What happens when White man disguises himself as a Black man for a month?

Black Like Me - a novel by John Howard Griffin. An excellent read for Black History Month. Social Identification Theory and Symbolic Interactionism are discussed in relation to Griffin's experiences.

Looks of disapproval, hate speech... flagrant forms of racism -- John Howard Griffin, a White journalist from Texas, experienced it all when he darkened the color of his skin.

Black Like Me is a novel based on a true story. At the height of Mack Parker lynch investigation in 1950's, Griffin embarked on a sociological endeavor in Mississippi by disguising himself as a Black man. He wanted to know first-hand if he would be treated differently based on the color of his skin. This book narrates how the Whites and Blacks acted towards him, and why.

[ SPOILER ALERT ]

Overview

For a month, Griffin ventured a life of a Black man in the Deep South. He darkened his skin with the use of medication and make-up. As he looked at himself in the mirror for the first time, he saw a different man... both physically and psychologically. The mere darkening of his skin redefined his identity. He felt like his white identity had been erased. On his first encounter with a Black man, he instantly felt a strong, positive connection with this fellow. He received sympathy and brotherhood from the Black community. He started saying "we" when he referred to Blacks, and "they" when he spoke of White people. The concerns of the Blacks became his own concerns.

In the eyes of a White person, the Black Griffin was perceived as feeble-minded, inferior, or someone who lacked morale. He experienced numerous and explicit forms of discrimination. The racist attitude didn't come to him as a surprise, but he didn't expect it to affect him to the core of his being. On one occasion, it sickened him dreadfully to a point where he didn't even want to be seen by anybody.

What theoretical underpinnings could help us understand these turn of events?

Our social environment has such a strong influence in the way we feel, think and behave. It appears that people don't continue to act the way they do when they are placed in a different setting. Things changed for Griffin; he was unable to get what he wanted and needed when he lived as a Black man. He thought that he could single-handedly function as an autonomous individual. Based on his experiences, he was not able to escape the power of social influence.

Social Identity Theory

When Griffin transformed himself into a Black person, he began internalizing the identities of the Black social group. Social Identity Theory, which was developed by Henri Tajfel (1919-1982), explains that every social group has a social identity. An identity is a set of specific traits and characteristics that distinguishes one individual from another individual. A social identity on the other hand is a set of normative identities belonging to a social group; it distinguishes a member of a social group from another member of a social group. For example, in the Black social group, the most salient social identity is the color of the skin.

Aside from the physical characteristics, a social identity includes attitudes and behaviors. These attributes are learned especially when they are prescribed by the society (a concept further discussed in Symbolic Interactionism). For example, back in those days, Black people typically held menial jobs. They had the tendency to adopt to this norm since it was rooted in their history (the slavery), and it was also prescribed by the dominant group (the Whites). Of course, the social climate has changed since then, this is no longer the norm in our present day.

A social group may also bear a stereotype, which is a set of false beliefs that are intended to generalize a social group. Negative stereotypes can pose a serious problem because people may live up to a given expectation. For example, feeble-mindedness was a Black stereotype perpetrated in the past, hence, some Black people ended up acting as such.

Symbolic Interactionism

Symbolic Interactionism suggests that people communicate using symbols that constitute shared meanings. For example, a "V" hand gesture (using the index and the middle finger) is a non-verbal symbol for peace. Symbols don't happen or appear overnight, they are constructed through continuous discourse and interaction among the individuals in a society. One important aspect of Symbolic Interactionism is that symbols are open to influence, and a significant degree of manipulation comes from the dominant group. This explains why Griffin felt and behaved differently as soon as his transformation was complete. He acted inferior and passive in the presence of White people, not because he wanted to, but because this was the prescribed behavior by the Whites (the dominant group).

