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 would begin by having the students inform me as to why they feel the way they do. I would inform those students that I am glad that they recognize the value of other cultures other than their own. It is important for the students to realize that all cultures and racial groups have made significant contributions throughout history. I would tell the students that if they are interested in knowing more about African-American history then they should continue to research and read more material. Overall, I do not think that this is an enormous problem and the teacher should be cautious as to how he or she approaches the topic so that no problems arise from his or her response.