Methodologies VI: Methodology Manifesto

Africana studies has the singular history of being a field that is both personal and academic. It is a field where possibility and malleability reign supreme. For students whose vocational education purposely and systematically excluded the histories, literature, and art of Africana peoples, Africana studies could serve as a second education, a (hopefully) diasporic family history.  For students who have grown up in predominantly white spaces, Africana programs have the capacity to serve as a quest for a reimagined and realized black self. The field has transformative power as it is the reflection of self, the world, and it’s future. However it’s this mixture of the personal and academic that has proved to be both the field’s point of success and failure.

Like many of the scholars who pondered the future of Africana studies, I too feel that Africana studies, as I’ve experienced it, has focused excessively on deconstructing white supremacist and hegemonic thought and practice (Rabaka, Africana Critical Theory). For survey courses in the discipline this focus on deconstruction is not only important but also necessary.  However, the study should move past this stasis. As students plunge deeper into the field, the focus should also deepen. I suggest that courses include the radical thought that is explored in black feminism and womanism, modern articles/videos/and or movements (digital or otherwise), or rarely called upon texts that complicate or reformulate daily black life.

Furthermore Africana study both in survey and major courses need to incorporate an international narrative. Here I do not mean a simple additive course of action that tokenizes Afro-Latino, Afro-European, and African thought (Higginbotham, Designing an Inclusive Curriculum). I mean an infusing of various scholars from these regions at the inception of Africana education. Because Africana studies is the intersection of the personal and the political, American institutions often have ignored or bypassed other texts because they see them as irrelevant to their national narrative. We must not only be cognizant of this failing but also realize that our experiences are a part of a larger dialogue. If Africana studies wishes to continue being the transformative field it is, it must implement this change. This would inhibit our theories from being too Americentric and would encourage future endeavors to truly encapsulate the African diaspora. It would also even cover the aforementioned point of finding new/radical thinkers instead of regurgitation of ‘classic texts’.

And we can’t stop there. As Africana is an interdisciplinary field, its reach should even extend to quantitative data. Similar to Psychological Statistics, an Africana Studies and Statistics course would teach not only the formulation of numbers but also the ways in which statistics are manipulated in various studies in relation to Africana peoples. The class would effectively prepare students to use this quantitative practice in future research, and further integrate Africana studies in other quantitatively drive fields.

Ultimately I’m calling for a breath of new life into the field. An understanding of the passage of time and shortcomings that feeds the future of Africana studies. We need to incorporate black women, international radical thought, quantitative study, digital media, sex and sexuality, and the arts as all necessary and integral subjects to this field. I’m calling for the cessation of additive education in favor of whole-hearted inclusion. For we are not where we were when Africana Studies began. We should no longer centralize white theory and black male radicalism in our work. As we are expanding our community our study should too. We must move past deconstruction in order to build lasting education for our youth.

Word count: 589

Works Cited

Higginbotham, Elizabeth. “Designing an Inclusive Curriculum: Bringing All Women Into the Core,” Words of Fire. Print. The New Press: New York, NY. 1995.  480

Rabaka, Reiland. “Africana Critical Theory: Overcoming the Aversion to New Theory and New Praxis in Africana Studies and Critical Social Theory”.

 

Tags: ,

57,751 Responses to “Methodologies VI: Methodology Manifesto”

  1. Annya says:

    Nights with Annya – Kolkata Escort Service
    It’s not too late to make it interesting if your life has stopped offering you options because of unknown reasons. In such case, Kolkata Escorts Service is the ideal spot for you. You have the power to choose who can brighten your life and become such good friends by spending a short time with our top-notch model females. Other than our model females, there is no such site. All you have to do is contact our escort service in Kolkata by simply visiting the city whenever you’d like. Warm and welcoming, they will undoubtedly react favorably to you and provide you the greatest services, including escort service in the hotel room and many more related services.

  2. MLBBVIRAL says:

    Thank you for the information.
    For friends who are looking for recommendations for a website specifically discussing the Indonesian Mobile Legend Game with famous players, please visit the website below for further information.
    https://www.deviantart.com/mlbbviral

  3. 168NEWS says:

    Thank you for the information.
    For friends who are looking for recommendations for websites specifically discussing domestic news related to government, natural disasters, the world of entertainment, sports and many others, please visit the website below.
    https://sites.google.com/view/168news

  4. Your recent post on Sugarlandpediatricclinic was phenomenal! It ignited a spark of inspiration, particularly for someone in the pediatrician sugar landfield here in Houston. Your blog is a goldmine of valuable insights, and I’m eagerly anticipating your next exploration. Keep up the stellar work!

