What are some of the ethical issues that you are grappling with in your research? What are some of the ways in which you are responding to these questions?
When engaging with the topic of Black masculinity, especially in colonial and pre-colonial contexts, one ethical question that arises is: What is Blackness? What does it mean to speak of Black masculinity across time and space? Where does it begin, and who defines it? I grapple with whether it is accurate or ethical to categorize the experiences of all Black men under one framework. These questions force me to be cautious in how I frame my arguments, always acknowledging the diversity and complexity within Black male identities and being mindful not to essentialize or generalize.
As you continue your research, have you considered alternative viewpoints in your investigation? If so, how have these alternative viewpoints enriched or changed your project?
Yes, alternative viewpoints have been essential to shaping my approach. For instance, scholars like Dr. Stephan Miescher emphasize that masculinity in Ghana is not hegemonic and cannot be reduced to a single model. On the other hand, some scholars argue that despite regional and historical variation, there is a shared thread in the experience of Black men that allows for a sense of unity in Blackness. These contrasting perspectives have encouraged me to sit with the uncertainty and complexity of this research. Rather than seeking definitive answers, I have come to value the space between positions, where nuanced and layered understandings can emerge.