Why is it uncool in the Black community for someone to be smart and self-motivated in school?

Question

I am mixed with B and W and I have noticed a lot of differences between a mostly white community and now living in a mostly Black community. I am not an all out nerd, but I am intelligent, and when it comes to college, I take it seriously. I do my work, and try my best to do it well. Come on! I want A's! In the white community, people commended this. But now in a Black community the people seem to shun me like a nerd or something. When they look at my work, they make a comment like "Whateva", and give little snide looks to eachother like I've done something stupid and nerdy. I'm not a nerd, but a lady trying to make something of my life for me and my family.

Answer 1

Because you make them look bad, and shine a light on their EXCUSES. You've ruined their game, making them really look at themselves - and they don't like what they see, and, of course, IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT in their estimation. You do what you need to do. When you are successful and happy in relationships with people of all colors, they will still be BACK THERE making excuses. Do not try to please them. They cannot be pleased. I pray that you will be able to get out of that environment before it brings you down and has you compromising your values.

Answer 2

Cultural attitudes exist across all cultures. I was raised amongst immigrant and Jewish cultures. Everyone really pushed becomming a doctor or lawyer, and college wasn't even a question. Work ethic is highly valued as well and all of these values were pushed on me. I moved to an area of the country with a lot of poor white people and I experienced that the people really did not think college was a good idea, "too many liberal ideas". I think they thought I thought I was better than everyone else because I had my college education. I don't understand this attitude and I think anyone trying to hold you back or push you down for succeeding is someone to be ignored. Those people who want to pull you down are in your way, whether they be white or black. You'll find lots of black people who will want to lift you up and will share your nerdy attitudes. If so far you've found more white people like that, then that's your experience thus far, but hopefully you'll know both white and black people like that in your life.

Answer 3

Cause yer Light skinn-ed ? Just kidding. I grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood and I can remember to well my black friends that were book smart as compared to my street smart homies.. the difference is the home life. I think white people have had the benefit of many generations of homogenized public school that's geared toward them and gives them a very "white " education while being black in American schools can be very difficult because almost none of the curriculum deals in terms that are close to home.. hence there is a certain amount of built in alienation especially if you are poor.. No I am not a bleeding heart liberal just a fair minded guy that try's to not use color ...

PS... good for you on working hard and getting it done,

Answer 4

I don't think that's true across the board, but there's an economist I know (who is black), who thinks it has to do with adopting the "redneck" approach to life. I mean, there are big chunks of the white community that are anti-education and big chunks of the black community that are anti-education. The whites we call "rednecks", but I don't think we consider that the black community isn't all one community. Surely there are black "rednecks" too, and perhaps you're in a "redneck" school now. Don't let them break you down. Just keep doing what you know is right. By the time you get to college, most of the "rednecks" of all races will have dropped out, and you'll be hanging with more people who approach life like you. College is a lot more fun anyway.

Answer 5

Sounds like a leader of the future black community elite to me.
There is nothing cool about being poor and stupid.
That is childish.
Congrats.

I am white, by the way, and I know a number of very successful blacks. Ignorance is a choice and does not have to characterize a race. These people that can't accept it are going to be left behind in a smaller world with more and more races living together and mixing together.

Answer 6

It is only uncool to the losers in that community. There is a segment of black culture that loves to have the "race excuse" for doing nothing and having others to blame. Until the leaders of the communities address that "sickness" that attitude will remain, handed down from generation to generation. Blacks are certainly not the only ones who use this type of excuse, but it has become a cultural value among some.......

Answer 7

I am not sure why this is, but I have experienced it. I am part black and have been called an "oreo" for trying to succeed and not act like I came from a ghetto. Don't let this behavior bother you, it is a problem with the other people, not you. It's good for you to care about your education; that is the only way to get ahead these days! The people making comments about you have their own issues, maybe they are jealous or have parents who act that way. i know it's hard not to be accepted when you are young, but try to let it roll off your back; they are the ones who will end up suffering while you go on to bigger and better things.

Answer 8

the belief of high school is to have exciting and being smart is ofcouse no longer cool. There are greater human beings that are no longer on the respect roll thats cool and a classic highschool pupil. Nerds nevertheless have that label as nerdy and unsocailable. i think of you may settle for that nerd and make it cool. teach others that your smart and while your smart your cool. you could say, i'm smart so what. you may no longer hardship approximately those labels on you via fact they don't count number. such as you reported, your smart and that's what concerns. Your going to be that one that succeeds in the genuine worldwide the place being smart concerns. infants would be cruel. Be smart yet you could be a classic highschool pupil so teach it to your different college pupils. Your no longer that nerdy guy or woman that wears overalls and massive glasses. Your a classic highschool pupil it is wise.

Answer 9

WHAT ARE YALL TALKING ABOUT????, its no rpoblem yall are some big stereotypes, noone cares its not like..."OMG MAKE D's G*d Da**it" when someone makes a A, you must be from a family full of unsophisticated black people thats what it probably is, cause that is the dumbest stereotypical question ifve heard today. Its unpopular in alot places not with just blacks, whites too, u think EVERYONE wants to be a nerd..how bout them people doin weed n drugs that are WHITE u think education is there first priority, u should know better, thats a question that a FULL ignorant white would say. I excpect more from u. Me myself think this is stereotypical,

Answer 10

Keep up the good work!! Bill Cosby would be proud you are trying to excel, as am I. Dr. Cosby has often taken the black community to task for this very thing. Don't let the negative people you are surrounded by influence you. You'll be better off in the long run.

Yes, Bill Cosby, the comedian, has a Doctorate in Education.

Answer 11

Yes, i have noticed that too...it seems that in many circles within the black diaspora it is better to be cool, than to be inteligent, for fear of appearing "white". If this is the case, than it would have to imply that to be "black" you have to be stupid. I think a lot of idiots take this to heart, and try to meet the expectations that black, means to be an idiot.
It is sad that your peers do not value education like you do. Be strong, and dont let those dopes sway your point of view Theres nothing exclusively "white" about being a good student, if you do well in school, you will likely do well in life, and the "idiots" can be cool while they pump your gas in 20 years