Category Archives: Race
A Refreshing Page Turner – “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?”
During my sophomore year of college a new president was inaugurated at my alma mater Spelman College, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum.
In the mist of all the excitement and pomp and circumstance, I purchased the two books Dr. Tatum had written: Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race and Assimilation Blues Black Families in White Communities: Who Succeeds and Why? Unfortunately, well maybe fortunately as I was working on completing my degree doing research among other things, these books have sat on my shelf for the better part of about nine years until recently.
During a recent vacation, I decided to take a few books along to finally read and Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? was one of them; I read the book in about two days. Why Are all the Black Kids is a refreshing text that contrary to the catchy title discusses more than why all the Black kids are sitting together. Tatum discusses the development of racial awareness and identity in children from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, focusing on her area of expertise — the Black/White dichotomy. The book is a mix of academic knowledge, information received while in the classroom as well as stories from her own experience as a parent.
As an alumna of Spelman College, I learned a lot about Black/African Diaspora history and gained a whole new way to look at the world, a transformation so infamous to the Spelman experience that the gentlemen across the street at Morehouse even had a term for the freshman women who were absorbing all this new found information – ADWized. However, the information that Tatum shares about the stages of racial awareness and identity was something that was not shared in my ADW experience and while reading her book I said to myself that I wish I had the information in this book when I was in junior high and high school — frankly it would have done wonders starting around the fifth and sixth grade.
One of the main reasons why I was able to get through this book quickly was because I could relate to what was being shared and I identified with many of the students Tatum used as examples to support her points in the book. Furthermore, I connected quickly with the book as soon as Tatum shared why she uses the term people of color, a term I have been using more and more during the last year and a half or so (I don’t like using the term minority because it is diminutive and reenforces the “othering” that is common place in mainstream/European descendant US culture that has trickled down to the other US cultures effecting the self-esteem and effective action of people of color).
Why Are All the Black Kids is broken down into five parts: An introduction that shares the terms Tatum uses in the book, a section on understanding Blackness in a White world, a section on Whiteness in a White world, a section on Beyond Black and White and closes with a section on Breaking the Silence. As fruitful as it was for me to read the section on Blackness, as a Black female in the US, I feel that some of the real hidden gems in the book, especially considering the title of this piece, are the sections on Whiteness in a White world and Beyond Black and White. The latter section includes a discussion on the ethnic and racial development for mixed race children something that is still not widely discussed in the United States.
There are so many excerpts I could share but I choose the quote below because when I read it I felt it described the essence of my struggles growing up as a “smart Black kid.” Also this quote reflects one of the main reasons why I ended up attending Spelman College, the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) I applied to. I wanted to be in a space with people “like me” i.e., other smart Black kids. Ironically, at least from the US perspective, going to Spelman I also learned that diversity is not just about race but it can be class, personal interests, family background and more:
One young Black woman from a predominately White community described exactly this [lack of full acceptance by Black and White peers] situation in an interview. In a school with a lot of racial tension, Terri felt that “the worse thing that happened” was the rejection she experienced from the other Black children who were being bussed to her school. Though she wanted to be friends with them, they teased her, calling her an “oreo cookie” and sometimes beating her up. The only Black friend Terri had was a biracial girl from her neighborhood.
If you are a parent, an auntie or even a close friend of a child or someone with children of any age — get this book in their hands! What Dr. Tatum shares in this book is vital information for parents and children alike. I have only been back from vacation a bit over a week and I have already let a friend and fellow graduate student with children borrow this book with all its markings and all.
Links of the Week 10 September 2010
Top Five
Where’s the outrage over immigrant slayings in Mexico?
Who Gets to Review and Be Reviewed? Authors, book critics drawn from narrow pool
10 Years of “Feminism is for Everybody”
The Worst Toys Ever Made for Girls–Our Top Picks
I don’t agree with all of the comments the author makes here, like I think she needs to better explain how she is okay with women choosing pole dancing as a career and then have issue with the doll for girls, but this post will make you think and ponder what do you think is appropriate for the young girls in your life. I have to say that in the past year I have been shocked to see how even the youngest girls (age 1) assimilate to society’s gender roles for women. I’ll end with this…if you are going to buy a girl in your life pregnant Barbie I hope you are prepared to have a conversation about sex that explains all options from abstinence to contraception to protection.
