Final Answer:
The two extreme views on the status of the African-American family are the pathologizing perspective, highlighting issues and challenges, and the cultural strengths perspective, emphasizing resilience and cultural values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discourse surrounding the status of the African-American family is often framed by two extreme perspectives. The pathologizing perspective tends to cast the African-American family in a negative light, emphasizing issues such as single-parent households, economic disparities, and higher rates of crime. This viewpoint, while highlighting real challenges, can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to a stigmatized narrative.
On the other end of the spectrum is the cultural strengths perspective, which seeks to counterbalance the negative portrayal. This perspective underscores the resilience and cultural strengths present within the African-American community, including strong kinship bonds, a rich cultural heritage, and a history of overcoming adversity. Advocates of this view argue for a more nuanced understanding that acknowledges not only the challenges faced by African-American families but also their strengths and contributions.
The tension between these two perspectives reflects broader debates about representation and the complexities of societal narratives. Recognizing the dual nature of these views is crucial for fostering a comprehensive understanding of the African-American family's status—one that acknowledges the obstacles faced while also appreciating the cultural strengths that contribute to their resilience.