Griffin's trip to New Orleans was a perfect scenario that illustrates this theory. Griffin sat on the back of the bus because this was designated spot for Black people. He was deprived of washroom privileges. Only the White people were allowed to get off the bus to refresh themselves, while the group of Black people suffered with their full bladder at the back of the bus. Griffin wished to challenge the bus driver on an argument as to why he and the rest of the Black people could not go for a washroom break. He was unable to insist on his argument (a prescribed behavior for the Blacks), and he allowed the driver to verbally harass him. This behavior can also be attributed to the disapproval looks he received from the Black people on the bus (nonverbal symbol for objecting Griffin's assertive behavior). They were accustomed not to behave assertively, consequently, Griffin felt the pressure to act as such.

Final Notes

Griffin was viciously discriminated throughout his whole experience as a Black person. "Would this happen if I were White?" he asked himself. Truly, the answer was no. Griffin was able to confirm that the life of a Black man was substandard compared to the Whites. When he was Black, he had less opportunities in terms of employment, he was denied access to some establishments, and he lived an impoverished life. As the pigmentation of his skin slowly wore off, so did the Black identity. He regained his life as a White person with all its privileges.

Nothing was changed but the color of Griffin's skin. When someone asked for his name and his other personal information, he answered them truthfully. He carried his ID with him, which bears his real name, address, weight, height, hair color, race, sex, and height. He simply wanted to know the impact of skin color on a person. Griffin's experience implicates that superficial characteristics such as the skin color can have a tremendous effect on a person's psyche.

Despite all accounts of discrimination in this novel, it is encouraging to know there was a White person who was sympathetic to the Blacks during that time of upheaval, and who was willing to risk his life to gain understanding about racism. What better way to understand racism than to change the color of one's skin? Surely, Griffin's sociological endeavor was a success.

_______________________________

References: Griffin, John Howard. Black Like Me. New American Library, NY. 2003.

Things that I've learned from the 1986 People Power Revolution

- Remembering the People Power Revolution 25 years later

I was eight years old when this major event unfolded before me. I was too young to understand the complexities in politics, but I knew who Ninoy Aquino was, Cory and Marcos. Ninoy was assassinated at the Manila international airport in 1983. Cory was his wife... Marcos was the enemy. I can vividly remember the images of Ninoy's dead body facing down on the airport tarmac. The bullet that shot Ninoy Aquino triggered an outrage among Filipinos. Three years later, Cory Aquino led the revolution that marked the Philippine history.

On February 22-25, 1986, millions of Filipinos embarked on a nonviolent revolution to end the 20-year repressive regime of Ferdinand Marcos. The streets of Manila was filled with tumultuous populace. People cried for their desperate need for change. They were marching, singing hymns, saying prayers... holding each other's hands. After four days of uprising, Filipinos overthrew a tyrant.... without harming their fellowmen.

Do you know what it takes to engage in a peaceful revolution? Looking back at what happened 25 years ago, here are the lessons that I've learned form the 1986 People Power Revolution:

Unity. Just when you thought you were alone, you realize that there are million others who are in the same predicament as you. We are all the same. We share the same need for understanding, companionship and trust. When you're feeling empty inside, dreadful, numb, use these negative emotions as a source of strength rather than suffering. Give others the comfort in knowing that they are not alone, and that you are there to listen and to support them. Use this bond to overcome the challenges in life... together you can make things happen.

Individuality. A society is not possible without the individuals that make it. Every action of an individual can have a profound effect on the collective whole. Though we are the same within the objective definition of life, we are all different in terms of character, attitudes, or opinions. Whatever idiosyncrasies there may be, respect it. The uprising was made possible by people from different backgrounds such as nuns, soldiers, workers, students, etc. who may have nothing in common but for their goal to abolish the dictatorship. Each one contributed to the success of the revolution.

Volition and judgement reside in an individual. The willingness to have a bloodless revolution came from every individual who made it possible. If unity is the bond, then individuality is the foundation that substantiates a revolution.

Freedom. Yes there is poverty, unemployment, or economic crisis in the Philippines. But for Filipinos, there is no substitute for freedom. There are nations who survive by subjecting themselves to oppression and control of their government. Not Filipinos. Without freedom, humans are nothing but a mindless automaton... a zombie, a dead person. Filipinos believe that freedom is synonymous to living... it is a principle that is worth fighting for.

