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A Big Win for Black Nerds

Scorn for 'thinking they're white' long an obstacle

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Nov 11, 2008 3:06 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama provides a boost for black educational achievement that is much more powerful than any policy. His bookish example may throw a lifeline to black nerds who, scorned for "acting white," feel pressure to slack academically to stay cool, John McWhorter writes in New York. Research shows that the smarter the black student, the fewer friends he has. Now a teased kid can simply retort, "Is Barack Obama white?"

“Those four little words could do more to improve black-student achievement than any number of new charter schools and reading tests," McWhorter writes.

Obama challenged the myth that holding a book is acting white in a speech four years ago.
Obama challenged the myth that holding a book is "acting white" in a speech four years ago.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, FILE)
Barack Obama serves as an example of how one can be both black and nerdy without contradiction.
Barack Obama serves as an example of how one can be both black and nerdy without contradiction.   (AP Photo/ Ryan Moore)
Barack Obama listens to a question from a student at Capdau Charter School in New Orleans last year.
Barack Obama listens to a question from a student at Capdau Charter School in New Orleans last year.   (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
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COMMENTS
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Shannonals
Jan 20, 2009 10:33 PM CST
Hey?!

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