Cool Pose: Black Male Homicide and the Social Implications of Manhood

ABSTRACT

Black male homicide has reached crisis proportions. This study investigated homicidal incidents to assess associations of Cool Pose with Black male homicides. Cool Pose is a tradition of manhood originating in Africa. The relationship of Cool Pose and homicide was examined by analyzing with multivariate statistical techniques 721 homicide incidents that occurred in the city of Newark, New Jersey. Findings suggest that Cool Pose is linked to homicides involving Black males. Society is not irrelevant to Cool Pose homicides and therefore relevant to their resolution. Social services may contribute to said resolution by informing the social work profession.

KEYWORDS:

• Race
• Cool Pose
• homicide
• Black males
• crime