Quote of the Week
“Attendance issues aside, folks are more football obsessed than ever. More people watched the last Super Bowl than voted in the 2008 presidential election. Hallmark Cards reports that the Super Bowl has surpassed New Year’s Eve as the biggest at-home party of the year. It has become the second-slowest day for weddings in America and the second-greatest day of food consumption, after only Thanksgiving.”
Michael Wilbon in The NFL rules ingloriously over the sporting landscape (Emphasis is mine).
Photos of the Week
Source: PolicyLink.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: PolicyLink.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics
These photos come from the blog of PolicyLink.org Equity Blog where they discuss The Jobs Situation in Black and White. These photos and the post makes me wonder which “Main Street” US politicians are really worried about because the “Main Streets” of Black and Latino communities have had many of epic problems they now are using as sound-bites to get re-elected for decades!
Women & Politics
Republicans fear echoes of Alaska in Delaware primary
‘I had no idea who she was’: Meghan McCain breaks her silence on Sarah Palin
Politics
Dominicanos protestaron contra extradición de traficante de personas
APD recomienda eliminar Liga Municipal Dominicana
Cancelan cincuenta dirigentes PLD en Cámara de Diputados
Other
Who Owns the Civil Rights Legacy?
Sour Apples: Strike at Mott’s Plant Underscores Disconnect in Corporate America, Union Says
Finding Inspiration Through Music
Single-Minded: Being Black Abroad
Inauguración de “México 200 Años”
Capital internacional mira mais lucro no Brasil
Oldies but Goodies
America’s 5 Worst Deadbeat States
Women We’ll Be Reading 200 Years From Now
What Do Latinas Really Think About Feminism? / Join the Summer of Feminista
Links of the Week 26 June 2009
Inequality and Microfinance
Have to say this is the best solution I have found to poverty. It has the tone of teach a man to fish, it does not cost a lot and it can help the local economies of those who receive the loans. I think it would be neat to bring this to the US especially with the increased poverty we have experienced since 2000.
President Sarkozy Says Burqa Not Welcome in France
I am actually against this French law. People should be able to practice their religious norms especially if these women when given a choice would freely wear the burqa or other coverings used by Muslim women. It is important to note that many other religions use head wraps or coverings with females and males.
Education: The Last Fight For Civil Rights
What Do You Call a Lawmaker Anyway?
Interesting article about protocol and members of Congress.
The Box
This will make you think…
Mexico Progress on Green Fund
Oldies But Goodies
Food Inc.
All I will say is start reading food labels…
Raising the Baby Question
A discussion about Feminism and Motherhood.
Women are starting to achieve political parity
An op-ed by Marie Wilson, Director of The White House Project.
Links of the Week 5 June 2009
Top Five
Biden’s staff shoulders task of steering committee
Death to All Black TV Shows (Except the Ones Made By Tyler Perry)
It is really sad that as the diversity of the United States is growing the diversity of network television is decreasing. We as citizens should not have to go to BET (my issues with this network I will save for another day) to see shows with “black folks” or go to Univision to see shows with “latinos.” To all the political pundits and people that claimed racism/race issues in the United States died with the election of President Obama, this story is only part of my argument that counter those statements.
Obama May Need to Show ID in More Places Than East Harlem
This is a good article discussing how Obama’s election has not stopped the negative perceptions of Black males in this country.
Update on Recovery Act Lobbying Rules
Men Follow Men and Nobody Tweets
The Harvard Business School did a study about men, women and Twitter.
Politico
Barack Obama Still Courting Pennsylvania
Obama Rewards Donors with Plum Posts Abroad
Did Regan Cause the 2008 Crisis?
Quote of the Week
“According to the United Nations Population Fund, three fifths of the world’s one billion poorest people are women and girls. Of the nearly 1 billion adults in the world who cannot read, two thirds are women.” From Wal-Mart Foundation and CARE Team Up to Empower Young Women Around the World. Not the biggest fan of Wal-Mart but I am glad that they are doing some good through their foundation.
Photo of the Week
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with other Foreign Affairs Ministers from the Americas.
From Clinton abandona la Asemblea de la OEA y asegura que no hay consenso sobre Cuba. Photo credit goes to AP/Clave Digital.
Health
Meat: the Slavery of our Time
This Foreign Policy article discusses how eating meat will become obsolete in the future.
10 Easy Ways to Eat Natural
Besides the negative comment about co-ops…I love co-ops, there are some good tips in this article.
Health Risks of Too Little Sleep
As a first year graduate student this past school year…I definitely saw the health risks of too little sleep.
