A constant onslaught of negative images about black males in the media, may be one of the root causes of the rising tide of violence and crime in Bermuda.That is the theory behind a lecture to be given tomorrow night at the Bermuda College, by Bermuda College adjunct professor Quinton Sherlock Jr. ‘Nigrescence Revisited’ will look at ways to address unhealthy cultural identity in black males. The lecture takes its title from nigrescence theory proposed by William Cross Jr, one of the United States’ leading authorities on researching black identity.The Royal Gazette met with Mr Sherlock to learn more about his ideas related to black male identity.Q: Growing up, did you feel there were a lot of negative images coming from the media about black males?A: At the time, in terms of some of the images, sometimes you saw blacks portrayed in certain roles and things of that nature. I definitely felt there were blacks portrayed badly. I would definitely say I experienced some of that.Q: What about our own newspaper. Do you think we publish too much crime involving black males?A: I understand that controversy sells newspapers and newspapers are in the selling business. Sure, it is more dramatic to have the front page image of a male who has just committed a murder or been involved in a gun crime, as opposed to having an senior four student who was accepted to college early, as a front page image.The main headlines tend to be more negative stories than the positive ones that are out there in the community. Printing positive things on the front page could possibly lead to a shift in the community, and say we want to focus on and highlight the positive things, rather than the negative.Q: Tell me about the nigrescence model.A: It talks of various black identities. There are different thought patterns and behaviours associated with the different identities. There seem to be some identities related to aggression, violence and crime. Then we are able to focus in and highlight whatever we call this particular identity, where people often display violent behaviours and criminal activity. It helps us look at how we can help these people with negative identities transition to a healthier state of being.Q: Why men? Surely women are also being affected by these issues?A: The reason I focused on black males in particular is because when you see the reports and incidents relating to gun crime in Bermuda you always see a black male whether he is the perpetrator or the victim. By no means does that mean it is only a black male problem, especially living on an island as small as Bermuda.It is an Island-wide problem. I just want to use the black male as kind of example. The idea is that everything we are seeing in the context of the black male can be applied to black women, or anyone. If we are able to help the black male to move from an unhealthy person to a healthier place it will affect everyone.Q: Do you discuss these things with your students?A: When we are in the formal classroom we have a curriculum we have to teach to. Within that I try to bring in as much as I can of my ideas and my feelings, just to expose them to a potential, alternative perspective on things.Q: What about the texts that you are teaching at the Bermuda College? Are they written by a wide range of people?A: It is interesting that you mention that. In the lecture, I will actually use text books that I use and teach from to make a point. Even the very system that we are adhering to and teaching from represents a particular perspective that in some regards can influence how one perceives themselves in the world, especially as a black male.Q: Do you think that colleges and other educational institutions need to work to present other viewpoints?A: I would say yes. To a certain extent steps are being made to move in that direction. But how far are we really going in terms of making those adjustments and changes? Even in our regular education system, elementary, middle and high school, you do hear of pockets introducing Portuguese culture or black culture into the curriculum.I do think that education systems are moving in that direction but how much emphasis are we really putting into that transition? I believe the more we put into that area the more changes we may see in the long term. Even today, if a black male specifically wanted to explore their history as a black person, or learn about African culture, they would have to do that on their own. It is not something that is readily provided for them in the traditional educational system.Q: Do you recommend any books on this topic for people who are interested in learning more?A: Dr Na’im Akbar, who wrote ‘Visions for Black Men’, ‘Know Thyself’; also works by Chancellor Williams such as ‘Destruction of Black Civilization’, and also works by John Henrick Clark. Those are just a few authors.‘Nigrescence Revisited’ will be held at 6pm in the North Hall Lecture Theatre (G301) at the Bermuda College. Admission is free.