Discussing the Mindset of a Black Student

When one asks, “What is the mindset of a Black student,” we must also remember that the mindset of any student is crucial to the successful completion of study. Unfortunately, the past educational standards, lessons and the amount of attention given to black students has been less then other students, or racially biased. This has created a resistant Mindset of the Black student. The cultural differences that have developed in the relationship between white and black America, coupled with outdated teaching materials and methods have created additional barriers in the ability of the public schools to address the issues of black and other minority students that are under scoring because of cultural differences.

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The two worlds that the black students inhabit are largely related, yet completely different. One can be dangerous and deadly if the black student does not remain vigilant and the other world (non-black) is demeaning and judgmental. This combination of realities on top of other stereotypes can make the mindset of the Black student resistant, and distrusting. It will cause them to challenge the authority and validity of the schools, especially if there is a duel-stereotyping present. When both positive and negative stereotypes are present, it can cause an internal conflict within the student that can make their attitude resistant to others outside of their immediate social structures.

The social bias of school and testing, while having never been claimed as intentional, but the result of the majority’s insensitivity to the minority, has severely affected the attitudes and mindset of black students of the past, whom in turn influence the mindset of the current population of black students, whom are their children. An instructor’s attempt to extend a hand to a black student will backfire under the every present suspicion of authority. Criticizing the black students clothing, style, and communication skills with his peers will only create a greater gap, and validate internal distrust.

Bridging the gap begins with acceptance of the personal skills and attributes of the individual student, regardless of the instructors feelings about the student’s tastes. Understanding that lessons are not “one size fits all ethnicities,” and that students comprehension largely relies on examples from their own environment, without patronizing or perpetuating stereotypes. Over coming, the stereotypes that have contributed to the mindset of the Black student, by presenting lessons and examples that are inclusive of the black students’ environment. Encouraging the black student to participate in the school activities that are non-traditional, while accepting the black students’ personal interests, validate their contributions without personal connotations, and realizing that we as a society are still struggling to reach the goal of equality.