Thomas, C.M. (2016). Black youth identity development: Media influence in a colorblind society. (Doctoral dissertation). ProQuest Database. (1025347)

This basic qualitative inquiry investigated how 10 Black high school aged youth constructed their identities through the intersection of racial identity, racism, and media.  Learning is socially constructed, and the ways in which we conceptualize knowledge are complex.  For Blacks, part of that complexity involves navigating modern racism; bias masked as colorblindness.  Youth voice was amplified, using interviews and reflexive photography.  Analysis of the data revealed that Black youth have complex beliefs, attitudes, and values about Blackness and how it should be re-defined in this information age.  These data revealed a prominent division within the Black culture, such as complexities associated with peers who use media as a canvas for disadvantageous representations of Blacks thereby fueling existing stereotypes and stagnating American cultural progress.  While the participants disapproved of the oppression found in racial discrimination, they were principally concerned with the culpability of Blacks in proliferating those stereotypes.  The study concludes with implications and recommendations for those who work with Black youth, including educators and policymakers.

Keywords: Black youth identity, racism, colorblind ideology, social identity theory, media, stereotypes