5 Reasons why some Black Children Don’t Succeed

These reasons are based on my personal experience working with Black and Hispanic children in an urban education setting. This is by no means posted to represent an all-encompassing cure all for the issue of minority underachievement in school, but is intended as a watch list to curb behaviors that may be negatively affecting our children.

Reason 1 – Too much Television

In general, children do watch too much television and minority (Black and Hispanic) children are more likely to have a television in their bedroom, leading to even more television consumption. (http://tinyurl.com/5mqvsq) Turn off the television! The majority of programs portray minorities in a negative fashion. Women are objectified and fathers/father figures are often the butt of jokes on many situation comedies. Even some of the cartoons are odd and weird. (What’s up with that Cat/Dog cartoon anyway?)

Reason 2 – Too many Video Games

Why is it that there is such talk about the digital divide when African Americans are spending more per month on video games, according to a study done by Nielson Entertainment (http://preview.tinyurl.com/5m5hpx). Video games cost between $50-$60 and the console itself can run to $300.00. You can get a refurbished laptop for $299.99. Video games are entertaining, but many of them contain violence and stereotypical characters. Hours spent playing these games every day….and black children come away with nothing but over exercised thumbs, racing adrenaline and bloodshot eyes.

Reason 3 – Little to no “family time”

Do you break bread with your child, or do you sit him at the table or in front of the television set to eat by himself because you’re just too tired to deal? Eating together as a family unit is important to children. It is there where they learn table manners, how to have a conversation, and it’s a great way to check up and check in with family members. It’s important for children to have dinner, or a snack, or breakfast with the family – it reinforces their feeling as part of a family unit and gives the family the time to reconnect.

Reason 4 – Little to no physical activity

Granted, not everyone has the time to shuttle their child back and forth to sports practices and games. However, take the time to walk around the block or even up and down the stairs within your home. How about tossing the ball back and forth in the back yard, or tossing a soft foam ball in the house? Can’t go outside? How about some jumping jacks, sit ups or a pillow fight? Not only does physical activity get the blood moving – a way to work off some of that excess energy that children have, but it’s also a great time to talk. The distraction of the game helps the child (and the adult) break down barriers.

Reason 5 – Lack of Positive Role Models

Let’s face it, sport/music stars and celebrities are featured prominently in our nation’s consciousness. Because they are almost forced down our throats through news reports, magazines and talk shows, our children begin to focus on them as role models rather than the unsung heroes. The first role models, of course should be the parent or guardians. Beyond that, there are teachers, coaches, police officers, firefighters and other “ordinary joes and janes” who are a positive influence on the community around them. Further, there are figures in current events who are simply super, such as Mae Jemison, Dr. Ben Carson and my “friend in my head” Condoleezza Rice. Of course, there’s Oprah Winfrey and others who are currently making the grade.