Acting White Theory Essay
Research has shown there is a trend of African-Americans underachieving in schools. According to Mocombe (2011), this widening achievement gap is related to the “acting white” theory proposed by John Ogbu. “Acting white” is the phrase used to describe when African-Americans are “disassociating from black cultural identity and assuming the cultural norms and values of whites” (Foster, 2004, p. 274). Specifically, Foster found the African-American culture does not promote education as a priority, resulting in students using strategies to diminish their academic abilities. Consequently, we have students in the classroom who are not working to their potential who are instead allowing peer pressure and cultural differences to negatively effect
…show more content…
The connection between academic success and economic success is not a prevalent in the inner city and ghetto communities as the White community (Mocombee, 2011). Rather than academic achievement as a means to financial success, activities such as “sports, hip-hop culture, drug dealing, and other illegal activities, appear to be more viable means or social roles to economic gain or success, status, and upward mobility in the society for Blacks” (Mocombe, 2011, p. 86). Interestingly, “Ogbu emphasized social factors, racial oppression and discrimination” as the cause for Black students failing academically in an effort to not been seen as “acting white” (Mocombe, 2011, p. 88). In fact, Lee (2002) found evidence to support Ogbu’s theory. Black students are often seen as trespassing when they excel academically and are placed in honor classes. They are made to feel as though they do not belong, therefor they do not feel validated in that position and turn to activities where they do feel validated as they search for their racial identity. As school districts work to close achievement gaps, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the cultural forces which are working against academic success, along with the school system’s actions to see how they are working together or against one another (Foster, 2004). This will deepen our understanding of the factors which influence African-Americans’ responses to
The connection between academic success and economic success is not a prevalent in the inner city and ghetto communities as the White community (Mocombee, 2011). Rather than academic achievement as a means to financial success, activities such as “sports, hip-hop culture, drug dealing, and other illegal activities, appear to be more viable means or social roles to economic gain or success, status, and upward mobility in the society for Blacks” (Mocombe, 2011, p. 86). Interestingly, “Ogbu emphasized social factors, racial oppression and discrimination” as the cause for Black students failing academically in an effort to not been seen as “acting white” (Mocombe, 2011, p. 88). In fact, Lee (2002) found evidence to support Ogbu’s theory. Black students are often seen as trespassing when they excel academically and are placed in honor classes. They are made to feel as though they do not belong, therefor they do not feel validated in that position and turn to activities where they do feel validated as they search for their racial identity. As school districts work to close achievement gaps, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the cultural forces which are working against academic success, along with the school system’s actions to see how they are working together or against one another (Foster, 2004). This will deepen our understanding of the factors which influence African-Americans’ responses to