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!) An African American may very well feel as though this was a compliment and smile because of the history and feeling a lack of appreciation. I would suggest that you find out which topic actually triggered each to approach you with their current feelings. I would then explain that an individual does not have to be of a specific race, culture or ethnicity in order to recognize for his or her contribution. I would definitely let them know that although how they feel may be flattering to individuals of African American culture, they (the students) should always be equally proud of the contributions made by Americans of other cultures. I would suggest that contributions made my Native, Asian, White, and other Americans be discussed in the weeks to come.