Afrocentric Perspective: Lack of Awareness and Resources on LBGT Suicidal Rates

Introduction

Over the last two decades, social researchers have progressively focused on the supremacy and globalization of Eurocentric theories and models of sociology (Schiele, 1997). They have viewed this domination and globalization of Eurocentric theories as being injurious to the social theories and concept that emanate from people of color (Dei & Asgharzadeh, 2001). Because of their focus and interest in African sociology, they have thus been referred to as Afrocentrists. Because these sociologists show particular interest in the political and economic effects of Eurocentric racial dominion on both Africans and Europeans, they have now focused on what they refer to as the Afrocentric and Eurocentric perspectives. By definition, the Afrocentric view is defined as a paradigm based on the idea that people of color should re-organize their social structures to attain stability. This essay looks at the Afrocentric perspective from a historical approach and then investigates how it relates to lack of awareness and resources on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

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As stated, the Afrocentric perspective refers to the thought process that defines measures that the black community should undertake to assert their position in society. Additionally, the Afrocentric perspective embraces some behaviors and attitudes either targeting or embraced by black people and their struggles with the societal challenges they present (Schiele, 1997). Historically, the American society has had several perspectives and approaches that have defined it. The civil war, the liberation, and other similar events in America's history have played a part in establishing the American society, as it is known today. One central historical element that defines the American culture is the Afrocentric approach, which focuses mainly on the history of the black community in America. Historically, the black community has experienced social status discrimination within the American society, and this became the reason why black people adopted a separate identity in America.

Several aspects of the Afrocentric approach have been studied and discussed over time. In their studies, the researchers' primary objective is to create a balance within society, such that black people will seize to adopt a separate identity in America. These approaches involve teaching and training of people, to develop their intellectual capacity (Nwosu, 2004). Additionally, these approaches focus on creating awareness within the other communities on the intrinsic human value and the need to adopt the Afrocentric perspective, just as the Eurocentric perspective was adopted within the society. Moreover, because the Afrocentric approach asserts the need for individuals to regain their space, it is vital for society to creates awareness and provide the necessary resources to combat the high rates of suicide within the LGBT community.

Statistically, approximately 3.5 percent of the American population belongs to the LGBT community (Hafeez, Zeshan, Tahir, Jahan & Naveed, 2017). Of importance to note is that the LGBT community faces increased risks of suicide as equated to other individuals within society. This increased risk emanates from low-quality care services, lack of awareness by the healthcare providers, and the fact that most people are inconsiderate about the exceptional needs of the LGBT community (Hafeez, Zeshan, Tahir, Jahan & Naveed, 2017). Studies reveal that incidences of suicide are exceptionally high among young black men. The high rates of suicide among the LGBT community emanate mainly from stress that is associated with societal discrimination and stigma. Among black people, the shame is enhanced by low socioeconomic status, which heightens the risk factors and thus leads to higher rates among people of color.

To deal with the problem of suicide among the LGBT community, several strategies that align with the approaches defined in the Afrocentric approaches exist. These are the initiation of awareness campaigns targeting the public, primary caregivers, and the community. Additionally, there is need to provide of screening initiatives that assist in early detection of risk individuals, which ultimately leads to preventive management of risk factors thus reducing the incidence rate (Haas et al., 2010). Further, there is the need for improved access to mental health care for the LGBT community and health insurance coverage for same-sex partners (Haas et al., 2010). As such, it is vital to create social awareness and provide the necessary resources to deal with stigma, societal stress, peer discrimination, and family retribution, which are the main risk factors that lead the LGBT community to commit suicide. To create this awareness, there is need for government agencies to support these programs by providing the necessary resources.

Conclusion

In summary, the Afrocentric approach is a sociological theory that attempts to explain why the black people in America adopted a different identity. Additionally, it aims to correct the historical injustices against the black community through ensuring that the Afrocentric approach is adopted into the American society just as they did with the Eurocentric perspective. In their studies, researchers have identified that awareness creation and resource allocation are the primary determinants of the success of the Afrocentric approach. It is with this understanding that stakeholders in the healthcare industry have adopted the same approach in a bid to reduce the incidence rate of suicide among people in the LGBT community. Having identified the risk factors, awareness creation and resource allocation will go a long way in reducing the number of suicides in the LGBT community.

Resources

Dei, G J. S., & Asgharzadeh, A. (2001). The power of social theory: The anti-colonial discursive framework. The Journal of Educational Thought (JET)/Revue De La Pensee Educative, 297-323.

Haas, A., Eliason, M., Mays, V., Mathy, R., Cochran, S., & D'Augelli, A. et al. (2010). Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations. Journal Of Homosexuality, 58(1), 10-51.

Hafeez, H., Zeshan, M., Tahir, M., Jahan, N., & Naveed, S. (2017). Health Care Disparities Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: A Literature Review. Cureus.

Nwosu, O. (2004). Morality in African traditional society. New Political Science, 26(2), 205-229.

Schiele, J. H. (1997). An Afrocentric perspective on social welfare philosophy and policy. J. Soc. & Soc. Welfare, 24, 21.