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!) I think that this is an interesting issue. The teacher in this classroom should take the students to the side and explain to them, that while it is understood by looking at all of the accomplishments of African Americans, they need to be proud of their race as well. The teacher probably needs to discuss with the students that there are many White scientists, writers, and political figures that they will find just as interesting or admirable. The teacher could also talk with the students about what particular African American they want to be like and focus on the contributions and/or inventions that person made and let get the student to see they want to possibly mirror the actions of that person, not necessarily their race. The teacher does need to make sure that White people are also covered in this view of American cultures. This would allow the students to see people who look like them and know that it takes all of the cultures of America to make it great.