Acting White?

A number of high school students of color feel that they will be a traitor to their roots, their color, their family background, or their friends, if they do well in school, even if it means that they will be able to go to college and get a well-respected job, like teacher, lawyer, doctor, where they might even be able to come back and serve their community. They might be bullied for "acting white" if they do.

• Can you tell us about times when you have been bullied for "acting white?"
• Or have you bullied someone else for the same?
• If you are a member of the majority, the "white," we'd also like to hear about what you think about your classmates who are afraid of "acting white."

Why do young people think that getting good grades is "acting white?"

• Is it because they see that there are mostly "white" kids in advanced classes?
• Is it only African/Americans who feel this way?
• Is there something similar where you live that is more class-based, than race-based, like "acting posh?"
  
• If you are a minority in another country, is there a similar thing going on where you live?

How does it feel to you if someone says you're "acting white?"

• Do you want to join them and stop being good at school so your friends don't bully you?
• Do you work even harder, to get out of the neighborhood?

If you're older and went on to college even though you were bullied for "acting white" in school, how do you feel about it now?

• How do your old friends treat you when you come back to the neighborhood?
• Do you even try to go back to the old neighborhood?
• Do you feel you can be a role model for kids like you used to be?

What do you do if you are being bullied for "being white?"

• Do you drop your accent, and "talk white?"
• Do you dress differently?
• Can you still hang out with your old friends?
• Can you influence them in any way?

Please click "Comment" below and tell us what you think or feel about "acting white."