Rationality. Humans are equipped with minds that can think. You don't have to resort to physical force to make things happen. The bloodless revolution was not based on mystery... but on rational decisions. Is it right to harm another human being? Is it necessary? Think. Find a solution. Communicate with others. Understand each other, and then think again. Rationality is what sets us apart from other animals; it is the hallmark of human beings. So act like humans, not like savages.

Dare to question the established rules and dogmas. Get rid of your automatic thought that says "well it's always been like that". Don't compromise your rationale. Compromise is a practical means to maintain or restore order. It is a concept that suggests that right and wrong can co-exist. How can right be wrong at the same time? Compromise is a principle that settles the conflict between the two. But bear in mind that when something is right, it is right; when something is wrong, it is wrong. Compromise comes with a price... sometimes it's your own personal values. There may be rules and dogmas in your government (or in your simple surroundings) that is corrupting your life. Don't let this happen. Always pose a question when something doesn't make sense. Don't just obey. And by the same token, if you happen to be wrong and someone provides you with the right answers, correct your mistakes. Respect the truth.

And finally...

Value of life. With all the uprising that's going on in the Maghreb nations, many lives are being lost in exchange for their independence. Yes freedom is worth dying for, but try to explore the means that would cause less harm. Realize that the end of all means, or the end of all ends, is YOUR LIFE. We eat, we work, we exercise, we educate ourselves... whatever it is that we do, we do it all for life. Let life be the end of your means. The People Power Revolution teaches us that revolutions doesn't need to equate to bloodshed. Trust yourself that your are competent to think and to make rational decisions. Don't surrender to aggressive or hostile means. If all the peaceful approaches have been used and did not work, let revolutions be an act of self-defense to protect your life. Don't let it be an act of retaliation that could sever your life or the life of another. Freedom is the principle that allows your to say "I choose to" or "I choose not to". This principle cannot exist without life itself. Life precedes freedom, and we choose freedom to experience how it is like to live. Life is the beginning and the end... this is the value of life. Let your revolutions restore it, not end it.

- Sharing the pride of my fellowmen across the world in remembering the 25th anniversary of People Power Revolution.

What is Separation Anxiety Disorder?

- Symptoms, scientific findings, underlying theories, and some practical advise on how to prevent or reduce separation anxiety in children.

They cry loudly, they're scared... they're impossible to soothe. Children suffering from separation anxiety show these types of symptoms when they are separated from their primary caregiver.

Separation anxiety is an emotional condition characterized by excessive distress, which is associated with temporary separation of the child from the primary caregiver. It is a part of a normal development in children, however, if symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, your child may be suffering from separation anxiety disorder or SAD (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2004).

SAD is known to be the most common anxiety disorder in children. Approximately one half of the children receiving treatments for anxiety disorders are suffering form SAD (Pincus et al., 2005).

According to the recent study conducted by Allen et al. (2010), it appears that the most common symptoms for SAD are:

• excessive separation distress;
• refusal to go to school or elsewhere due to fear of separation;
• avoidance of being alone and sleeping away from caregivers;
• nightmares with themes of being separated from caregivers.

The study has also identified age and sex differences in the reported symptoms for SAD. It appears that refusal to go to school is more common in girls than boys, and in younger children (less than 8 years of age) than older children (9 to 15 years of age). Given these symptoms, SAD could certainly impair a child's life.

Why do children develop separation anxiety?

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

One of the most popular explanation for separation anxiety has been derived from cognitive-developmental theory by Jean Piaget (1896-1980). Infants around 4 to 7 months learn the concept of object permanence. At this stage, babies learn that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This is the reason why your child is amused when you play peek-a-boo with them because they know that you are just hiding.

On the other hand, it is also during this time when they begin to experience anxieties due to separation. Since they know that you don't really disappear, they'll try to look for you when you're out of sight. When they cannot find you, they begin to feel distress.

