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Title: Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race
ISBN: 0465091296
Author:
Beverly Daniel Tatum
Publicate Date: 1999-06-18
Publish: 1999-06-18
List Price: $14.00
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $4.19
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $2.75
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| Customer Review: |
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1: Great Read
I initially began reading this book for an education psychology class, unaware that this book would hold the answers to the many questions of my childhood. With every chapter it was as though I was looking in a mirror. As Dr. Tatum discussed the 5 stages of racial identity development I found myself chanting, "Amen!" in agreement. This book allowed me to put labels on my personal experiences with racism. (Currently I'm in the internalization stage.) In addition it made me reflect on why I too had a front row seat at the "Black Table" in elementary, middle, high school, and college. Overall this is a well developed easy read on a not-so easy topic.
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2: excellent and cheap. What else can I ask for?
when I saw the price of the book, I immediately thought it was a piece of junk. However, when I got it mailed to me, I was amazed!!!! It was excellent, just like new and so cheap...
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3: Relevant and valuable for all racial groups
The title of this book is provocative, and may lead some to be surprised by what they find in it.
It is not a book for white people who see the formation of racial identity groups---in the cafeteria or otherwise---as a problem and want confirmation that this is a separatist or "reverse racist" practice that should be denounced. It is a book for those who honestly want to understand this phenomenon and what it says about the society we live in. I've recommended this book to several white friends and all have said it's one of the most readable and insightful works they've read.
I admit I was skeptical about how relevant this book would be to me, as an Asian-American woman. In fact, it is one of the most valuable---dare I say "lifesaving"?---books I have ever read on race issues in the United States. Tatum explains the development of racial identity in a way that helped me understand for the first time that the confusion, anger, and isolation I have felt in trying to claim my Asian-ness is normal and a natural consequence of living in a culture where whiteness is the norm. She describes the pre-encounter stage, where people aren't fully aware of the consequences of being non-white, but nonetheless pick up on a perpetual feeling of otherness, of being less accepted. The encounter stage, where we realize the full implications of living in a white-dominated culture, is frequently accompanied by anger and a feeling of being cheated or betrayed. I have felt this keenly and it was a relief to have those feelings validated. Then there is the immersion/emersion stage, which I find myself in right now; wanting to be among Asians, to claim the heritage I feel I've had to deny for so long by learning everything I can about my history and culture, reading writings by Asian-American authors, etc. The fourth and fifth stages, which I haven't reached yet, are those associated with a healthier understanding of one's race and identity. And while I'm not there yet, I now recognize that I am on a journey and that I need not deny who I am, nor try to suppress my anger, nor feel guilty for wanting to be with people who understand me and have gone through this same process. The clarity I've achieved by reading this book has been tremendously valuable.
I think the genius of this book is that Tatum knows how to address both white people and people of color in a manner that is honest, personal, and engaging. I believe all those who approach these questions with an open mind and true willingness to listen and understand will come away having learned something they can use.
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4: Some solid ideas from a big toon!!
The work that she put together in the form of this book is chuck full of groundbreaking ideas. I am in complete agreement with her on the process of identity acquisition. Where we diverge is when she shows entirely to much sensitivity going as far as attaching deeper meaning to a children's cartoon. Yes I know that cartoons where very racist back in the day, but I think that a multi million dollar modern day disney cartoon would be a bit of stretch to call racist. But if anyone can do it while being a dean of a $40,000 a year school Dr. Tatum most certainly can. I wonder if she told her son about the discrimatory practices that her school openly practiced for decades. Don't let my personal disgust stop you from reading this book its ideas are sane just wish I could say the same about the author.
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5: 5-Star Review
Fast shipping and received the item in excellent condition. Thank you; I look forward to ordering from you in the future!
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