Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum. Beverly received an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and Ph.D. in clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan. She also holds a M.A. in religious studies from Hartford Seminary.
She has taught at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Westfield State College, and Mount Holyoke College. In addition, The American Psychological Association has recognized her with the Award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology. In fact, this is one of the most well written psychology books addressing race. Beverly’s research will certainly bring the reader into a well researched conversation. This is also a perfect demonstration of empathy.
Perhaps the most effective message is that across America the historical need to educate ourselves on race has never been taught formally. By not addressing this issue we are like history to repeat ourselves. This includes a lot of very awkward conversations passed down across families for generations.
The goal Beverly submits is to achieve a true understanding of inequality across all races and cultures. There is without question a true level of stress that is a result of basic, general discussions. Beverly certainly demonstrates how this can be improved. In addition, there are explanations racism now directing at Native/Indian, Asian, and Latinos.
20 years later what changed?
Since this original publication 20 years ago, the country has witnessed gay marriage arrive and escalated to the supreme court as many struggled for basic marital rights under the law across several states. Beverly compliments the work of Carol Dweck research: Messages That Motivate: How Praise Molds Students’ Beliefs, Motivation, and Performance. Dweck’s Mindset really empowers this quote:
This definition of racism is useful because it allows us to see that racism, like other forms of oppression, is not only a personal ideology based on racial prejudice, but a system involving cultural messages and institutional policies and practices as well as the beliefs and actions of individuals. In the context of the United States, this system clearly operates to the advantage of Whites and to the disadvantage of people of color.
pg. 183
Chocolate milk
Perhaps there is no better example than Beverly’s own story of her son’s question: Is my skin brown because I drink chocolate milk?
In fact, Eddie’s question, “Is your skin brown because you drink too much chocolate milk?” represented a good attempt to make sense of a curious phenomenon that he was observing. All the kids in the class had light skin except for Jonathan. Why was Jonathan’s skin different? It didn’t seem to be dirt—Jonathan washed his hands before lunch like all the other children did, and there was no change. He did often have chocolate milk in his lunch box—maybe that was it. Eddie’s reasoning was first-rate for a three-year-old.
pg. 233
In conclusion, the 20th anniversary of Beverly’s book demonstrates how significant her contribution to our ongoing and much needed dialogue on race and bias. Beverly is able to address racism among students, educators, and even parents. Her position is valid and much needed.