Environmental Factors

Some environmental factors may contribute to the feelings of anxiety. Just like adults, children react to stressors. Major life events such as having a new sibling or moving to a new place may intensify feelings of anxiety. SAD is also likely to be preceded by a traumatic experience. Hunger, exhaustion, or restlessness could also aggravate feelings of anxiety.


Parent-child Interaction

Choate et al. (2005) suggest that the interaction between the parent and the child is a major factor in maintaining SAD. Parents may be communicating fears that could arouse anxiety in children. By the same token, the child may respond inappropriately to the anxious behaviors of their parents. Hence, the parent and the child could be interacting anxious behaviors back and forth without noticing it.

When the child's autonomy is not encouraged, the likelihood of developing separation anxiety could increase (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2004). Overprotective parenting may result in inadequate levels of independence in children, thus impairing the child's ability to cope during separation.

Although autonomy is crucial in children's development, responsiveness to the child's needs should not be taken for granted. According to a Canadian developmental psychologist Mary Ainsworth (1913-1999), the emotional bond between the mother and the child should be nurtured to foster secure attachments. When the parent and the child fail to secure healthy attachments, the child is more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems (Choate et al., 2005).

Learning Theory

Operant conditioning also helps in explaining the development of SAD. When reinforcement contingencies are not properly managed, behaviors that are associated with SAD may increase. For example, when parents soothe their distressed child, they are inadvertently reinforcing separation anxiety behaviors, as a result, this behavior increases.

Children also learn through observation. Parents may be modeling anxiety behaviors, consequently, children learn and imitate such behaviors.

Tips on how to prevent or reduce separation anxiety in children

• Tailor your actions according to the age of the child. Practice leaving your child with someone else before he or she reaches the object permanent stage. This way, your child can learn how to be with someone else before separation anxiety is likely to develop.
  
  
• Make transitional changes to ease feelings of anxiety in children. For example, leave your children with someone familiar (i.e. a relative) before leaving them with a new babysitter. Make sure that the babysitter is receptive to the child’s needs to foster secure attachments.
  
  
• Increase your child’s sense of control over his or her environment. Encourage every self-sufficient behavior that the child exhibits. Allow your child to lead interactions or conversations. For younger children, try to reinforce active exploration.
  
  
• Focus on nurturing a secure relationship with your child. Maternal responsiveness and mother-child positivity can build strong emotional bonds.
  
  
• Finally, parents are advised to model non-anxious behaviors. Extinguish anxious reactions of your child by ignoring such behaviors.

Generally, separation anxiety is a phase that a child will outgrow. However, if the separation anxiety behaviors persist, it is advisable to seek professional help.

__________________________

References

Allen, J., Lavallee, K., Herrena, C., Ruhea, K., Schneider, S. (2010). DSM-IV criteria for childhood separation anxiety disorder: Informant, age, and sex differences. Journal of Anxiety Disorders 24, 946–952.

Choate, M. L., Pincus, D. B., Eyberg, S. M., & Barlow, D. H. (2005). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Treatment of Separation Anxiety Disorder in Young Children: A Pilot Study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 12, 126-135.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. Abnormal Psychology (2004). McGraw-Hill, NY.

Pincus, D., Eyeberg, S., Choate, M. (2005). Adapting parent-child interaction therapy for young children with separation anxiety disorder. Education and Treatment of Children Vol (28) 2, pp. 163-181.

Shaffer, D. R., Wood, E., Willoughby, Teena. Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence. (2002) Thompson and Nelson, Canada.

Jean Piaget: Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Piaget. Retrieved February 17, 2011.

Mary Ainsworth: Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Ainsworth. Retrieved February 17, 2011.

Photo Credits: Dexter Santucci

What is an Underwriter?

- The role of underwriters in insurance companies.

Surprisingly, many people do no know that there is a profession out there called underwriting. After working in two reputable insurance companies for eight years, I've always found myself trying to explain what I did as an underwriter. So if you are interested, here is a brief description of the role of an underwriter in insurance companies ...

