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Jocelyne Otoya
Phillips
Cultural Media Literacy
March 12 2016
Book Report

What is identity? Identity is defined as the qualities or beliefs that make a particular
person or group different from others. There are many factors that come into play when
discussing identity, such as gender, class, religion, and, probably one of the most crucial
components in molding a person, race. Developing a healthy racial identity is imperative for a
persons mental wellness. However, the question is, how does one develop a positive racial
identity in such a racially biased society? Psychologist and author Beverly Daniel Tatum
attempts to address this and many other questions in her book Why Are All The Black Kids
Sitting Together In The Cafeteria?. Tatums book serves a very powerful purpose by informing
readers on the impact just talking about race can have on the issue directly.
Before entering complex topics with her readers, Tatum begins the book with what the
definition of racism is. In the book, racism is defined as a system of advantage based on
race...In the context of the United States, this system clearly operates to the advantage of Whites
and to the disadvantage of people of color. This definition is not only educates readers on how
society is heavily influenced by White people (the dominant group), but also leads into the
discussion of privilege and how deeply ingrained into our culture it is. This opens the eyes of the
reader, especially if they are White, to the harsh realities of the effects of racism and how it
impacts us all.

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Another very critical aspect Tatum writes about is the actual process of racial identity for
African Americans. It is clearly expressed that many people go through these at different points
in their lives, there is no set age for this growth. The steps for racial identity development goes as
followed; pre-encounter, immersion/emersion, internalization, and internalization-commitment.
Tatum makes sure to give real life examples to each one of the steps, which helps the readers
visualize and connect more to the book itself. The author explicitly describing these steps makes
the audience realize the importance of racial development, especially for African Americans in
our society. However, that is not to say White people do not/should not develop their sense of
identity when it comes to race. Tatum writes about how the developmental process for Whites is
important but not highly discussed due to it being such a reserved topic in our society. The topic
of White racial development is extremely important mainly because many White people feel
guilt and shame given the history of racism. Tatums writings open both the eyes of White people
and people of color to the importance of accepting and being proud of your race.
One subject presented in this book that makes this such an amazing and informative read
on race, is the analysis of other races. Tatum thoroughly discusses the experiences or challenges
faced by other minority groups such as Hispanics, American Indians, Asian Americans, etc.
Usually when people speak of race, Whites and Blacks are only discussed leaving other minority
groups feeling left out or excluded. In this section of the book Tatum uses experiences from
former students to showcase the struggles these groups face to feel accepted by the dominant
group. For example, Tatum writes about a common strategy among Hispanic children which is to
avoid the use of Spanish in public. This is used to feel accepted by the dominant group.
Examples like the ones presented by Tatum help the reader visualize and/or connect to the book
even further.

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Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria? is an incredible and
educational read on racial identity. The book gives a new understanding to what exactly racism is
and helps readers feel more comfortable when conversing matters concerning race. Talking
about racism is an essential part of facing racism and changing it.