical approach offers a fresh perspective that challenges traditional racial identity development models, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of identity formation among Black individuals.

Theoretical Background

Queer Theory

Queer theory serves as a catalyst for deeper insights into the processes of racial identity development, proposing fluidity and complexity in understanding how Black individuals navigate and construct their identities. The authors emphasize that traditional models, which often depict racial identity development as linear and stage-like, fail to encapsulate the rich variations and intersections of identity.

Limitations of Current Models

Previous theories of racial identity, notably those by Cross (1971) and Jackson (1976), maintain a stage-based approach where individuals progress through clear, defined phases. These models simplify the diverse experiences and introspections that individuals undergo in forming their identities, which can be influenced by systemic racism and personal experiences.

Key Theories and Frameworks

The article hinges on merging queer theory with Black racial identity development theories and incorporates elements from critical race theory (CRT). This approach aims to challenge existing power structures inherent in traditional student development theories.

Cross’s Model of Psychological Nigrescence

  • Developed in 1971, it identifies five stages through which Black individuals achieve identity consciousness:
    1. Preencounter: Lack of awareness of one's race, often devaluing Black identity while conforming to White standards.
    2. Encounter: A transformative event disrupts the individual's worldview, prompting exploration of Black identity.
    3. Immersion-Emersion: A dual process of immersing oneself in Black culture while rejecting Whiteness, transitioning towards a more critical Black consciousness.
    4. Internalization: Greater ideological flexibility; individuals reconcile previous understandings of Black identity with their evolving self-perception.
    5. Internalization-Commitment: Moving towards community engagement to address systemic issues related to race.

Jackson’s Model of Black Racial Identity Development

  • Introduced in 1976, Jackson's model also enumerates five stages:
    1. Naïve: Unawareness of one's racial identity.
    2. Acceptance: Internalization of dominant racial ideologies, where a person may conform to racial dominance narratives.
    3. Resistance: Awareness of systemic racism, leading to active or passive refusal to accept subordination.
    4. Redefinition: Acknowledgment of Black identity's societal perceptions, followed by reclaiming cultural heritage.
    5. Internalization: Individual confidence in their identity without needing to justify it.

Critical Race Theory (CRT)

CRT examines the omnipresence of racism and offers five core tenets:

  • Ordinariness of Racism: Racism is a daily reality, evident both overtly and covertly.
  • Interest Convergence: Change occurs when the interests of White individuals align with those of people of color.
  • Social Construction of Race: Race and racism are built through societal interactions and changes over time.
  • Antiessentialism: Rejects fixed identities, emphasizing the complexity and intersections of identities.
  • Counterstorytelling: Highlights narratives from individuals of color to contest dominant ideologies.

Comparative Analysis of Theories

Common Themes

There exist similarities among Cross’s and Jackson’s models, such as:

  • Both utilize a stage-structured approach to identity development.
  • They illustrate the process of racial awareness and resistance towards oppressive racial structures.
    Additional parallels with CRT emerge, particularly regarding race's centrality in a person's identity.

Divergences from Queer Theory

Queer theory contrasts sharply with the stage models by denying the linear progression of identity. Instead, it promotes a framework where identities are:

  • Fluid: Ongoing processes influenced by context and experience.
  • Liminal: Identity categories are not fixed but instead continuously evolve.
  • Performativity: Identity is expressed through actions rather than merely existing as traits.

Queering Black Racial Identity Development

The authors propose an innovative model that integrates queer frameworks with Black racial identity development:

Elements of the Queered Model

  1. Performativity of Race: Similar to gender, race can also be a performed identity, where actions may reflect varied racial narratives.
  2. Socialization of Race: Just as sexuality is socially constructed, so too is racial identity, influenced by individual experiences and societal discourse.
  3. Contextual Influence: Identity is scrutinized through specific social contexts, which can embody various power dynamics (e.g., race vs. sexuality).
  4. Resistance to Norms: The need to conform to established racial identities is a common theme in both queer and racial identity discourses, showcasing an active fight against societal norms.
  5. Continuous Becoming: Emphasizing the unending process of identity formation, rejecting the idea of static racial identity.

Implications

Potential Benefits

Utilizing this queered model permits:

  • Greater flexibility: Allowing individuals to express complex racial and identity narratives without being restricted to rigid categories.
  • Recognition of multiracial identities: The model can potentially be well-suited for biracial or multiracial students who may not fit neatly into traditional racial categories.
  • Addressing colorism: The queered model acknowledges intragroup diversity, allowing for an inclusive space that considers various shades of Black identity and experiences.

Limitations

Despite its advantages, the queered approach also faces challenges:

  • Risk of color-blindness: By deconstructing categories, there's a concern that it could erase significant histories and cultural nuances associated with racial identities.
  • Potential dismissal of political and cultural importance: Racial categories have been historically vital in organizing against racism and fostering communal solidarity.

Conclusion

The intersection of queer theory and Black racial identity development presents a transformative potential within higher education. It landscapes an innovative perspective toward understanding how marginalized identities can fluidly interact within systems of oppression. The future of student affairs and educational practices may benefit greatly from more nuanced applications of this queered model, expanding inclusivity and fostering a deeper comprehension of identity in diverse student populations. The research encapsulates a necessary starting point for further explorations into the complexities of identity formation in a continuously evolving societal framework.