Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: I Wish I Were Black! As a teacher of 5th grade students, I try to make sure that my students have a good sense of all the people and cultures that make up this country. Last couple weeks, I paid special attention to the African American people who have made significant contributions to the US. We read a book written by Walter Dean Myers. We have studied scientists, writers, and political figures. Students were very engaged and interested in the content. Yesterday something happened that puzzled me. Three of my White students told me that they wished they were Black. This was not my intention when I planned all my lessons on contributions of African Americans. How should I address this issue? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) Considering the age of these students and the discussions that led up to this, these students probably have seen the great leaders of the black community. I would explain to these students that it does not matter what color, gender, or age you are. Everyone has the power to make a difference and everyone has the power to change the world. I would also like to remind the students that they are who they are for a reason. If the were black or any other color, gender, or age, then they would not be themselves and that it was makes them so special!