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In reply to the discussion: A 13-Year-Old's Slavery Analogy Raises Some Uncomfortable Truths in School [View all]mzteris
(16,232 posts)I'm going to remember that name, because that girl is going places!
I've thought for a long time that the institutionalized racism in schools is helping to keep minorities poor and unempowered. I know a lot of teachers THINK they're not prejudiced (like most people), but sadly - the truth is, most non-minorities harbor feelings that they are unwilling - or even unable - to recognize and admit.
There was study some time ago, small black children were perfoming equally well until about the 3rd grade. The theory was, that's when they stopped being such "cute little things" and became the "black other". (I read it probably 13 yo now so no, don't have reference.) At third grade you began to see an increase in labeling as EMH or BEH, suspensions, etc. (especially for black boys - the incidence increased more rapidly) - this continues throughout school lives.