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!) They probably just feel that through what they've been learning, being African American seems to be a lot better than being their own race. You could explain to them that while this lesson was focused on African American history, there is also a fair share of White history. Tell them that we are all human beings and that race does not determine how great you are as a person, that everyone no matter of what their race should be proud of whoever they are. You may even need to explain this to the class, since some may feel the same way but be more silent about it. You don't want to downplay the importance of African American history and contributions to the US, but you need to ensure that all students feel equal, respectful, and proud of one another no matter race, culture, ethnicity, sex, etc.