6 Alternatives to 87,000 Slices of Bread
There is a video in this article that you have to check out.
International
Somali Bantus gain Tanzanian citizenship in their ancestral land
An Online Atlas of the Millennium Development Goals
A very interesting look at the world’s progress towards the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. There are interactive maps for each of the goals…just wish I could print or save the maps.
North Korea’s Next Kim: Dad’s Favorite, Kim Jong Un
Sports
WNBA Team’s Jersey Sponsorship Could Set The Standard
Spalding iHoop
This is a bit much…but will probably be seen on future episodes of MTV Cribs though…sigh.
Links of the Week 6 February 2009
(I had a brief hiatus in December/early January due to school work. I hope that I will be getting back to a more normal posting schedule. Please note even when I am not posting check the DNMP’s Posted Items box on the right side of my blog to see what I am reading when I am not posting)
Top Five
Bank of America: Help Your Workers or Give Back the Bailout!
I normally don’t forward petitions but I have been so dissatisfied with Bank of America since they took over MBNA forcing me to become their customer that I had to share.
Steele becomes first African-American RNC Chairman
I wish Steele the best though I do think he was picked in part to make the party seem more open than it is after some of the racist events that occurred during the 2008 election cycle.
Facebook offers up users as marketing tool
Politico
Blagojevich’s name, image removed from state Capitol
New ‘senior’ senator relishes new role
Federal stimulus bill contains too much fat, little oversight
What Steele Means for the GOP
What Should be Done About Political Feigning?
Environment/Health
Eating Dirt, Embracing Germs
Gimmie 5
The Preserve Company who makes toothbrushes, cutting boards, plastic ware and more all from recycled plastic has started a new program to help people across the country recylce their Number 5 plastics. Click the link to learn more and see if there is a drop off location near year…don’t worry if there is not one near you there are instructions on how you can mail your number 5s to Preserve.
Healthy Homemade Fritos
The inventor of Fritos was a vegetarian…cool 
Is the Recession Affecting Your Health?
A nice article that looks to the bright side of this recession.
Are You Wasting Electricity? Probably More Than You Think
World
Bill and Melinda Gates Urge Global Leaders to Maintain Foreign Aid
World Economic Forum Gives Adolescent Girls a Voice on the Global Stage
Other
Miriam Archibong, C’2009, Chosen to Participate in BBC Documentary
Google’s Street View camera car hits a baby deer
Glossary of U.S. Educational Terms
You never stop learning…word of the week ABD. Click the link to find out what it means.
HBCUs Ranking & HBCU Ranking Methodology
US News and World Report recently released its college rankings. My alma mater was listed as the top HBCU However with any report of this kind its important to look at the methodology to see how things were ranked, which is why I have listed both links. Spelman is also number 77 of Liberal Arts Colleges and I believe remains the only HBCU in the top 100.
Oldies But Goodies
With McNabb and Reid back, what changes will Eagles make?
I’m new to following football so I don’t have many suggestions but man oh man I hope the Eagles can get back to the Super Bowl. Ok one suggestion – figure out how to win the games that count. They did it with the Cowboys to get the wild card but they didn’t against AZ nor did they 4 years ago when they played NE in the Super Bowl.
Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury
Well the Corn Lobby said that HFCS was all natural and Mercury is natural…
Links of the Week 6 February 2009
(I had a brief hiatus in December/early January due to school work. I hope that I will be getting back to a more normal posting schedule. Please note even when I am not posting check the DNMP’s Posted Items box on the right side of my blog to see what I am reading when I am not posting)
Top Five
Bank of America: Help Your Workers or Give Back the Bailout!
I normally don’t forward petitions but I have been so dissatisfied with Bank of America since they took over MBNA forcing me to become their customer that I had to share.
Steele becomes first African-American RNC Chairman
I wish Steele the best though I do think he was picked in part to make the party seem more open than it is after some of the racist events that occurred during the 2008 election cycle.
Facebook offers up users as marketing tool
Politico
Blagojevich’s name, image removed from state Capitol
New ‘senior’ senator relishes new role
Federal stimulus bill contains too much fat, little oversight
What Steele Means for the GOP
What Should be Done About Political Feigning?
