African-american male stereotypes: Obstacles to social work in a multicultural society

Abstract

As evidenced by the last presidential campaign, the African-American male continues to be the subject of extensive stereotyping. Such stereotypes are pervasive. Reinforced by media images, the stereotypes of the African-American male as a sex crazed beast with a penchant for violence aimed at the European-American community is an obstacle to social work in a multicultural society. Individual practitioners may perceive or be perceived on the basis of these stereotypes. The continued effort of social workers to confront these stereotypes is imperative.