Abraham Lincoln

[Anonymous]

My DD came home from school and told me that a kid in her class was confused because the teacher said Obama was the first black president. The kid piped up and said that was wrong because Abraham Lincoln was black. All the other kids laughed. My DD had to ask the kid why she thought that Lincoln was black? The kid responded that Lincoln freed the slaves therefore he must be black. I think the kid had logical reasoning. So here is my question: is it important to talk about race/ethnicity when studying in school? And, how did all the other kids "just" know Lincoln was white?

DD said the teacher was surprised at the conversation.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it is important to talk about race and ethnicity when studying in school.

And all the other kids knew that Lincoln was white because they have seen pictures of Lincoln.

Was this kindergarten?

[Anonymous]

No, it was 3rd grade. Good, I am glad you agree race / ethnicity is important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD came home from school and told me that a kid in her class was confused because the teacher said Obama was the first black president. The kid piped up and said that was wrong because Abraham Lincoln was black. All the other kids laughed. My DD had to ask the kid why she thought that Lincoln was black? The kid responded that Lincoln freed the slaves therefore he must be black. I think the kid had logical reasoning. So here is my question: is it important to talk about race/ethnicity when studying in school? And, how did all the other kids "just" know Lincoln was white?

DD said the teacher was surprised at the conversation.

I'm a bit worried that the kid assumes that only a black president would be interested in freeing the slaves. Abolition wasn't just a black issue. Many white activists joined the cause.. Hopefully the teacher overcame his/her discomfort to address that.