Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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).

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!

This book, along with Jawanzaa Kunjufu's books, is a must read for all educators. If you want to make a positive change in the lives of African American males, it is important to understand the "powers" that are in place that hinders the growth of not just our African American boys, but all of our children, because without the positive influences/gifts of these young boys, everyone will suffer.

As an educator, I can whole-heartedly agree! Thank you for putting this into print. PLease seek 60 Minute & 20/20 for an audience. Give them the direction to investigate & and PLEASE follow through! I am buying this book & referring it to all of my co-workers. Ouch!

This book is very informative about our african american boys and men. I'm a single parent with a 17yr old (son), and have gone through half of the problems that is going on in the school system. advicing my son that he needs medication for his behavior program, through the special education program etc. It is something that every african american parent should pick up and read.

Blessings

I read the entire book in 2 days which means it did not say much to make me think. It reads really easy because it says the same thing over and over, albeit with different words. In essence White culture is not appropriate for our Black youth and therefore our Black youth should not be subjected to being forced to learn White culture from ages 6 to 18 (1st grade - 12th grade).

One goal of the book is to empower Black people to take ownership of their heritage and responsiblity for educating their children with the appropriate lessons. It offered no suggestions to non-Black people about what they can do to include African culture in the classroom other than including a handful of African leaders and the traditional Black men in our lessons. The book shows fault with teaching the history of the US because it does not include a history of Africa simultaneously.

The last chapter, like many books designed to get people riled up to make a difference, offers suggestions on how Black people can unite their community and educate themselves. The book promotes segregation because White schools are not appropriate for our Black children. There should be Black schools run by Black people so that Black children can get an appropriate education. The author faults White people for teaching Black children with methods that exist in all power structures in the US. We are apparently oppressing our Black youth by teaching Black children skills that are used in all strata of influence.

I am interested in what the author has to say if/when Obama becomes President. What excuses will he have then for why Black children are not successful in our sterotypical White schools?

Mr. Porter leaves no stone unturnedin this short but powerful book - a must have for any parent of color of a black boy and wondering why the black son is having so many challenges in the USA education system.

Yes, we are to educate our children about their past. Why in the world should we think that someone else is supposed to do that for us? The truth is that some children, for reasons not established herein, do not function well in traditional educational environments. That means, at a desk, comtemplating some activity that was modeled by a teacher. I think that we as parents need to teach our children what to do in certain situations. Just like when you take your child to some function, and you say "sit down" and "don't interrupt the adult that is talking"...we have to say that to our children. I think it is a mistake to blame the educational system for children that will not, or are not aware, that (s)he needs to function with certain rules of etiquette. I am tired of the system being blamed. There are many black educators in the school system now. We have to take responsibility for our children. Even if a child does learn whatever is in traditional school, they still learn from the family of origin first. My heroes are still MY PARENTS, and other relatives, not George Washington.

This was and excellent, short, yet powerfully impacting read. As a single mother,In 2008-09 I had the privilege of being exposed to the very scenario described in Mr. Porter's Book, with regard of the School Administration going to the extreme to diagnose my son with ADHD( a therapist even said based on his " evaluation" my son was Homicidal, though my son was only 7 year if age at the time). The school even went so far as to send the recommendation to me that I take my son to the Emergency Room of a mental hospital, have him admitted and after a doctor has considered him "mentally stabilized", then I could return my son back to school. I am so glad that I refused to sign on the dotted line to put my son in the hands of the system. And this book only but validates my suspicions, and concerns of a school system structured to fail/insult Black children and their innate intelligence. Thank you Mr. Porter.