Beverly Daniel Tatum Ph.D. Is An Expert On Race Relations

Beverly Daniel Tatum PH.D. is an expert on race relations and the development of racial identity. Tatum guides her readers through racial identity and major ideas and concepts regarding race. Throughout the book readers will better understand the racial dynamic of their everyday lives, along with suggestive actions toward a more equitable world for all. The following paragraph gives a summary of the book, breaking it down into the IV parts containing ten chapters. Part I A Definition of Terms: Chapter one ‘Defining Racism’ defines common and important terms when discussing race and racism, such as, oppression, prejudice, minorities, privilege, and many others. Along with this, Tatum introduces the familiar feelings and thoughts many†¦show more content†¦She articulates this idea that we want to have an identity and feel safe around those of the ‘same’. Lastly, Tatum makes a point that racial identity can persist into Adulthood, it is not only in sch ools but also in the corporate world. Part III Understanding Whiteness in a White Context: This section discusses the development of white identity and how many white people neglect to really think about their identity. Thinking about race may make many people uncomfortable but having those difficult conversations and acknowledging privilege and oppression is the action that needs to be taken. Tatum suggests affirmative action. Part IV: Beyond Black and White: Disuses important issues of other racial minorities including, Latino, American Indian, and Asian Pacific American. Tatum also discusses identity development in multiracial families, this can be a complex identity development with many factors coming into play, however, parental encouragement of biracial identity has been seen as highly beneficial. Part V Breaking the Silence: This final section offers suggestion on embracing a cross-racial dialogue. We can no longer can be silent and must work toward social change and a more equitable world for all. Reading Beverly Daniel Tatum’s book ‘Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?’ has greatly intersected with the course material I have learned about this semester. Within the introductory section (PartShow MoreRelatedThe And Race Expert Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum1312 Words   |  6 PagesAbout the Authors Author, scholar, and race expert Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum is the former president of the Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Tatum received her B.A. in psychology at Wesleyan University, and her M.A. in religious studies at Hartford Seminary. She also received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Tatum began her career serving as an Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at