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Troubling the Waters: A Critical Essay on Black Male Role Models and Mentors

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Abstract

We assert the concepts of “role model” and “mentor” continue to permeate educational and public discourse as viable means of behavioral modification among young Black males facing multiple inequities. Though these terms it seems, have obtained significant currency, they also carry a degree of ubiquity—obscuring proper understanding and future application. By analyzing existing educational and social science literature of role modeling and mentoring in relation to Black males, three common discourses are presented and explained: (1) lack and need of clarity as it pertains to the terms role model and mentor, (2) socialization centered around discipline, rules, order and/or care and reciprocity, and (3) focus on the individual. We draw on these discourses to complex current reasoning pertaining to the Black male role model and mentor as well as suggest further research applying to its theory and practice.

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  1. Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666-4684, USA

    Marcus W. Johnson

  2. Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

    Anthony L. Brown & Louis Harrison

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Johnson, M.W., Brown, A.L. & Harrison, L. Troubling the Waters: A Critical Essay on Black Male Role Models and Mentors. Urban Rev 52, 415–434 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11256-019-00538-x

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