<p>We do have PAASE at our high school- Parents of African American students for Excellence- a split off from the main PTA which represents all students.
Mixed feelings about it- I know that especially young black males have difficulty in high school, being labeled as a sell out- or caring too much if they show too much academic aptitude.
With girls, the pressure to dumb down doesn’t seem as great. My daughter for instance has quite a few African American friends who have been in both remedial or regular classes with her, as well as AP classes at the same time. Usually they are females.
But I also hear a generalized perception among the black community ( just from a vocal small portion,) that groups like PAASE are elitist and don’t address “average” kids.</p>
<p>Since there are other groups that do less well than AAs, ( Hispanic for example) I am more favorable to groups that try and support all kids who need it, not seperating by race- I think there is a need for it- but I think I would like to see in more in the communities, not necessarily divided groups based at school.</p>
<p>As my D attends a school that is very diverse ethnically, I think it is worth noting that it is less economically diverse than the district. ( by that I mean- they have higher average income- the school is a magnet for the highly gifted- which tend to come from better educated- higher income)
I happen to think that schools overall, can benefit more students if they pay more attention to economic diversity.</p>
<p>I also wouldn’t lable those of low socio economic background as white trash.
Not feeling like higher education is something that is possible for you, doesn’t mean that you have no goals. But disenfranchised communities don’t just come in " of color". It can be pretty overwhelming if you don’t know where to start and have been taught that you aren’t smart enough.
Additionally, it can be few and far between finding any programs students of Caucasian background qualify for. SOmetimes there are programs if you are FRL, but that is poverty level, if you are working full time, but still need educational support for your kids, you generally are paying for and finding that yourself.</p>
<p>DKE, this sounds similar to the long-established “Jack and Jill” clubs(?). Someone more knowledgeable can probably speak to them. I’m melanin-impaired and my info is sketchy at best.</p>
<p>This doesnt have to do as much about race as ethnicity.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>And there are plenty who are happier when their off-spring dates a white person than a Asian from a different ethnicity (or South Asian as opposed to North Asian).</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Often, one will find more blatant racism on the coasts. The larger nos. of minorities and thus, the perception of a threat, leads to greater racism (as opposed to ignorance).</p>
<p>TheDad, what dke described sounds sort of like Jack and Jill. I’ve been in Jack and Jill for a large portion of my life. It’s an interesting program, but you do meets tons of other black kids sort of like yourself.</p>
<p>aww, that was kind of you dke ^^
– and our real hope is the family you are trying to help might benefit from the idea. It must mean something to an ll year old boy or girl to be able to meet someone who looks like themself. Not every friend alike, but at least ONE or TWO, right?? Every kid wants to belong.</p>
<p>Hearing the midwest described as ‘racist’ makes me sad. I also think untrue. The rural and small town folk I care for in my regional hospital, along side the black nursing assistant on my floor, have had little exposure to other races. These people, while not possessed of the multicultural background of many on this board, have good hearts, and treat all fairly. Occasionally they are taken aback, and on very rare occasion the nursing assistant calls someone on her role when mistaken for a housekeeper. But I have seen no incidents of racism , just awkwardness at times. One of our top surgeons is also black, and again, I’ve never heard a word from these rural folk suggesting anyone has ever had a problem with it. </p>
<p>I think that most people in this country have a desire to do the best thing possible when it comes to race relations, create an equal society. They may lack exposure, and be awkward around people of other races, and cultures. A human tendencies to distrust what one does not know, doesn’t necessarily translate to racism. There are also what I see as very hard separate issues of culture, immigration, and socio economics. Unfortunately these issues get tied up with race in this country. The above postings about high attaining African American students exemplify just one of these issues. We as a society want these kids to do well. </p>
<p>In my overseas travels, I’ve come across all sorts of racism. Asia, at least when I lived there had quite the pecking order. I hope some of that is dissolving and I see a change in the young ESL students I host. What I have come to appreciate about this country is the positive intent, not present in all parts of the world. But how to get there is quite the topic of discussion!</p>
<p>Now yesterday, I had the great fortune to shake the hand of someone who I hope has a chance to heal some of this rift-Barak Obama. Am still tingling. I live in an economically disparate neighborhood, and some of us were rubbernecking as he arrived for a fundraising event at a nearby house. He headed right across the street to shake hands with the neighbors and admire the baby next door. A thrilling moment. But more seriously, as the words on this thead are echoing in my brain as I go through my day, I hope he is given a chance, as it would be so good for this country and the world to have what he represents as president. Policy wise, there is much to debate between all the candidates. But the coming together of races and culture that is his background gives hope.</p>
<p>I’ve lived in the suburbs of the midwest my entire life and have encountered numerous instances of overt racism… everyone has different experiences, though.</p>
<p>Interesting thread. A few days ago, as part of the lesson I was teaching, I played the part of Sor Juana de la Cruz and said a few sentences in Spanish. Questions came up about my ethnic heritage and I told the class that my dad’s parents were from Mexico. One kid raised his hand and asked, “but are you full?” I just wasn’t thinking about what he meant, but it was around 11:30 and I’d had a piece of toast around 6:00, so I answered that I was starving. It took me a while to get that he was asking if I am “full-blooded Mexican,” whatever that is.</p>
<p>Back to the original question, we’ve never even thought to be concerned about the issue with our daughters. Integrity, respect, humor, gentleness, tenacity…those are the kinds of attributes that matter. I did give one little admonition to D2 as she started her freshman year, and that was to think long and hard before falling seriously in love with someone who is borrowing $45,000 a year to attend her college!</p>