Environment/Health
Eating Dirt, Embracing Germs
Gimmie 5
The Preserve Company who makes toothbrushes, cutting boards, plastic ware and more all from recycled plastic has started a new program to help people across the country recylce their Number 5 plastics. Click the link to learn more and see if there is a drop off location near year…don’t worry if there is not one near you there are instructions on how you can mail your number 5s to Preserve.
Healthy Homemade Fritos
The inventor of Fritos was a vegetarian…cool
Is the Recession Affecting Your Health?
A nice article that looks to the bright side of this recession.
Are You Wasting Electricity? Probably More Than You Think
World
Bill and Melinda Gates Urge Global Leaders to Maintain Foreign Aid
World Economic Forum Gives Adolescent Girls a Voice on the Global Stage
Other
Miriam Archibong, C’2009, Chosen to Participate in BBC Documentary
Google’s Street View camera car hits a baby deer
Glossary of U.S. Educational Terms
You never stop learning…word of the week ABD. Click the link to find out what it means.
HBCUs Ranking & HBCU Ranking Methodology
US News and World Report recently released its college rankings. My alma mater was listed as the top HBCU However with any report of this kind its important to look at the methodology to see how things were ranked, which is why I have listed both links. Spelman is also number 77 of Liberal Arts Colleges and I believe remains the only HBCU in the top 100.
Oldies But Goodies
With McNabb and Reid back, what changes will Eagles make?
I’m new to following football so I don’t have many suggestions but man oh man I hope the Eagles can get back to the Super Bowl. Ok one suggestion – figure out how to win the games that count. They did it with the Cowboys to get the wild card but they didn’t against AZ nor did they 4 years ago when they played NE in the Super Bowl.
Study Finds High-Fructose Corn Syrup Contains Mercury
Well the Corn Lobby said that HFCS was all natural and Mercury is natural…
Links of the Week 28 March 2008
Here are the links for this week. I have placed the videos first and the articles second.
Enjoy!
Videos
3am Girl Approves This Message Not the Other One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXmYVRIpu2w
Richardson on Endorcing Obama http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/23756215#23756215
Re: Barack Obama: ‘A More Perfect Union’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enaB5yj4HcE
A emotional reaction to Obama’s race speech
The Tide Is Turning: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7s9ubMQX7WE
Video- Bluewater is the New Green: http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF0098A08300170098DDC8/
This video discusses the proposal for a wind energy park off the shore of lower Delaware. This issue is currently up in the DE congress.
Video- Hatin’ on Hillary: http://think.mtv.com/044FDFFFF0098A08300170098D4B5/
Articles
Obama Breaks the Secret Code:http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ab26ee84-f762-11dc-ac40-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=A reflection about Obama’s Race Speech.
Hard Times Hit a Postage Stamp Land: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/world/europe/25andorra.html?em&ex=1206590400&en=0b206667f652b93a&ei=5087%0AThis article talks about Andorra a country the size of Queens between Spain and France whose economy is slowing down.
The Obama Doctrine: http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_obama_doctrine
This article is long but very well written and full of information. Here is a quote that stuck out for me, “they also share a formative experience with each other and with Obama. Each opposed the Iraq War at a time when doing so was derided by their colleagues, by journalists, and by the foreign-policy establishment. Each did so because they understood that the invasion and occupation ran counter to the goal of destroying al-Qaeda. And each bore the frustration of endless lectures on their lack of so-called seriousness from those who suffered from strategic myopia.”
Obama’s Speech on Race (Transcript): http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/us/politics/18text-obama.html?em&ex=1206590400&en=6eb9fd47e9f2bd75&ei=5087%0A
The transcript of the speech “everyone” has been talking about.
Obama Picks up Endorsement from Romney Backer: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/03/24/obama_picks_up_support_from_ro.html
I think this article shows that people are looking big picture when it comes to their choice for President. I feel that this man understands the role of the president well, he is a Constitutional scholar so I’m assuming that that helps 
The Long Defeat: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/opinion/25brooks.html
“When you step back and think about it, she is amazing. She possesses the audacity of hopelessness. Why does she go on like this? Does Clinton privately believe that Obama is so incompetent that only she can deliver the policies they both support? Is she simply selfish, and willing to put her party through agony for the sake of her slender chance? Are leading Democrats so narcissistic that they would create bitter stagnation even if they were granted one-party rule?”
Pain at the Pump and Beyond: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/25/opinion/25tue1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=login
I like this article because it shows what gas prices are in other countries and what these other countries are doing to lower the consumption of inefficient gasoline. It would be really nice if we were proactive in the US instead of reactive.
