I don't know if it is just me, but i grew up being one of very very few blacks in the school system in my area. I mean in elementary school, middle, and high school there were at the most 5 blacks at any one time. (one being my sister). I always felt that i had to be the best and work hard to get really good grades. I always felt like the people I came into contact with in school didn't know many blacks and so i should stand as a good example. I always felt the need to get really good grades b/c of this. I always felt unfortunately that the people that surrounded me in school deep down inside thought that african americans were less than intellectually, so i always felt the need to prove them wrong. I was just wondering if anyone else ever had this same experience?
2006-08-23 12:44:46 · 9 answers · asked by butterball 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
YES, I DID AND STILL FEEL THAT WAY. MANY PEOPLE HAVE A PREDETERMINED CONCEPTION ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICANS SO I FEEL LIKE IF I GET GOOD GRADES, ARENT OBNIXIOUS, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE, DONT ACT LIKE A THUG OR WHATEVER, THEN I CAN DESTROY THESE STEREOTYPES THAT PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT MY RACE AND MAKE IT BETTER FOR ALL OF US.
2006-08-23 12:49:17 · answer #1 · answered by CitizenV 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although I'm White and grew up in a primarily Black school system, I feel that you are right. African Americans unfortunately do have to perform more, and prove themselves because of the way society and prejudices are in this country. I've seen it in action, White teachers treating my Black friends differently, and that in itself creates a sense in the kids that they're not as good, they don't have the same advantages, and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. I wish things were different. As a future White teacher in an urban setting, I'm struggling to try and show the kids that they all can succeed. But why should they believe me when I'm White and they don't identify themselves with me? Despite that I grew up in a ghetto and poverty, because I was White I know that I still did have an advantage regardless. I attend UW-Milwaukee right now. Milwaukee is primarily African American, yet the school is about 85% White... whats wrong with that picture? It really upsets me. I know this doesn't answer your question, but I just wanted to give you the perspective of a White person on the other side of the system, and I see what you are talking about.
2006-08-23 12:53:14 · answer #2 · answered by AXeBaBe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went to a middle school being one of few blacks there and i did feel that some people at my school looked down on me and my sisters but they had no choice but to praise me when i ended up being student of the week and winning a writing contest in 1st place in my city.
2006-08-23 12:53:38 · answer #3 · answered by charmer882003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah girl i hate that people think African Americans are not intelligent and in a school with few Blacks i make sure that i set a good example. just keep setting example and being all that you could be it help me know that i was letting people see the true us not the image they think.
2006-08-23 12:50:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesn't matter if you african american or any other race when it come to education . Everyone in society should feel the need to exceed when their learning . As far as setting an example , We should all set the best example for one another no matter the color of your. Your to young in grade school to be worrying about the color of your skin, I never knew or experience racism till i was older after high school . And i went to an all white school. focus on your future .
2006-08-23 12:56:22 · answer #5 · answered by edward h 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, not at school. I went to a summer camp and I was the only black chick in my class. I got along with everyone but I still felt outta place somehow.
2006-08-23 12:52:17 · answer #6 · answered by c_dreamer11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't have that experience,but I just wanted to say that you sound like a very intelligient young lady who,even though was the minority came out on top!!!! Best of luck to you.
2006-08-23 14:44:33 · answer #7 · answered by cc rider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had an experience like that with one of my teachers. i had to be aggressive when it came to voicing that I am smart and I can do the homework just like every body else in the class
2006-08-23 12:50:36 · answer #8 · answered by hotgirl2004_54 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nice problem to have cuz when you are one of the few whites at a black school it is more about surviving the fights. Just another difference I guess......
2006-08-23 12:51:30 · answer #9 · answered by conntom2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