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!) Well this is interesting! I think you achieved more than you had originally intended! I assume you were trying to incorporate cultural diversity and for people to understand that all cultures are special and have value. You did this so well some of your students want to change their culture! I think before you can address this you must explain if culture is something that can be changed or remains stagnant. Can someone change their culture? After that you will have your answer. I think opening the discussion up to exactly what makes the students want to change their culture. They will probably say something along the lines that "they are super cool!". If they do then ask them who in their culture is super cool? Then explain people from other cultures who are super cool and explain that all cultures have people like this.