I Thought You Were Black? Teacher Tells Student to Read ‘Blacker’ in Class

March 19th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Source: Black Americans

In you’re not black enough if you don’t sound like you stepped out of a rap video news, a ninth grader in Fairfax County,Virginia’s blackness was questioned when he didn’t read a poem to his teacher’s liking in class.

George C. Marshall student Jordan Shumate said he was reading Langston Hughes’ Ballad of the Landlord aloud in class when the teacher interrupted him and told him to read “blacker.”

“She told me, ‘Blacker, Jordan — c’mon, blacker. I thought you were black,’ ” the 14-year-old told The Washington Post.

Jordan said when he refused to continuing reading, his teacher, Marilyn Bart, picked up where he left off, demonstrating what she meant by “blacker.”

“She sounded like a maid in the 1960s,” Jordan said. “She read the poem like a slave, basically.”

Jodan said he later asked the teacher whether she thinks all black people speak that way and was reprimanded for talking out of turn. When he told his mother, Nicole Cober Page, what happened she complained to school administrators, saying if the teacher thought the poem should be delivered in a Southern dialect, she could have said so without referring to race.

Principal Jay Pearson told The Washington Post the school is investigating Ms. Bart, who has been with Fairfax Schools since 1990, and they are taking the matter very seriously.

Jordan also mentioned another incident that didn’t sit well with him recently. He said in preparation for reading literature about the Holocaust, Ms. Bart had been showing photographs to illustrate common stereotypes about different groups of people during the week. One day she showed an image of grape soda and asked him to explain its meaning.

“I do know the stereotypes,” Jordan said, “but she could change the questions so I’m not like the king of black people.”

Sounds like someone needs diversity training—at the very least.

How do you think this teacher’s actions should be handled?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Rickymix

I also wondered whether the teacher was black or white; there is obviously some sort of personality clash going on here between teacher and student. The kid and his Mom seem to be leaning over backwards to distance themselves from mainstream African-American culture, (Fresh Prince Of Bel Air?) which may not be the healthiest thing to do either. Maybe the teacher, in her awkward way, or perhaps jokingly, was trying to help him get past that? We should hear her side before passing judgement.
Sarah Suter

“She told me, ‘Blacker, Jordan — c’mon, blacker. I thought you were black,’…..WOW! Well, I’ll tell you what? if that was my baby … oh… let me leave it at that….
LisaLuvless

You guys commenting here should be more concerned about the Trayvon Martin tragedy,sign the petition and have something done.
They will continue to treat us like nothing when we keep doing nothing.
At least this kid is here to stand up for himself.
http://blackonpurpose.blogspot.com/ gryph

i think they both need `diversity’ training.
did anyone else get that poem was about the control, dependency and ‘eviction’ of `blackness’?
the poem is written in the black vernacular. that’s how it is supposed to sound and is, likely, essential to its meaning. so. i’ve got to ask. what’s wrong with jordan that he’d be offended by a (bad attempt) at black speech, and associate it with `slave’ talk.

the teacher might have gone about it the wrong way, or really just be `racist’, but after we finish running the script and testimonials about what being black does and doesn’t mean, and how black bullies tried to police everyone, will we still care to ask what jordan’s choice to not read the poem the way it was written (or not feeling comfortable enough in an educational setting to speak in the black vernacular) means about his own `racism’ ? or the school systems?
- Nehemiah53
  
  Jordan was raise a uppity suburban black boy who have been taught to look down his nose by his parents at plain everyday black people or the so call black vernacular, he will learn after they [white upper class students] finish with him after he enroll in the University of
  Virginia because they don’t care whether you come from intercity DC or Reston VA you are steele black.
Bremani

Reprimand at the least…shameful!
Mia

This young man is obviously intelligent. I feel Ms.Bart should complete diversity and sensitivity training, she should aplogize to Jordan and his family in front of the class and also be suspended without pay. We as people; black, white, latinos, middle eastern have to do better!!! Its 20 freakin 12!!!

Also I HATE when people sterotype rappers. Not all rappers talk “black”. Some rappers are very smart. Prime example Lil Wayne.
- Mr.Ruffin
  
  LOL @ Lil Wayne being very smart.
  
  You probably think the earth is flat as well.
  
