Pollster Dr. Silas Lee Releases Research Findings from Study of the Attitudes of Black Males

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- New Orleans - Dr. Silas Lee, of Dr. Silas Lee and Associates and the Ernest N. Morial Endowed assistant professor of sociology at Xavier University of Louisiana, will release the results from the poll and focus group of African American males about their perceptions of life, love and relationships with African American women.  

Aside from provoking passionate discussions, the data reveals the reverence African American males have for African American women and the hopes and uncertainties they experience as they navigate the emotional, spiritual and psychological terrain of love and relationships.

Unlike the generic portrayal of African American men and women in the media, “Black Woman Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama,” incorporates the voices of men and women who have experienced the exhilaration and disappointment of love.  Aside from establishing a baseline statistical assessment of their experiences and expectations in love, the book measures the psychological and emotional impact of past relationships on current and future partners.

As a pollster and analyst for more than twenty years, Lee is recognized for incorporating the social and cultural dynamics of urban society in his analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.  This unique strategy offers a vivid portrait of the challenges and opportunities that his clients can expect as they implement a communications strategy to inform and motivate diverse demographic groups.  

The results of the survey and focus group with Black males are discussed in Sophia Nelson's book.  Below are some key data snap shots from the research with African American men:

* African American Men Suffering in Silence:  An unexpected percentage of professional Black men identified work-related stress (hypertension) at 72% as major challenge confronting them in the workplace.  This is a ground breaking revelation that has not been discussed in mainstream media and reflects the silent agony experienced by many Black men in society.

* Descriptions of African American Professional Women:  The descriptions selected by the male respondents to describe Black professional women reinforced their experiences, perceptions, and some stereotypes.  The most frequent words used to describe the women accentuated their success, such as independent (72%) and accomplished (66%).  This contrasts with the second set of descriptors focusing on less than flattering personality traits such as controlling (39%) and angry (22%).

* The Impact of First Lady Michelle Obama:  More than seven of ten (75%) respondents “strongly/somewhat agreed” that Michelle Obama is reconstructing the image of Black women in society by exposing America to a successful Black woman who reflects the dominant values of society.

* Barriers to Successful Relationships:  Admitting their shortcomings, the male respondents identified the two primary barriers to professional Black women having a successful relationship as:

--  Past hurts at the hands of other Black men --- 55%
Differences in career and/or life goals --- 49%
--  Insecurities in Relationships:  One-third or more of the men questioned if “they can enhance the quality of life for a professional Black woman (35%) or make her happy (33%).”

Additional findings can be found on the polling company™, inc./WomanTrend website, pollingcompany.com, and the Black Woman Redefined website, BlackWomanRedefined.com, in June 2011 after the book is in stores.

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