Understanding Racial Identity Development Amoung School Age Children (1998)

Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? Beverly Daniel Tatum; New York, NY: Basic Books; 1997; 370 pages; $24.00. School counselors are often confronted by students with the challenge of responding to questions about race or racial differences. In this groundbreaking text, Beverly Daniel Tatum, Psychologist, offers strategies on how school personnel, mental health providers, and parents can engage in meaningful dialogue about race and ethnicity with children within the context of the child's developmental stage and cognitive ability. Tatum's primary goal in writing this book was to promote the understanding of racism and other forms of oppression through the lens of racial identity. The author begins by defining terms such as prejudice, internalized oppression, and racism. Tatum differentiated between the term prejudice and racism; prejudice being preconceived judgments or opinions whereas racism refers to a system of advantage based on race. All too often these terms have been used interchangeably despite their distinct differences. Section one is effective in setting the tone for the rest of the book by insuring the comprehension of misused and misunderstood terms often used in conversations about race. Section two provides a road map for developing a better understanding of the dynamics of racial identity development from preschool through adulthood. Critical issues such as skin color and hair texture prejudice within the African-American community are discussed. The effects of multiple experiences of oppression (e.g., being a woman and a person of color) are also examined. Tatum introduces the concept of oppositional identity development and its implications for academic achievement and social competencies in adolescent AfricanAmerican children. Tatum explains how the search for identity for many African-American youth includes joining with their African-American peers and away from behaviors or people that represent the dominant culture. She illustrates how this oppositional stance may serve as a buffer against the psychological effects of racism. Section three focuses on the racial identity development of EuropeanAmerican children and offers examples of how European-Americans can move successfully through the developmental process. This section is also enriched with narratives by European-American parents and educators who share their own personal journeys toward cultural awareness and sensitivity. Section four extends Tatum's ideas about racial identity development beyond the European-American and African-American paradigm to include the unique experiences of Latino-American, Asian-American, Native-American, and bi-racial children. This section highlights critical issues pertinent to the racial identity development of each group, particularly in schools, and points the reader to more information. Tatum ends the book by encouraging the reader to break the silence about racism and other forms of oppression and provides the reader with a seven-page resource list on how to initiate public dialogues on race. Beverly Tatum presents strong evidence that meaningful conversations about race are essential to meeting the developmental needs of children. This book is a must read for school counselors and teachers. Perhaps as never before, school counselors must be prepared to help students from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds develop healthy self-concepts and learn to appreciate cultural diversity. Counselors in training could also benefit from this book to help them prepare for their practicum and internship experiences. Pick it up, read a chapter or two, and see if you do not find yourself either thinking, feeling, or doing differently. Writing Your Manuscript for One of the Following Sections Speakout. This section which appears occasionally provides a forum for those who wish to make an opinioned statement or take a position regarding a specific or general aspect of professional school counseling. …