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It is clear that the myth of "Acting White" has infested our community. It seems to be getting internalized by adolescents and some adults who work with them, to the point where it gets in the way of academic success. Experts have conducted many a study and written many an article and many a book on the problem. African American and African community leaders, members, and politicians have decried the problem. Unfortunately, the problem is still with us.
It's wonderful to continue debating the issue on any forum that we prefer. But we cannot begin to think of a solution if we don't create a space that accomplishes the following two things first:
1. Enable adolescents to talk to one another about this problem (without our presence). One of the tips for dealing with a bully is to let him or her know he or she is a bully. The accusation of "Acting White" is similar to bullying at some level. If our adolescents are discussing this together, those in their midst who perpetrate this problem may begin to reflect on their actions.
2. Enable us as adults and parents (in the African sense) to learn to listen to our kids. We may learn more than we think we know about their struggles in their academic and peer circles. We may also learn a thing or two about parenting them and being supportive to them as they struggle to succeed in a society that beats them down constantly.
Then each one of us will need to do some homework before we move to the next phase of discussing the problem among adults. The homework consists simply in asking ourselves what we say or do, especially in the presence of our children, that may perpetrate the problem. Children learn a lot from the adults around them. Good modeling is part of the solution.
As a culture, we tend behave and act as if we have all the answers when it comes to children. We sometimes forget to ask them to articulate the issues to us. We also sometimes forget to involve them in being part of the solution. My experience has shown me that children can teach us a lot, especially about their world. ONLY THEY KNOW THEIR WORLD. We cannot judge from the outside. Let's see how we can learn from them if we want to help.
I would love to see this type of group effort be sustained. It is not the kind of thing one does in a one-shot approach. It takes a lot of patience. And as a Malian proverb says "patience is a tree whose roots are bitter but whose fruit is sweet". (please excuse my poor translation)
Just my 2 cents,
--Emilie
----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Brewoo <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, May 4, 2007 4:33 pm
Subject: Re: The Myth of "Acting White"
To: [log in to unmask]
> *****************************************************************
>
> Note: Fiscal year of AAM is October 1 - September 30.
> *** Subscriptions for 2006/07 Membership are now due!!!!
>
> Join African Association of Madison, Inc. for $25 per year
>
> Mail check to: AAM, PO Box 1016, Madison, WI 53701
> Phone: 608-258-0261 -- Email: [log in to unmask]
> Web: www.AfricanAssociation.org
>
> *****************************************************************
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Folks,
> I think we are all talking about the same thing. There is a problem
> and the question is how do we address the problem. Shifting blames and
> using culture as a justification for our shortcomings will always fail.
>
>
> All the postings including the articles from the North Carolina and
> Ohio studies acknowledge the existence of "Acting White" or the
> "Oriole" concept and we all know very well that it does not help our
> kids.
> As the Ohio study pointed out, "These accusations can affect a teen’s
> emotional, social and academic wellbeing". And here is my
> disagreement: "According to Neal-Barnett, kids are affected the most
> by an accusation when it’s directed at their social activities. After
> being accused, students often begin to hide their intelligence, allow
> their grades to drop or even isolate themselves from friends". The
> latter part of the preceding statement from the authors justifies the
> earlier assertions that the "Acting-White or "Oriole" concept affects
> academic performance in our schools.
> So where is the myth?????????????????? There are a lots of factors
> that contribute to the academic gap and if this concept is one of them
> why not deal with it???????????????????
> We as parents need to ensure we provide all the necessary support to
> encourage our kids in their education for that is the ultimate.
> Have a good weekend as we look forward to an AAM organized debate on
> factors affecting our children's education.
> Thanks.
>
> Joe
>
> From: "Peter W. Vakunta" <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: African Association of Madison <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: FW: The Myth of "Acting White"
> Date: Fri, 4 May 2007 13:23:21 -0500
> *****************************************************************
>
> Note: Fiscal year of AAM is October 1 - September 30.
> *** Subscriptions for 2006/07 Membership are now due!!!!
>
> Join African Association of Madison, Inc. for $25 per year
>
> Mail check to: AAM, PO Box 1016, Madison, WI 53701
> Phone: 608-258-0261 -- Email: [log in to unmask]
> Web: www.AfricanAssociation.org
>
> *****************************************************************
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Thanks Peter for adding your pinch of salt to this discourse. I happen
> to have a kid
> at WEST HIGH so I know exactly what you are talking about. Let's hope
> that the wheel will come full circle one day.
