Tatum defines racism as a system of disadvantage based on race. This definition is a little different then others by saying that acts of racism are on a wider spectrum that cover social and governmental areas. One is not born being racist, but it is acquired over time. She later then says that black children should not be made to feel that they are flawed because of their skin color. But this idea needs to be put into effect in the Childs home they are more likely to be aware of their race around their family and friends. She says it should be later reinforced during school where teachers should make it feel like a judgment free zone so all students feel equal. Although it is harder to address this issue with younger children, this issue should really be opened to students in middle and high school.
Tatum also sheds light on how teachers may omit information in the classroom and how it can even be omitted in society and the impact it has on people. This is similar to the story of the education system in Texas where they only taught about the wins and refused to discuss any loses in an attempt to promote patriotism. Young students do not pick up on the fact that they are being lied to through omission, but when more information is available to them say in high school, college or graduate school, most will become aware of what was done. It does puts a void in the trust and respect the student had. They will often feel betrayed and wonder if anything was true.
She also mention this idea of “communal identify” which was the original idea behind the creation of schools. It created this big hypocritical idea in all reality. In America, individuality is said the stressed and accepted but if you are too much of an individual then it is not tolerated. In certain instances, scholarships are based on what race or ethnicity a person is, instead of being merit based regardless of skin color.
