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!) The issue of White students wishing they were black is a situation that must be handled with compassion and sensitivity. The idea of teaching young, impressionable students about the contributions of people from various backgrounds is commendable and worth emulating. Such a practice teaches pupils that the true history of this nation cannot be written without the unsung contributions, ideas, inventions, success, morals, blood and tears of people of color. However, it may be helpful to emphasize the larger point; regardless of race, color, ethnicity, creed or orientation, everyone has an opportunity to make contributions to improve life for future generations. The color of a person does not define one's legacy. The drive and commitment to overcoming obstacles leaves the indelible imprint that boasts our existence even beyond our lifetime.