Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms [Paperback]

Michael Porter (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0913543543 | ISBN-13: 978-0913543542 | Publication Date: March 1, 1998 | Edition: 1st

Examining how African American males end up in dead-end classes, this book explores what must be done to change this trend, asking such questions as What happens to these boys in special education? and How can educators and communities reduce the number of African American boys receiving Ritalin and ultimately dropping out?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael Porter is the author of The Conspiracy to Destroy Black Women and Rap and the Eroticizing of Black Youth.

Product Details

• Paperback: 100 pages
• Publisher: African American Images; 1st edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913543543
• ISBN-13: 978-0913543542
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #8 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Nonfiction > Philosophy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unpleasant Truths, February 1, 2000

By 

Michael Porter - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms (Paperback)

After working more than seven years as a child and family counselor, and, later, five years as an Emotional Behavior Disorders Teacher in a public middle school, I reached certain startling conclusions: A diabolical marriage has taken place between America's educational system and pharmaceutical companies. Schools are rapidly becoming laboratories for the dispensing of psychostimulants and the students are the guinea pigs of choice. And, as always, African Americans and the poor comprise the greatest number of victims. Further complicating matters is the zero value placed on African American boys. African American and Latino boys are the most feared and despised student populations in America. This ugly reality leads to the parents of these boys being conned ( Chap. 2 The Conning of African American Parents) by school employees into targeting, testing, labeling, and medicating their children. Avenues and methods other than labeling and medicating are very seldom sought or employed. The toxic effects of a Eurocentric curriculum on nonwhite minds is ignored by educational professionals, medical professionals, and politicians (Chap. 6 A Curriculum of Genocide). Also, there is much apprehension in examining the relationship between African American boys and White female teachers (Chap. 5). Kill Them Before They Grow takes a hard look at how educational policies (Chap. 1 Public Law 94-142 and the Creation of Black Monsters) can be misused; and how misuse can spiral out of control. Child-victims cannot speak for themselves. African American boys, more than any other child, need caring adults to expose and discuss an ugly reality that, in one way or another, effects everyone.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you - Mr. Porter for putting in plain text the Truth, November 19, 2006

By 

S. Thorpe "Electronics connoisseur" (Frederick, Md United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms (Paperback)

It sometimes appears hopeless, that people will view the truth for what it is and not be hampered or biased based on what side of the fence one finds himself/herself on (be it racial or social economic). As I read Porter's book, I found myself and my own personal experience within the American Public School system. I can only thank Mr. Porter for daring to put into text such an ugly truth that really needs to be addressed, diagnosed and dealt with by all (especially those who are victimized by that truth).

36 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerfully Enlightning!, November 13, 2000

By 

"nudgey" (Lorton, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kill Them Before They Grow: Misdiagnosis of African American Boys in American Classrooms (Paperback)

Where do I begin......this book has been extremely informative. Specifically in regards to the "public" school system. I am a 31 year old single parent of an 11 year old boy. Recently I have been dealing with various issues within the public school system. It alarms me to know that the experiments to "distruction" of our black children still goes on. Moreso, how we continue to allow are children to be "test cases". We can no longer turn a "blinds eye" to our African American children (specifically boys) any longer. This book has encouraged me to continue to be a "visible" advocate for my son as well as other African American boys. It has compelled me to become more pro-active in my childs education. It is imperative that we as African Americans put an end to this "Progressive Genocide" in the school system. We can no longer afford to be complacent! I pray that you recieve the message this book has to offer. It is time we "Rose" to the occassion!