  Something that is more sickening than white people who believe in black stereotypes are blacks who reinforce negative racist stereotypes. Such folks as Lil Wayne and their followers who defend their ignorant attitudes, mannerisms and lifestyles.
- Ona2684
  
  I think it’s Lil’ Jon you are referring to, not Lil’ Wayne.
- Nehemiah53
  
  This young man is probably learned and well read however base on the above article
  I can’t say he is intelligent, I don’t think he used good judgment by refusing the teacher request.
  Intelligent- displaying or characterized by quickness of understanding, sound thought, or good judgment.
FabienneDesrameaux

I will admit Langston Hughes pieces do have a certain dialect to them but to say read it “blacker” is just ignorant on the teachers part. My literature teacher in high school was a white woman she explained dialect to the class and told us to better understand the time frame we should read in that dialect. Nvr uttered the words blacker smh
tee

LANGSTON HUGHES DIDN’T TALK THAT WAY HIMSELF!!!! He was not a slave, nor was he close to one. He grew up between the 20′s-40′s (Ballpark) No African American spoke that way by that time unless they were trained from birth to speak that way. Langston grew up in times where African Americans were coming up in the world, and education was available.
RenJennM

That teacher really could’ve and should have phrased “read blacker” to “use a more Southern dialect”, if that is what she meant. Obviously, not all Black people live in the South. And to single out that young man to explain why Black people like grape soda and rap music?! Oh please. Diversity training may not be enough for this lady. Seems like she BELIEVES this stuff to be true.

Personally, I was raised in New Jersey, in both the ghetto and in the suburbs, so my speech and demeanor is influenced by both environments. I’ve always been an articulate, well-read child, even when I lived in the ‘hood, so I’m not saying everyone in the ‘hood uses “improper english”. But I am saying that the inflections in my voice and the way I pronounce words has changed a bit over the years while living in the suburbs. The soul, swag, and rhythm I possess has never been diluted, and I can still maintain my integrity no matter where I am, whether at the workplace or at home. Using “proper english” does not [always] mean you are trying to “talk/sound white”, and using slang or ebonics does not [always] mean you are ignorant, even if you are hood or about that life.

What I’ve observed over my 23 years of life is that many Black people have what I call two voices, their normal voice and the work/phone voice. Don’t believe me? Just have a chat with a Black co-worker whom you are really cool with, then listen to her answer a phone call at her desk. lol! There’s nothing wrong with it — a lot of us do it. It’s practically subconscious, but I personally think it’s great. Shows versatility.
- Anon
  
  We speak two languages! lol I’ve always said that and my professors all agreed. When we let our hair down around each other we speak differently and use certain slang and what not. Doesn’t make us any less educated BUT we all have to know when and how to turn it off when necessary. It’s english we’re speaking but a different kind that comes naturally to us and a lot of times very creative and helpful in painting a better mental picture. I think its cool.
- http://profile.yahoo.com/CGQWF3SKZGO2LZTDEUPHYE3WCU TPOD
  
  I think what you are trying to point, in bigoted and race-focused manner, is that people adjust their speaking style according to the social situation. But to think that this is exclusive to those whom are black and yourself or any other human being, makes me grateful that I don’t have to deal with you in a work or any other real-world environment.
  - RenJennM
    
    LOL! Bigot?! Wow. How can I be a bigot when I am Black, love Black people, love myself, love my loved ones, love our men, love our women, love our children, and love our culture?! And I love and appreciate other cultures as well. smh silly rabbit.
    
    Why so serious? Contrary to your narrow-minded accusations, I did not make it a “race-focused” statement; I just can’t speak for ALL races because I do not personally know how many of them are at home versus how they are in the workplace (unless I base my observations off of the media, which would mean I’m generalizing). I was just basing my observations off of something I’ve noticed about my own race since I was a little kid: watching adults and my peers. And I don’t think everyone does it, but many people do.
    
