I’m a black female from north Texas, and I work in the federal government as an enginer. Honestly, I can as that I see PLENTY of African American people in my field in my area. However, I recognize that this may not be the norm in other parts of the nation. I still don’t believe it’s right to pressure kids into fields they are not really interested it. Not every White kid has an interest in those fields, and there are obviously far less Black kids than White kids, so you would expect far less Black kids to have that interest. Also I am a little offended and taken aback by the fact that the author says that Black kids “self segregation” is hurting them in this arena. The author says: “White students are getting advice from their parents and summer jobs through their connections. If you’re limiting the number of times you’re spending with white people, you’re also limiting the types of information you have available to you.” So Black parents aren’t getting any advice from THEIR parents? Does that mean it’s ok for the Whites and Asians to self segregate because we Blacks have nothing to offer them as well? What about the Black kids who are associated/acquainted with other professional Black people- including their parents? It just seems as if the author saying that associating with White people socially is the only way kids can become successful in these fields? Trust me, Silicon Valley is definately NOT the only place in the nation where jobs in the tech field are available, and there are Black role models in these fields who kids can go to for advice.

sidebar: not too many people responding here, are there?

In response to the article:
I think that our kids often don’t see computers as a means to self reliance. This comes from screwing around in class instead of doing their assignments. And yes this is a generalization, but it comes from a substitute teacher, who is making a statement based on observation and making allowances for the fact that if you are a sub, the kids are going to act silly.

I have had to sub for computer classes that they are getting for free (high school kids) that would lift them into a great income if they would just do the work. I think that part of what needs to happen is that we make sure our kids know the importance of high tech knowledge. When that happens, then those who might try to ‘deter’ them, will be the people they ignore.

Young people need to understand that internet technology is one of the best avenues to self reliance that they can have and possibly make ALOT of money doing something that is interesting. And the beauty of it is you don’t have to do something illegal (because on career day, more than 3 kids told me they wanted to be pimps, no lie) to make this money and not have to worry about jail time or dying before they turn 25.

Personally, I am looking into changing careers and I am checking out computer classes even as I type this.

I think it all depends on where you live maybe?  I have been in IT for over 10 years in the DC area  and all the companies ive worked at have had several black americans.  Where i work now i do sql and web app support, my supervisor who moved up the chain starting with support is a black woman, both the network and systems admins at my job are black and my sister is a DBA.  There have been several reports over the last few months about the lack of blacks in the STEM fields and i do agree that we are few and far between but it could also be where it is the writer of the book is looking.