Book Review
Title: Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race
Author: Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D.
Well, it's sort of hard to give a synopsis of this one. I think the thing with this book, is that the title is what draws you in. I know I have asked the question to myself before... why ARE all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? I know other white kids have too. I guess the black "kids" sit together in other places too, but the cafeteria is the place I definitely remember noticing it the most.
This book provides a great resource for people who want to really learn about racism in America. Yes, many people will say that it is non-existent now. Wishful thinking. :) Or maybe less wishful thinking than denial.
The book goes over identity development theory-- both Black identity development theory and white identity development theory, drawing attention to the fact that white people often don't see themselves as being a "race." White is such privilege and so natural, that it isn't even something that affects many people's identity.
Tatum defines racism as "a system of advantage based on race, involving cultural messages and institutional policies and practices as well as the beliefs and actions of individuals." Using this definition, it becomes easy to see how short-sighted such terms as "reverse racism" are. Anyone can be prejudiced, but it takes prejudice plus power to make racism.
As I read through Tatum's statistics, anecdotes, and explanations, I wondered to myself, "If white people are so privileged, why would they want to fight racism? It could be seen as shooting themselves in the foot." Tatum went right on to bring up that same fact. (I was pleased to see myself thinking on the same vein as her) As a white person, it's easy to say that racism doesn't exist, that things are equal, or that black people just dredge up history. Pretty easy to say that when the history has always been on your side, helping you, giving you privilege, and not fighting against your success.
The book also argues that every white person "benefits" from racism, even if inadverdently. For instance, I probably have had privileges given to me that were the result of someone else's racism or the system. It is really interesting to think about.
It definitely rang true with me when she talked about challenges white people have when they are actively anti-racist. People don't want to be called out for racist behavior, or made to look racist-- it's a touchy subject. But when you don't say something, you are saying that you are okay with that behavior. And that moment is gone. But it can be really hard standing up to friends and family, or in groups where you know you will be the only one. It's a similar argument to what I've made regarding being an ally for people who are gay or lesbian. "Coming out" as an ally is also difficult-- stereotypes will be given to you too. People will assume that you are gay, that you are a sinner, that you are a "fag hag", the list goes one. You have to be comfortable enough with yourself not to let judgements people make affect you. And there are a share of slurs that can come with being actively anti-racist, which I don't even feel comfortable repeating. I remember leaving the party New Year's Eve before last, after the comments like "I like black people, everyone should own a few of them" and numerous references to how they all take advantage of the system through welfare. It definitely can be challenging to be the one standing up and saying that is wrong, especially to friends and loved ones.
The book also goes over how the system in America affects other groups of color-- Asian Americans, Hispanics, American Indians. It was good to see how all these groups deal with stereotypes and prejudice-- even Asian Americans who are considered the "model minority" and the challenges that even that "postive" stereotype can bring.
The book contains discussions questions at the end and a great list of resources, including childrens books with illustrations that represent people of color or biracial families, novels for preteens and teenagers that discuss these issues in a format that younger people can understand, parenting books, videos, a plethora of helpful things.
My recommendation? Read this book. Some of it may offend you, but if nothing else, it will get you thinking about these issues, which clearly need to be discussed. Highly recommend!
Author: Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D.
Well, it's sort of hard to give a synopsis of this one. I think the thing with this book, is that the title is what draws you in. I know I have asked the question to myself before... why ARE all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? I know other white kids have too. I guess the black "kids" sit together in other places too, but the cafeteria is the place I definitely remember noticing it the most.
This book provides a great resource for people who want to really learn about racism in America. Yes, many people will say that it is non-existent now. Wishful thinking. :) Or maybe less wishful thinking than denial.
The book goes over identity development theory-- both Black identity development theory and white identity development theory, drawing attention to the fact that white people often don't see themselves as being a "race." White is such privilege and so natural, that it isn't even something that affects many people's identity.
Tatum defines racism as "a system of advantage based on race, involving cultural messages and institutional policies and practices as well as the beliefs and actions of individuals." Using this definition, it becomes easy to see how short-sighted such terms as "reverse racism" are. Anyone can be prejudiced, but it takes prejudice plus power to make racism.
As I read through Tatum's statistics, anecdotes, and explanations, I wondered to myself, "If white people are so privileged, why would they want to fight racism? It could be seen as shooting themselves in the foot." Tatum went right on to bring up that same fact. (I was pleased to see myself thinking on the same vein as her) As a white person, it's easy to say that racism doesn't exist, that things are equal, or that black people just dredge up history. Pretty easy to say that when the history has always been on your side, helping you, giving you privilege, and not fighting against your success.
The book also argues that every white person "benefits" from racism, even if inadverdently. For instance, I probably have had privileges given to me that were the result of someone else's racism or the system. It is really interesting to think about.
It definitely rang true with me when she talked about challenges white people have when they are actively anti-racist. People don't want to be called out for racist behavior, or made to look racist-- it's a touchy subject. But when you don't say something, you are saying that you are okay with that behavior. And that moment is gone. But it can be really hard standing up to friends and family, or in groups where you know you will be the only one. It's a similar argument to what I've made regarding being an ally for people who are gay or lesbian. "Coming out" as an ally is also difficult-- stereotypes will be given to you too. People will assume that you are gay, that you are a sinner, that you are a "fag hag", the list goes one. You have to be comfortable enough with yourself not to let judgements people make affect you. And there are a share of slurs that can come with being actively anti-racist, which I don't even feel comfortable repeating. I remember leaving the party New Year's Eve before last, after the comments like "I like black people, everyone should own a few of them" and numerous references to how they all take advantage of the system through welfare. It definitely can be challenging to be the one standing up and saying that is wrong, especially to friends and loved ones.
The book also goes over how the system in America affects other groups of color-- Asian Americans, Hispanics, American Indians. It was good to see how all these groups deal with stereotypes and prejudice-- even Asian Americans who are considered the "model minority" and the challenges that even that "postive" stereotype can bring.
The book contains discussions questions at the end and a great list of resources, including childrens books with illustrations that represent people of color or biracial families, novels for preteens and teenagers that discuss these issues in a format that younger people can understand, parenting books, videos, a plethora of helpful things.
My recommendation? Read this book. Some of it may offend you, but if nothing else, it will get you thinking about these issues, which clearly need to be discussed. Highly recommend!