    I personally think it’s awesome. But to call me bigot based off a funny observation I’ve picked up throughout my life based off my own people is slightly laughable yet mostly inexcusably immature. Aim your daggers elsewhere.
Nene

How does grape soda relate to ethnicity?
- Gabsimom
  
  I think she was stereotyping kindergarteners.
- FromUR2UB
  
  I don’t know. Hadn’t heard that one. I thought any red colored soda or Koolaid was supposed to be one of our stereotypes. I guess they’ve invented a new one.
Ricecakep

Offended!!!!!
http://twitter.com/IntheClotheset IntheClotheset.com

She needs to be fired…seriously…this person is an educator, tasked with showing kids they can reach beyond stereotypes and the limitations they create not singling them out to embody them – what is wrong with this woman and even worse with those that hired her??
Sickofit

Def diversity training. I wouldn’t say she’s a racist just terribly ignorant and insensitive to what is acceptable. For a young man, he handled each situation perfectly. He never once disrespected her (she is his elder) yet he spoke up for what he thought was wrong. Great parenting on his mom’s part.
Cooljoe

You know what I love? Hearing the other side of the story. Not to defend the teacher here, but this is all going off of one account. Journalism!
- tee
  
  In no way shape or form is it ever a logical reason to call an ethnic child out on their race. Her actions are not justafiable by any means. It is VERY offensive. So what the author of the poem was African American and the student is also, that does not mean he should belittle himself and speak like a slave. He’s in school to get a proper education, not to mimick his ancestors whom were not as fortunate to recieve today’s education.
- FromUR2UB
  
  I think the only thing the teacher can possibly say that would help her is that she didn’t say it.
RedButterfly81

Read Blacker, what the heck is that?! I mean she should be happy this boy can READ!!! Is Ebonics our official language now? If it is, I’ll pass and continue speak educated English, something my mom and dad raised my siblings and I to do.
- Dutchess
  
  (pssst! That should read “…something my mom and dad raised my siblings and me to do.
  - RedButterfly81
    
    Who told you to correct me? This is a website, not a school, THANK YOU!!!
    - Dutchess
      
      Just thought you might want to know.
      - RedButterfly81
        
        Well, you’re NOT my teacher so bye!
        
        kokuaguy
        
        Old English teachers never die … we just misplace our red pencils. And you must admit, it was a bit ironic that you were writing about correct usage of the English language.
        
        Dutchess
        
        Precisely Kokuaguy! I wouldn’t have said anything otherwise. (Have you seen my red pencil?)
        
        Pivyque
        
        Lol
        
        RedButterfly81
        
        Red pencils is so old school so who cares!
        
        Dutchess
        
        Are. “Red pencils are so old school…”
        
        RedButterfly81
        
        Well I don’t need no help unless I ask and besides, I was at work and in a rush when typing that comment, don’t have a cow man and MYOB! This goes for fake Dutchess too!
        
        FabienneDesrameaux
        
        pssst! That should read “…I don’t need any help” lmao lol
        
        Dutchess
        
        rofl!
        
        Serritta_1215
        
        Wow! So our children bully because grownups bully! Intriguing!
    - Mls2698
      
      Lol, I think I got the drama popping on the site about sagging pants. You did very well!
  - Jean_Harlow
    
    Why do you care how she typed her comment, are you her teacher? As if you didn’t made mistakes in your life, go find better things to do than to tell someone how to type a comment on a website Ms. Cyber police!
    - kokuaguy
      
      Chill, toots.
    - Dutchess
      
      It never occurred to me that the only person who could ever “teach” me anything was a certified teacher or my parents. If I believed that I guess I would have been in trouble the instant I graduated college. I would have just stopped learning. I’d be stuck with the mentality of a 22 year old.
      Redbutterfly expressed a desire to always read and write properly. Whether she likes the way it happened or not, she just got a little closer to that goal.
  - Swatiprincess
    
    actually redbutterfly81 is right it is …my siblings and I. besides that is not the issue here.
    - Dutchess
      
      No, that is not correct. Would you say, “I will speak proper English the way my mom and dad taught I”?
      