> Have a good one!
>
> PETER W.VAKUNTA
> DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH AND ITALIAN
> UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON
> 602 VAN HISE HALL
> 1220 LINDEN DRIVE
> MADISON WI 53706-1525
> U.S.A
> Office 608 262 4067
> Home 608 442 6089
> Cell 608 381 0407
>
> "The day will come when history will speak... Africa will write its
> own history... it will be a history of glory and dignity." - Patrice Lumumba
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Amakobe, Peter" <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Friday, May 4, 2007 1:06 pm
> Subject: Re: FW: The Myth of "Acting White"
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
>
> > *****************************************************************
> >
> > Note: Fiscal year of AAM is October 1 - September
> 30.
> > *** Subscriptions for 2006/07 Membership are now due!!!!
> >
> > Join African Association of Madison, Inc. for $25 per year
> >
> > Mail check to: AAM, PO Box 1016, Madison, WI 53701
> > Phone: 608-258-0261 -- Email: [log in to unmask]
> > Web: www.AfricanAssociation.org
> >
> > *****************************************************************
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > In addition to what Peter just advised, there many other variables in
> > place
> > than seeing a kid standing outside the school when he/she should be
> in
> > class.
> >
> > By the time many of these kids get to high school, they have
> > experience with
> > life that would dwarf what many adults have in their 30s. There are
> time
> > even for us adults, when despair kicks in, imagine
> what that would be
> > for a
> > kid. The home environment isn't suitable for studies, no kudos for a
> > job
> > well done, nobody care if your homework is done, etc. When parent teacher
> > conference come, your parents are busy working two jobs so they don't
> > show
> > up for meetings. When does the child know to differentiate between
> > what is
> > important and what isn't. The commercial "I want to be like Mike" (Jordan)
> > say it all. Positive role model!
> >
> > West High is a very difficult school...that is why it is ranked one
> of
> > the
> > best in the country. Academically, parents have to be involved...very
> > involved. Volunteer for school parent activities, tutor, join the PTO,
> > chaperon, attend sport if your child is involved, etc. Your child sees
> > your
> > participation and gains self
> confidence. All this has nothing to do with
> > "acting white." Children of African ancestry will always be placed in
> > lower
> > classes. Our friend's daughter was placed in the "slow class" when they
> > bought a house. The mother complained. She is a Mechanical Engineer
> > and at
> > 30 making 6 figures.
> >
> > A few years ago Al tried to bring parents of African descent together
> > to
> > form a parents self help group to have input into how our children could
> > access the same services other took for granted. My experience was of
> > disappointment. The meeting which were held on Saturdays were attended
> > by a
> > handful of people mostly recent immigrants.
> >
> > I have also coached in the system for many years. The Eagles soccer
> > club...now defunct catered specifically to minority youths. The
> >
> problem was
> > we could not get many of them to commit to two practices a week and
> > games on
> > the weekend...despite the availability of transportation to and from
> home.
> > We had sponsors willing to help out, TDS telecom, US Cellular,
> > Alliant, Us
> > Youth Soccer Association, etc just to name a few. Sometimes it is
> > easier to
> > point fingers at others for our own failing. Perhaps we should start
> > by
> > turning the music down so we can hear each other speak.
> >
> > Have a grand day.
> >
> > Peter
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: African Association of Madison [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> > Behalf Of Peter W. Vakunta
> > Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 12:24 PM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: FW: The Myth of "Acting
> White"
> >
> >
> > *****************************************************************
> >
> > Note: Fiscal year of AAM is October 1 - September 30.
> > *** Subscriptions for 2006/07 Membership are now due!!!!
> >
> > Join African Association of Madison, Inc. for $25 per year
> >
> > Mail check to: AAM, PO Box 1016, Madison, WI 53701
> > Phone: 608-258-0261 -- Email: [log in to unmask]
> > Web: www.AfricanAssociation.org
> >
> > *****************************************************************
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > You don't know what to do VERA? You are a parent and you don't know
> > what to
> > do! Call the school principal and express your concern and about kids
> > not
> > being properly supervised at West High School. They will listen and
>
> talk
> > action. your opinion sure counts. All it takes for evil to perpetuate
> > itself
> > is for good people or people perceived to be good to turn a blind eye.
> > In
> > the good old days every child was was everyone's child. Alas!
