Tautum, B.  (1997) Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?New York: Basic Books.

OVERVIEW

(Download Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together overview as a PDF)

When I was in high school, sometimes I would stop and think, “Why am I sitting at a table full of Asians?”  I would then look around the cafeteria and notice several other tables filled with students of the same color. Today, I substitute teach at a local public high school and see the same phenomenon. It makes me think, “What is this self-segregation all about?” Should we see this as a dilemma needed to be addressed or a coping method to be supported? 

The book, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? attempts to address that very question and thus lays the premise of the book. It is a social/cultural critique, written by Beverly Daniel Tatum, an African-American professor of psychology and Dean of Mount Holyoke College as well as a psychologist in private practice. Dr. Tatum takes a sociological approach in writing this book and looks at this puzzling and often asked question, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” The purpose of this book is to provide a framework for thinking and talking about racial identity (particularly Black and White). Tatum wants “to help others move beyond fear, beyond anger, beyond denial to a new understanding of what racism is, how it impacts all of us, and ultimately what we can do about it” (pg. X).

 

 

Tatum develops her purpose according to this outline of her table of contents:

 

 

 

PART I     A DEFINITION OF TERMS

1.       Defining Racism

2.       The Complexity of Identity

PART II    UNDERSTANDING BLACKNESS IN A WHITE CONTEXT

3.       The Early Years

4.       Identity Development in Adolescence

5.       Racial Identity in Adulthood

PART III  UNDERSTANING WHITENESS IN A WHITE CONTEXT

6.       The Development of White Identity

7.       White Identity and Affirmative Action

PART IV   BEYOND BLACK AND WHITE

8.       Critical Issues in Latino, American Indian, and Asian Pacific American Identity Development

9.       Identity Development in Multiracial Families

PART V    BREAKING THE SILENCE

                                10. Embracing a Cross-Racial Dialogue

 

Tatum defines racism as “a system of advantage based on race” (pg. 7). She argues that although not all White people are overtly prejudice, they collectively assert their racial advantage – access to better schools, housing, jobs, etc. Therefore, racism is a system that involves cultural messages and institutional policies and practices, not just beliefs and actions of individuals.

This book is also a must for anyone working in a multi-cultural setting. Not only does it deal with issues of racism, but it also deals with the issue of ethnic self-identity that is vital for both minority groups as well as majority groups. She challenged me to wrestle with the importance of racial identity more than any other book I have read before. Not only is racial identity needed to tackle racism, but also needed to build an individual’s, as well as a racial group’s, value and esteem. I was so moved and encouraged by the obvious passion and concern that came through Tatum’s insights and stories. I would ask all my friends, no matter what race they are to read this book. I believe it is a book that draws different races to value and appreciate each other more through deeper love and understanding.

 

 

 

QUOTATIONS

“It seems that “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” – with that provocative question as its title – has served as an entry point, a conversation starter even for those who ordinarily avoid such conversations. And that indeed was an important goal.” (Introduction, Pg. IX).

 

 

 

“People of color learn early in life that they are seen by others as members of a group. For Whites, thinking of oneself only as an individual is a legacy of White privilege” (pg. 102).

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFECTION AND DISCUSSION

1.       Why is it difficult for people to talk about race issues?

2.       What is the cost for not talking about race issues?

3.       Who do you think it is hardest for to talk about race issues – White man, White woman, Black man, Black woman, Asian…Hispanic…etc? What is your argument?

 

4.       After reading this book, what do you think is the answer to the title question, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?”

 

 

 

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

1.   Racial identity is or must become part of one’s maturing process throughout childhood and adolescence, and into adulthood. Without a healthy perspective of oneself that includes racial/ethnic identity one cannot develop a positive self-image.

2.   Teachers, youth workers, parents, etc need to foster a safe and open environment concerning racial and ethnic discussion and exploration for our children. The earlier start they have in developing a healthy racial identity, the earlier they will develop a positive self-image and mature in other areas of life.

3.   White people need to also get in on the discussion of race and racism even if they do not see themselves as racist or ethnic. They need to explore the subtle ways they participate in corporate racism. They also need to explore their own racial identity as White people – to be proud of their heritage but also repent of the history of White superiority and privilege.

 

 

 

Anita Colombara, Copyright CYS