Claude Steele has always been my favorite of the famous brothers. But nothing quite prepared me for his research into 'Stereotype Threat'.
When capable black college students fail to perform as well as their white counterparts, the explanation often has less to do with preparation or ability than with the threat of stereotypes about their capacity to succeed.
Significantly, I see that Steele has finally put into quantifyable terms the fairly well understood notion of 'stigma' asserted by opponents of Affirmative Action. Those who believe there are debilitating effects of Affirmative Action upon blacks who might otherwise succeed should be the first to recognize the import of Steele's research.
I've always believed that a proper sense of self, the kind arrogance known as a 'can-do attitude' laced with a casual elan is part and parcel of a strong black identity. But there can be no doubt that this is extra work. We of the Old School certainly recognize that theme, and our value for education certainly does not escape its burden. It is important, nonetheless to, recognize that tackling such tasks in a white world imply more than what they are on the surface.
It might sound ironic but I would suggest that some return to the good old days when Affirmative Action wasn't quite the political hot potato it is today might do black college students a world of good. While I don't want to get into whether or not standardized tests are appropriate (essays are always superior to fill in the blank), a counter-stereotype might be helpful, but a wholesale change of expectations of black students would be even better. Perhaps this is what is meant by diversity.