> >
> >
> > PETER W.VAKUNTA
> > DEPARTMENT OF FRENCH AND ITALIAN
> > UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MADISON
> > 602 VAN HISE HALL
> > 1220 LINDEN DRIVE
> > MADISON WI 53706-1525
> > U.S.A
> > Office 608 262 4067
> > Home 608 442 6089
> > Cell 608 381 0407
> >
> > "The day will come when history will speak... Africa will write its
> own
> > history... it will be a history of glory and dignity." - Patrice Lumumba
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: VERA R CROWELL <[log in to unmask]>
> > Date: Friday, May 4, 2007 12:07 pm
> >
> Subject: Re: FW: The Myth of "Acting White"
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> >
> >
> > > *****************************************************************
> > >
> > > Note: Fiscal year of AAM is October 1 - September 30.
> > > *** Subscriptions for 2006/07 Membership are now due!!!!
> > >
> > > Join African Association of Madison, Inc. for $25 per year
> > >
> > > Mail check to: AAM, PO Box 1016, Madison, WI 53701
> > > Phone: 608-258-0261 -- Email: [log in to unmask]
> > > Web: www.AfricanAssociation.org
> > >
> > > *****************************************************************
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From:
> Muhammad, Adrienne
> > > > Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 11:55 AM
> > > > To: 'African Association of Madison'
> > > > Subject: RE: The Myth of "Acting White"
> > > >
> > > > I'm really sick of this "acting white" stuff. As a parent of a
> > son
> > > of
> > > > African descent, born in this country and raised in Madison this
> > > > analysis has always bothered me. I have always emphasized academic
> > > > achievement for him, and this is from a legacy of being raised by
> > > > African American parents and a community where this was always
> > > > important--and still is, despite the propaganda.
> > > >
> > > > I am truly concerned about what is happening with our children in
> > > > Madison, especially in high schools, many are not faring well.
> High
> > > > school was a difficult time for my son because I have always
> > taught
> > > him
> > > > to be proud of his African/American heritage so he was conflicted
> > about
> > > > "fitting in" with other African American kids and doing well
> > > > academically. Fortunately, he chose the latter, and had many conflicts
> > > > with other kids but no one ever accused him of "acting white."
> > > >
> > > > He is now attending an HBCU (Morehouse) where academic
> > achievement,
> > > not
> > > > baggy pants and other such things, make one popular. (His pants
> >
> > > are a
> > > > little less baggy but we still fight over this--but he's excelling
> > > > academically).
> > > >
> > > > But I feel for our kids, almost every day on
> my way to work I
> > pass
> > > a
> > > > young African American boy standing outside of West high school
> by
> > > > himself, at a time when I know he should be in class. He is very
> > dark
> > > > skinned and is overweight and looks sad. I imagine what his life
> > is
> > > > like and how he might be stigmatized. I wonder why he's not in
> > > class.
> > > > I
> > > > don't know what to do--but it's been really bothering me...
> > > >
> > > > Adrienne Rakina Muhammad
> > > >
> > > > -----Original Message-----
> > > > From: African Association of Madison
> > > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> > > > Behalf Of VERA R CROWELL
> > > > Sent: Friday, May 04, 2007 10:33 AM
> > > > To: [log in to unmask]
> > >
> > Subject: The Myth of "Acting White"
> > > >
> > > > *****************************************************************
> > > >
> > > > Note: Fiscal year of AAM is October 1 - September 30.
> > > > *** Subscriptions for 2006/07 Membership are now due!!!!
> > > >
> > > > Join African Association of Madison, Inc. for $25 per year
> > > >
> > > > Mail check to: AAM, PO Box 1016, Madison, WI 53701
> > > > Phone: 608-258-0261 -- Email: [log in to unmask]
> > > > Web: www.AfricanAssociation.org
> > > >
> > > > *****************************************************************
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> Please read these. Our children are depending on us and we need
> > to
> > > stop
> > > > buying into the "acting white" mythology that serves to absolve
> the
> > > > majority culture educational administration from making a real
> > > effort
> > > > to
> > > > educate our children. It's easier on them if they can blame the
> > > kids for
> > > > not educating themselves.
> > > >
> > > >
> > http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/magazine/12ACTING.html?ex=1260594000&e
> > > > n=37bb3e44882a21bc&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland
> > > >
> > > > http://www.kent.edu/Magazine/Spring2007/ActingWhite.cfm
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ******************************
> > > > "In the days before volcanoes were invented,
> lava had to be hand
> > carried
> > > > down from the mountains and poured on the sleeping villagers.
> > > > This took a great deal of time."
> > > >
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