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!) In effort to help students acquire an appreciation of all cultural people that contribute to our society, the teacher should include a discussion about diverse figures that help others. Students should be able to see differences in culture, gender, and ability when exploring content. The focus on African Americans suggest to students that only this ethnicity can become scientists, writers, and political figures. Children have to learn about Susan B. Anthony, Cesar Chavez, and Helen Keller to see that anyone that works hard can become successful in life. Success in life is not based on the color of your skin or the language you speak or the category of your gender or the amount of money you earn each year. I would ask the students why they want to be black to determine the root cause of the statement they made and then further the discussion that race does not determine your contribution to the world.