In correlation with Valentine's Day, the second installment of Black History 101 touched on love relationships and its impact on the black community.
Graduate student John Johnson spoke to a small audience in Teachers College Wednesday night about factors of black male and female relationships, and touched on historical theories that affect them. Johnson has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in women's studies and is currently seeking a master's degree in educational psychology.
Sophomore Raykisha Smith said the seminar, part of a month-long series celebrating Black History Month, was helpful and answered many queries.
"There were a lot of questions answered that have broadened my views on relationships," she said.
Johnson also gave statistics that affect the common conflicts among black men and women, stating that according to Census 2000 data, for every 100 black women there are 90 men, and black women are two-thirds of the black college population. Johnson said because of the ratio of African-American men to women, there are harsh ramifications.
"Competitive dating leads to decreased relationship stability, tension and/or hostility between black women," Johnson said. "(As a result, there are) more relationship compromises and fewer consequences for black male infidelity."
Junior Chantell Barnhill said she enjoyed the seminar and Johnson's overall presentation.
"I liked the way he handled himself, and the questions being thrown at him," Barnhill said. "He was very honest, even though others didn't always agree."
Johnson touched on types of relationships, and engaged in discussion on issues surrounding the pitfalls of love relationships. Johnson gave his theories about the topics, and noted that black women have a heavier burden when it comes to relationship expectations.
"Black women are twice silenced by racism and sexism," Johnson said. "They are given so little that many become bitter or jaded, which is described at 'attitude,' for which they are often criticized, and they have been forced to lower their standards or expectations."
Sophomore Edna Gonzalez said the forum allowed men and women to see where the conflict lies.
"It gave men and women a chance to express their genders and show how the other gender thinks," she said. "I learned why men justify their actions and why women are so susceptible to how men behave."
According to Johnson, negative effects of black male and female relationships are a result of society.
"There are a lot of social factors that negatively impact black male and female relationships," Johnson said. "Better relationships are a possibility if you try."
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