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could the problem be cultural? There has been many media reports about African American teens feeling pressured not to do well academically. These kids are pressured not "act white" by getting good grades. (How sad!!!)
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I think the problem is complex, a combination of culture and how our society interprets culture. A strong family can help. But without a great awareness of the many intricate ways living in America hits blacks where they live, even the strongest, most well-off black families are gonna turn out kids who perform poorer than whites and Asians across the board whether in high school or college.</p>
<p>I truly wish there were some way to communicate just how pernicious it all is, and how ugly it can get when it takes hold of a young black childs mind. I guess one might see some of it by</a> taking a look at this little video. Unfortunately it does not come even close to expressing what I mean. Also, I think the interviewees dont understand, cognitively, the complexity of the problem. But I think they at least reveal a part of the problem. Imagine being a five, six or seven year-old and having to live with such a weight on your back. It is a marvel that blacks do as well as they do.</p>
<p>And the thing hits black kids at a remarkably early age. Shoot, by age five the damage is all done. It is just a matter of time before the effects will work themselves out in the black kids life. He tries to do well, but he is like a jet with its flaps perpetually lowered.</p>
<p>This thing can be short-circuited so that the kids are protected and left free to excel. But you gotta know about it first, preferably before you even have kids. Deal with this, and schools will have the same overrepresentation problem with blacks as they do with Asians.</p>