Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria

A detailed Summary of Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria

"Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria" by Beverly Daniel Tatum Ph.D. is a book of many subjects, theories, ideas, as well as opinions that are discussed, challenged and criticized. Are we free from racism? Why, are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? These questions I hope to answer for myself and for others.

One of Beverly Tatum's major topics of discussion is racial identity. Racial identity is the meaning each of us has constructed or is constructing about what it means to be a white person or a person of color in a race-conscious society. (Tatum, pp Xvii) She talks about how many parents hesitate to talk to their children about racism because of embarrassment and the awkwardness of the subject. I agree with her when she says that parents don't want to talk about racism when they don't see a problem. They don't want to create fear or racism where none may exist. It is touchy subject because if not gone about right, you can perhaps steer someone the wrong way. Another theory she has on racial identity is that other people are the mirror in which we see ourselves. (tatum pp18) "The parts of our identity that do capture our attention are those that other people notice, and th

The last point I will discuss is the point she makes of certain terms being misused, terms that she has heard directed towards her as well as others. Tatum thinks that the world is wrong for using derogatory as well as slang terms, which may be offensive to other ethnic, religious, or any group for that matter. She states that she prefers the name "Black" as opposed to the name "African American". "I refer to people of acknowledged African Descent as Black...The term is more inclusive than African American because there are Black people in the United States who are not African American -Afro-Caribbean's, for example-yet are targeted by racism, and are identified as Black." (Tatum pp 15) Her reason for this is that people that are for example Afro-Caribbean's are not African Americans but would probably be classified as so.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Protestant Catholics, Beverly Tatum's, York NY, African Americans, Tatum PhD, African American, affirmative action, Gandhi Wee, Black Tatum, , Basic Books, black kids, kids sitting, tatum pp, kids sitting cafeteria, sitting cafeteria, black kids sitting, racial identity, african american, free racism black, white people, dominant advantaged, racism black, beverly daniel tatum, racism black kids,

Approximate Word count = 1340
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials