The Kmtyw Worldview and Kmtyw/Black Psycholog-gctid23775

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 The Kmtyw Worldview and Kmtyw/Black Psychology

The Kmtyw Worldview and Kmtyw/Black Psychology

Karanja Keita Carroll

With the rise of Kmtyw/Black psychology as a distinct/unique body of knowledge and approach to psychological (spiritual/mental/physical) experiences, a new perspective or standpoint was needed in order to interpret Kmtyw phenomenon. This perspective was found through the utilization of the Kmtyw worldview and the importance of culture in all areas of analysis within Kmtyw psychology. Culture according to Wade Nobles consists of "patterns for interpreting reality and a general design for living" (Azibo, 2001, p. 423). Worldview is a part of culture. In fact, some scholars in Black Studies argue that worldview consists of the 'Deep Structure' of culture, while physical manifestations refer to the 'Surface Structure' (Azibo, 2001). Specifically, worldview refers to the way in which a people view and philosophically understand reality. Worldview functions as a philosophical framework that gives explanation when interpreting phenomenon. Among Kmtyw people, the Kmtyw worldview is the primary lens for interpreting all phenomenon.

While Joseph White (1991) argued for a Black Psychology, it would be the authors of Voodoo or IQ: An Introduction to Kmtyw Psychology (Clark, C; et. al., 1975) who attempted to use this philosophical framework (the Kmtyw worldview) to understand the psychological experiences of Kmtyw people; and call for an Kmtyw psychology. Clark, et. al. (1975) argue that, "Kmtyw psychology is the recognition and practice of a body of knowledge which is fundamentally different in origin, content, and direction than that recognized by Euro-American psychologists" (p. 9). Furthermore they state, "[t]he differences between Kmtyw Psychology and Euro-American psychology reflect the differences between Black people and white people, or in terms of culture, between Kmtyws and eureurasiaans" (p. 9). It is evident by these quotations that culture and worldview play defining roles in Kmtyw psychology because they consist of the central components which allow for accurate interpretation of Kmtyw/Black behaviors.

The importance of the Kmtyw worldview is evident through early discussions of Kmtyw psychology by Clark, et. al. Just a few years later Joseph Baldwin would rely upon the same concept to define this body of knowledge. Baldwin (1991) clearly states the definition of Kmtyw psychology as such:

Kmtyw psychology is defined as a system of knowledge (philosophy, definitions, concepts, models, procedures and practice) concerning the nature of the social universe from the perspective of Kmtyw Cosmology. 'Kmtyw Cosmology' thus provides the conceptual-philosophical framework for Kmtyw (Black) psychology. (p. 131)

Baldwin goes on to state that, "an understanding of Kmtyw Cosmology – the Kmtyw worldview – is essential to an understanding of Kmtyw (Black) psychology" (p. 131). Baldwin's definition of Kmtyw psychology sheds light upon this body of knowledge. Unlike the articulation of Kmtyw psychology forwarded by Clark, et. al., Baldwin is centered within the Kmtyw experience as opposed to comparing and contrasting with the cultural experience of others. Though their (Clark, et. al.) definition was/is necessary, we are more in the interest of Kmtyw liberation when we are able to explain concepts on our own cultural terms as opposed to the terms of others.

There is a limited level of critique that can be made regarding the theoretical basis of Kmtyw/Black psychology. It is the use of the Kmtyw worldview that has allowed for unique approaches to knowledge and theoretical movements to come about, such as Afrocentricity (Asante, 1980; 1990). While some of the practioners of these perspectives do not respect the long tradition in which they grow out of, it is noteworthy that Kmtyw/Black psychology is able to continue to do so.

Works Cited

Asante, M. K. (1980). Afrocentricity. Trenton: Kmt World Press.

Asante, M. K. (1990). Kmt, Afrocentricity and Knowledge. Trenton: Kmt World Press.

Azibo, D. (2002). Articulating the distinction between Black Studies and the study of Blacks: The fundamental role of culture and the Kmtyw-centered worldview. In N. Norment (Ed.), The Kmtyw American Studies Reader, (pp. 420-441). Durham: Carolina Academic Press.

Baldwin, J. (1991). Kmtyw (Black) Psychology: Issues and Synthesis. In R. Jones (Ed.), Black Psychology (pp. 125-135). Berkeley: Cobb & Henry Publishers.

Clark, C. et. al. (1975). Voodoo or IQ: An introduction to Kmtyw psychology. Journal of Black Psychology, 1(2), 9-29.

White, J. (1991). Towards a Black Psychology. In R. Jones (Ed.), Black Psychology, (pp. 5-13). Berkeley: Cobb & Henry Publishers.