Why do teens self-segregate along racial lines ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Probably via the parents and who the parents are friends with and encourage relationships with.

This^.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should see the colleges.

One top college we toured offered racially segregated dorms. We were so repulsed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, why do we have Howard University? People want to surround themselves with others that are like themselves. It's feels comfortable.

Are you serious? Because black people weren’t allowed to attend the “white” universities. That’s why it was founded.

Yes but that was wrong and we need to let our kids evolve in diverse spaces.

[Anonymous]

_Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?_ is a book by Beverly Daniel Tatum that explores racial identity development and the dynamics of race relations in America, particularly within educational settings. The book uses the cafeteria as a microcosm to examine why students of the same race often choose to sit together. Tatum argues that this self-segregation is a natural part of racial identity development, particularly for Black students, as they navigate a society where racism is pervasive.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Racial Identity Development:
The book explains how children, including Black children, become aware of race and how this awareness shapes their identity.
It highlights the importance of peer interaction for developing a positive racial identity, especially for those who experience similar forms of racism.
Tatum argues that for Black students, this often involves seeking out others who share their experiences and can understand their perspective.
2. Racism as a System:
The book defines racism not just as individual prejudice, but as a systemic issue with historical and institutional roots.
It discusses how racism is embedded in societal structures like education, media, and even the way history is taught.
This pervasive racism, according to Tatum, influences how people of color experience and navigate the world, including their social interactions.
3. The Cafeteria as a Microcosm:
The cafeteria setting serves as a visible example of how racial groups may cluster together.
Tatum uses this observation to illustrate how students are developing their racial identities and seeking out spaces where they feel comfortable and understood.
It's not necessarily a sign of hostility or rejection of other groups, but rather a natural tendency to connect with those who share similar experiences.
4. Importance of Open Dialogue:
The book emphasizes the need for open and honest conversations about race and racism.
Tatum argues that these conversations are crucial for breaking down racial barriers and promoting understanding.
By acknowledging and addressing racism, individuals can move towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
5. Updated Edition:
The book was updated in 2017 to reflect the ongoing conversations and challenges related to race in America.
It continues to be a valuable resource for educators, parents, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of race and racial identity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, why do we have Howard University? People want to surround themselves with others that are like themselves. It's feels comfortable.

Are you serious? Because black people weren’t allowed to attend the “white” universities. That’s why it was founded.

Yes but that was wrong and we need to let our kids evolve in diverse spaces.

The dominant culture in the United States is white culture. Embracing ones own culture, especially if it is a marginalized one, is really important for teens. Being proud of who you are matters, especially if society is structured to tell you who you are is lazy, violent, etc. Attending an HBCU can be immensely supportive for Black youth to give them a space to be themselves and not be judged for that.

[Anonymous]

By that logic, we should bring back all girls schools.

[Anonymous]

Parents need to model inclusion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, why do we have Howard University? People want to surround themselves with others that are like themselves. It's feels comfortable.

Are you serious? Because black people weren’t allowed to attend the “white” universities. That’s why it was founded.

Yes but that was wrong and we need to let our kids evolve in diverse spaces.

The dominant culture in the United States is white culture. Embracing ones own culture, especially if it is a marginalized one, is really important for teens. Being proud of who you are matters, especially if society is structured to tell you who you are is lazy, violent, etc. Attending an HBCU can be immensely supportive for Black youth to give them a space to be themselves and not be judged for that.

Same goes for immigrant groups. Should they open their own colleges?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, why do we have Howard University? People want to surround themselves with others that are like themselves. It's feels comfortable.

Are you serious? Because black people weren’t allowed to attend the “white” universities. That’s why it was founded.

Yes but that was wrong and we need to let our kids evolve in diverse spaces.

The dominant culture in the United States is white culture. Embracing ones own culture, especially if it is a marginalized one, is really important for teens. Being proud of who you are matters, especially if society is structured to tell you who you are is lazy, violent, etc. Attending an HBCU can be immensely supportive for Black youth to give them a space to be themselves and not be judged for that.

Same goes for immigrant groups. Should they open their own colleges?

You know they have their own cultural groups too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, why do we have Howard University? People want to surround themselves with others that are like themselves. It's feels comfortable.

Are you serious? Because black people weren’t allowed to attend the “white” universities. That’s why it was founded.

Yes but that was wrong and we need to let our kids evolve in diverse spaces.

The dominant culture in the United States is white culture. Embracing ones own culture, especially if it is a marginalized one, is really important for teens. Being proud of who you are matters, especially if society is structured to tell you who you are is lazy, violent, etc. Attending an HBCU can be immensely supportive for Black youth to give them a space to be themselves and not be judged for that.

Same goes for immigrant groups. Should they open their own colleges?

You can't equate the experiences of immigrant groups with that of Black Americans. As a PP said there is a specific history for why HBCUs were created and they still serve an important purpose. Why are you being so obtuse about that history?

But of course, many immigrants like to socialize with people from their own countries and cultures for some of the same reasons that Black Americans do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:By that logic, we should bring back all girls schools.

What do you mean "bring back"? There are many all girls schools today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beverly Daniel Tatum wrote a book about this.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Kids-Sitting-Together-Cafeteria/dp/0465060684#

Well? Why are they?

According to the book, it's often a coping strategy in response to racial stress or marginalization.

[Anonymous]

Why do adults self-segregate in online echo chambers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I noticed the blonde girls would hang out with each other starting in elementary school.

I noticed this too in my DD’s 3rd grade cohort!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is literally a book about this. Read it.
https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/beverly-daniel-tatum/why-are-all-the-black-kids-sitting-together-in-the-cafeteria/9781541616585/

The book is outdated.