Cultural Disregard: Using Photovoice to Explore the Realities of Men of Color Who are At-Risk for Dropping-Out of High School

BACKGROUND: African Americans nationally graduate at a 55% rate compared to Whites at 78%. In North Carolina, 58% of Black students graduate compared to 73% of White students. Less than 50% of African American and Latino males complete high school. Education is considered one of the most important social stimuli in any nation and the lack of an educated citizenry stifles economic growth, and increases the risk for morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The CBPR method of photovoice was used to organize, engage, and empower 20 middle school and high school aged African American and Latino males in four sites in North Carolina. Participants are given cameras to: document their concerns to promote dialogue and new knowledge through discussion of the photographs; mobilize action to understand the “culture of disrespect” they face; and to facilitate critical analysis of the deterrents to graduation and health. RESULTS: Participants identified the proximity of fast food chains to their schools as a deterrent to healthy eating. They also identified the presence of more security at predominantly minority schools compared to suburban schools as a school-related factor that encourages a culture of disrespect which discourages developing close relationships with teachers and challenges their identity as men of color. CONCLUSION: The larger culture of disrespect within and outside of schools supports men of color's negative attitudes about school, healthy behaviors and their life chances. Behaviors develop to adapt, cope and reject systems of authority, which increases their risk for dropping out of high school.