Cultural Patterns and Interactions Among African American Male Adolescents: How European American Youth Workers and Educators Can Misconceive Them

Black cultural patterns and interactions among male youth are explored. Black youth have created their unique style, which includes language, clothing, behavior, and music (Rose, T., 1994). Stereotypes are fueled by cultural differences; some segments of the media are held accountable for portraying stereotypical depictions of Black males. Negative images shown in some movies, television news and television sitcoms, affects how African Americans are perceived and treated in American society (Chideya, F., 1995); (Riggs, M., 1986). The Census Bureau states that Minnesota\u27s African American population has increased (Star Tribune, 2001). The benefit for European American youth workers and educators to become informed on African American culture is to enable them to provide effective culturally competent service