  5. GAMERTERBAIK says:

    Thank you for the information.
    For friends who are looking for recommendations for cool online games, you can visit the website below.
    https://gamerbest.wordpress.com/

  6. I am a very simple and cute girl with a lot of love and work as a Call Girl in Lajpat Nagar or. You could say Nehru Place Escorts Girl. I really like it if people love me the way they want.

  7. At long asia LLC, we support professional DX transformation. LONG ASIA Utilizing the know-how that only a LLC can provide, we support expansion not only in Japan but also in other Asian countries. Read More Here: long asia 合同会社

  8. Good Blog You Shared With Us.

  9. paris77 slot says:

    takaan ada cinta yang lain , pastikan cintaku hanya untukmu

  10. paris77 says:

    wkwkwkw sang pangeran cinta bro ?

  11. From the glitz of the runway to the excitement of the streets, Hellstar’s fashion journey is a charming tale. Rooted in particular aesthetics, it’s a brand that indeed is developed beautifully over time, blending city cool with excessive-fashion charm. Its impact on streetwear and mainstream fashion is plain, putting tendencies effects.

  12. NEKOINFO says:

    Thank you for the information.
    For friends who are looking for various websites that specifically discuss the coolest holiday destinations in Indonesia and the world.
    https://minebeauty.wixsite.com/tips

  13. sophia says:

    If you plan to travel with Copa Airlines and need assistance, it is essential to know how to contact them in Puerto Rico. To skip the waiting time and contact the Copa Airlines Puerto Rico Teléfono representative by phone. Simply dial Copa Airlines telephone number at +1–866–609–1576. The Copa Airlines Puerto Rico phone number provides customer service in Spanish and English to assist passengers with questions regarding reservations, flight changes, baggage, and more. Trained personnel provide personalized support and resolve passenger issues. Whether you need help with your next trip or have questions about your current flight, the Copa Airlines Puerto Rico line is here to help.

  14. Hii,
    This is Great Post.. for me, Thanks for sharing with us!! https://bhartiya-citynikoohomes.com/

  15. Escort Service in Kolkata
    Embark on a luxurious journey through Kolkata with our Escort Service. Our elite companions redefine the standards of sophistication and charm, ensuring every encounter is tailored to your deepest desires. Whether you seek companionship for a social event or intimate moments behind closed doors, our escorts provide discreet and personalized services that transcend expectations. With a focus on your satisfaction and privacy, we guarantee unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

  16. city girl says:

    Call Girls In Gaur City Noida
    Welcome to the Gautam Buddh Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh’s Industrial Development Authority. If you are 18 or older, you may continue to support and enjoy the voyage to heaven, but if you are under 18, you should, in all likelihood, quit this site right away if you need a Call Girl in Gaur City Greater Noida West. According to the rules of our country or the internet states in India, we will not be in charge under any circumstances made for an audience under the age of eighteen.

  17. Thanks for sharing this.

  18. sarikasen says:

    Escort Services in Kolkata
    When it comes to availing the friendly services of excellent call girls in kolkata, you will have to be highly judicious and feel the warmth of the salaried associates. The alluring kolkata escort services that you can get with Wonders will be amazing. Consider buying such friends for once and feel their body heat. Just try to find these bitches and increase your trend with them. Hot partners are ready to provide you great services. Interact with these individuals and make the most of their body glow. Acquiring young and dynamic women is a perfect process to warm up your mood.

  19. Annya says:

    Nights with Annya – Kolkata Escort Service
    It’s not too late to make it interesting if your life has stopped offering you options because of unknown reasons. In such case, Kolkata Escorts Service is the ideal spot for you. You have the power to choose who can brighten your life and become such good friends by spending a short time with our top-notch model females. Other than our model females, there is no such site. All you have to do is contact our escort service in Kolkata by simply visiting the city whenever you’d like. Warm and welcoming, they will undoubtedly react favorably to you and provide you the greatest services, including escort service in the hotel room and many more related services.

  20. tiskagirl says:

    nice Make Your Mood

  21. Staying hydrated is key to a healthy lifestyle, and a water drink reminder app is the perfect solution! With busy schedules, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water throughout the day. This app sends timely reminders, ensuring you stay hydrated and energised.

    https://waterremindersapp.com/

  22. This is excellent article, thank you for the share! This is what I am looking for, hope in future you will continue sharing such an superb work.

  23. In fact, many women in Lahore make a conscious choice to work as call girls in order to earn a living and support themselves financially.

  24. Hello……am Nisha Bhat From Chandigarh Escorts always give their customer an excellent means to find erotic pleasure. These babes are sexually tempting and know the ways of giving high-fi sexual time to their customers.

  25. Trapstar says:

    Trapstar’s designs are like a breath of fresh air in the fashion scene! Love the edgy vibe they bring to every piece.

  26. Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee

    like water for chocolate » Blog Archive » Methodologies VI: Methodology Manifesto

Leave a Reply to Body to body spa near me Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.