Passport Backlog Put Data More in Hands of Contractors: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/24/AR2008032402431.html
60% of passport work is done by contractors. Looks like more money needs to be appropriated to the State department so they can hire people to take care of passport work.
The Audasity of Rethoric: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/post_25.html
I share this to bring some balance to this post. This article discusses how Obama is very left and embraced the left Anti-American sect in pursuit of blackness.
Worried Democrats Wish for ‘Dream Ticket’: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-24-Dreamteam_N.htm
An interesting breakdown of the possibility of a ‘Dream Ticket’ along with an analysis of VP candidate selection.
Clinton Unveils Plan to Ease Housing Crisis: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/03/24/ST2008032403267.html
Check out the video link in this article to see about Clinton’s proposal. Unfortunately, this article talks more about the bickering between the Obama and Clinton camps about who proposed a plan first than a good look at what Clinton is offering in her four point plan.
McCain Has Tough Words for Democrats on Iraq, Environment: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/03/24/mccain_has_tough_words_for_dem.html
This article is good only because it is a good short summary on what is going on with John McCain and these issues. I do have to say that when Sen. McCain is quoted saying, “In the event global warming proves dangerous,” I thought proves dangerous?!?!? What more proof do you need we have melting ice caps and an almost exponential increase in severe disasters.
Chelsey Clinton dismisses Lewinsky Question: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
This question came from the release of some of Sen. Clinton’s first lady schedules that indicate that she was in the White House when at least 6 of the Lewinsky encounters occurred. Seems like the past is still haunting Sen. Clinton.
Stingy Senators Stiff GOP: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/stingy-senators-stiff-gop-2008-03-25.html
The GOP continues to be in trouble and can’t get help from those that have gotten its help the most…tisk tisk.
Needed Protection: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032502439.html
I do agree with the D.C. and Virgina laws. I know parents don’t want to deal with their teenagers having sex but better safe than sorry.
Fortunate Daughter: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032503172.html?hpid=artslot&sid=ST2008032503203
This article takes a look at John McCain’s 23 year old daughter Meghan.
Giant Antarctic Ice Shelf Collapses: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/03/080325-antarctica-photo.html
China Protests U.S. Mistaken Arms Parts Shipment: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/26/AR2008032600666.html
Healthy and Green Dry Cleaning: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/green-dry-cleaning.html
HillarACK: http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/03/25/hillarack-all-about-our-cover.aspx
The cover of The New Republic features a fusion of Obama and Clinton…its kinda crazy. Check it out for yourself.
Hillary Clinton Does Macedonia: http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=6881
This article looks into one of the trips Hillary Clinton made on behalf of her husband when he was in office.
Beijing Olympics — After the Tourch Burns Out (Part 1): http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/StoryId.aspx?StoryId=6878
A reflection of the affects of the Beijing Olympics on everyday Chinese.
Beijing Olympics — After the Tourch Burns Out (Part 2): http://www.theglobalist.com/storyid.aspx?StoryId=6879
Part 2 looks at what could have been given to everyday Chinese instead of building new Olympic structures.
8 Simple Things I Like About You: http://capitolpunishment.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/26/8-simple-things-i-like-about-you/
This political humor article discusses things that the columnist likes about Hillary Clinton.
Chicago Battles Rise in Teen Murders : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23824652/
Clinton Tactics Turn Off Some Superdelegates: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/03/26/820834.aspx
We Have Questions. Questions About Questions: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/26/AR2008032602759.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter
White America’s Blind Spot: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/white_americas_blind_spot.html
“Black history, meanwhile, makes it possible for many to accept the theory advanced by Wright that white men invented the AIDS virus to destroy black populations. After all, the 40-year Tuskegee syphilis study, in which about 400 black men with syphilis were left untreated and uninformed as part of an experiment, was conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Public Health Service.”
Obama Speech Fuels Easter Sermons: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/us/politics/23churches.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=march%2023,%202008&st=nyt&scp=4
A really good article discussing preachers perspectives on Easter sermons and their overall role as shepherds to their flocks.
Mulligan Primary: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/magazine/23wwln-safire-t.html?ref=magazine
As a langauge lover, I love this weekly feature of the NY Times Magazine each Sunday…enjoy this week’s look at the origins of the word Mulligan.
McCain Outlines Foreign Policy: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/26/AR2008032603208.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter
The Straight Talk Express on Foreign Relations…