Insurance Underwriters

The role of an underwriter is to find the intricate balance between the needs of the shareholders and the needs of the customers. To perform this, one must learn the technical skills required in underwriting.

The cornerstone of successful underwriting at is the ability to select risks. A risk is a property or a liability that a customer wishes to insure. An underwriter must know what the favorable risks are, or the risks that are known to bring profit and growth to the company. One should always consider writing the favorable types of risks and to limit those that are not.

Writing the best risks in its class is one of the challenging tasks of an underwriter. To do so, an underwriter must gather pertinent information about the risks such as:
- sustainability of the client's business
- claim history
- hazards or potential for loss
- the location of risks.

Once these are determined, the underwriter must follow the company's guideline to ensure the acceptability of the risk and to appropriately rate the risk. The rule of thumb is to make sure that the premium (or the cost of insuring a risk) should commensurate with the exposure.

Knowing the products and services that the company provides is another skill that an underwriter must practice. After assessing the risks, it is important to apply the the appropriate coverages for such risks. This helps guarantee customer's satisfaction and could encourage retention of risks.

Another challenging undertaking is pricing. As mentioned above, the premium should commensurate with the exposure. However, another important aspect of pricing is profit. To successfully price for profit, the underwriter must understand the insurance market (i.e. soft and hard market). The underwriter should maximize profit so long as the market permits.

Once the risk is in the books, the next task is to work on loss prevention and to maintain retention. The underwriter should review the risks regularly to ensure that the risk is still profitable and sustainable. The underwriter should consistently study the trends in the businesses and to apply this knowledge in managing the risk.

Another important skill is broker management. Maintaining a good relationship with brokers is paramount as they are the link between the underwriters and the customers. Communication is vital as this helps for gathering information regarding the risks. It also serves as a tool in understanding the needs of the brokers. It is important to communicate that their interests (i.e. growth in their business, satisfying their clients' needs) are also the underwriter's interests. Subsequently, this will satisfy the objective of an underwriter, which is to balance the needs of the shareholders and the needs of the customers.

I hope that the above information helps. So the next time to meet an underwriter, or if you wish to pursue a career in underwriting, you'll know what this profession is all about.

Tagine: The Moroccan Soul Food

During my stay in the South of France, I had a chance to taste a delicious Moroccan specialty. The dish is called Tagine, which is one of the staple foods in Morocco. "We could eat it everyday," said Mariam, the Moroccan lady who made the Tagine. It's very easy to make, it's healthy, and the ingredients are relatively cheap.

The Tagine (or Tajine) is traditionally cooked in a clay pot with a heavy cone cover. The weight of the cover keeps the steam sealed inside. That way the Tagine can slowly simmer in its own juices. Mmmm.. doesn't that sound yummy? Here is the recipe for the beef and vegetable Tagine (courtesy of my Moroccan friend).

You'll need:

500g of beef

1 onion chopped

1 clove of garlic minced

1 tomato

a handful of parsley

a tsp. of ginger

some olives

vegetables: carrots, turnips, green beans, green peas

spices: salt & pepper, cinnamon, paprika, coriander, cumin

olive oil

a large chili (if you like it spicy hot)

If you don't have a clay pot, you can use a slow cooker or a ceramic pot... or any pot really, as long as it has a thick base.

In a very low heat (use the lowest setting on your stove), put the olive oil, the beef, the spices, onions, some salt and pepper in the pot. Let it cook for 1 hour. Then, add the vegetables and the rest of the ingredients. Make sure that you arrange the vegetables in layers. It adds charm to the Tagine, and it makes it look more palatable. Actually, you're supposed to hide the

beef inside the layers of vegetables... the beef is kinda like a surprise. Finally, let the Tagine simmer for another good hour, or until the juices are reduced. And that's it, you're done!

Tagine is traditionally eaten with bread, and the Moroccans devour this dish using their hands. There are no plates nor utensils, everyone sits around the table and shares the Tagine.

So try this at home folks, I'm sure you'll enjoy the dish and the experience. Bon appétit!