      Use the pronoun me, along with other objective pronouns such as us, him, her, you, and them, when the pronoun is the object of a verb:
      Danny thanked them.The dog followed John and me to the door. In the last example, the pronoun me, together with the proper noun John, forms the object of the verb follow, so you need to use me rather than I. Use the pronoun me, along with other objective pronouns such as us, him, her, you, and them, when the pronoun is the object of a preposition:Rose spent the day with Jake and me.
- S_andrew27
  
  At this juncture, I’m probably beating the proverbial dead horse,but I’d be remiss if I failed to point out a blatant error in your prose above. English, itself,can not be educated. I believe you meant to write “I’ll pass and continue to speak proper English.” Correct English would have also been acceptable. You also left out “to” after continue and before speak. I just think that it’s necessary to avoid those egregious blunders when claiming an affinity for communicating by way of the English language.
Tiff

When I read this story I get flashbacks of the teacher from Everybody Hates Chris.
Trisha

Educated black people do not have ghetto accents in spite of what ignorant folks want to believe. These people think we are all supposed to speak as in unintelligently as Rappers.
- L-Boogie
  
  Not all rappers are unintelligent. Do not be so quick to stereotype others.
  - Drew2925
    
    They may not be but their image doesn’t appear the most educated. But a large number of rappers & even R&B singers reinforce these stereotypes that many of us have fought break.
    - FabienneDesrameaux
      
      Exactly what i was thinking
  - Anon
    
    Trisha didn’t say rappers weren’t intelligent she said the way they speak is unintelligent. For example, Plies sounds ridiculous but has like 3 degrees…. you can’t tell from his raps though.
  - ElenaS
    
    A lot of rappers are very intelligent or have become so after being in the industry, but the majority still break down lyrics to b-s, h-s, n-r, money, pimpin’, drugs, and cars. They learned nothing from Biggie, Tupac, Goody Mob, Tribe, Public Enemy…so they get painted with the same broad brush
http://twitter.com/l_annor Lisa Annor

He seems like a very intelligent young man. I’m sorry that his teacher is not so bright. As an educator, there is no reason that this lady should be reinforcing ridiculous stereotypes. If she has been in the school system since 1990, I shudder to think what she has been teaching children with her race-laden antics. Ms. Bart should issue that young man an apology and correct herself in front of the class. She can do all the sensitivity training they throw at her, but I am not sure she will get it in the end.
- Nehemiah53
  
  Lisa I understand, but still don’t you think this is a lot to do about nothing my fear is we
  are raising a generation of soft wimpy touchy feeling black boys who will not make good protecting husband for our black girls. We are making them so soft rather than roll with the punches they will just as soon go jump off a bridge when they feel he the going is getting tuff or the world is unfair.
  - Jira
    
    I don’t think the guy is soft or wimpy for bringing attention to an issue like this. Whether this can be classified as nothing is a bit of an understatement simply because this is someone who is promoting stereotypes as a truth in a position to educate our future. Reporting something that bothers you should never be considered a weakness.
    - Nehemiah53
      
      Jira if I reported everything that bothered me in my home my wife wouldn’t want to
      come home after work and my children would want to be around me, and if I did it at work my co workers wouldn’t want to work with me and my manager would look to find reason to fire me, if I complain to much around friends they wouldn’t want to be around me. You get the point! It’s not good to whine about everything that bother you. My concern is we black people are becoming a bunch of whiners to the point now we are getting each other fired and maybe wipe out the few gains we have made. NO ONE CAN BE PERFECT HUMAN BEING ARE GOING TO MAKE MISTAKES THE ISSUE SHOULD BE WAS IT A HONEST MISTAKE OR DID SHE MEANT HARM! And I don’t see were she harm anyone.
      - miche
        
        you obviously need sensitivity training as well….or maybe we should just call it what it really is, tact….too many lacking it and you sound very ignorant to compare this situation to whatever crap it is you go through at home…people are tired of being talked to in a disrespectful manner and then having the same a$$hole tell them they should just suck it up and take it all because they feel they should be able to say whatever they want to you. I don’t care what anyone says, words hurt!!! no one deserves to be treated less than the human being that they are…if they could learn to do that, then the world would be much better off
        
        Mr.Ruffin
        
        Don’t worry Miche. Nehemiah is what some would call a “troll”. Basically he says comments to get a rouse out of people. You can’t take half of his posts seriously. Just assume he is trying to get attention.
        
        beautyqueen
        
        Meaning he is not a man of color very clearly a wolf in a sheep voice. It just not working for us Nehemiah so poof be gone. Heads up…Ms.
        Miche and Mr. Ruffin.
L-Boogie

Yeah, she seems really stupid and ignorant. I do not think that is proper and respectful at all.
Freebee33

Smdh. Sounds like someone needs diversity training indeed. Very bright kid though. Out of curiosity, I wonder what the race of the teacher is…

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