_ Competition seems to be at the root of human interactions and is as pervasive among family members as it is among races. There is also a hierarchy in and among these groups. Older siblings tend to “rule,” the youngest are often coddled, and the middle children are left to fend for themselves—they tend to have something to prove. Racially, American society has been so systematically conditioned to “Black inferiority” that many Blacks continue to internalize the slight and are understandably and rightfully resentful of such status.
Research for my doctoral study on leading diversity yielded that Africa Americans have been identified as the most excluded from wealth and power in the United States.[i] In the racial hierarchy of social status, Blacks are consistently at the bottom. Negative stereotyping and dismal conclusions drawn in the literature prevail.
The issues are no longer Black and White. The atrocities that we humans of all colors have historically inflicted upon one another are disheartening at best. The reasoning is even worse: competition—an endless battle for power and control.
The field of education is notorious for instilling a spirit of competition. We must be careful how such competition is constructed and ensure that the boundaries are clear. Competition is a very ripe breeding ground for stereotyping.
Tip: Always have high expectations of your students and encourage them to compete with themselves, not one another! Set them up for success so they are motivated to proceed. Remember: YOU set the tone, and consistency is crucial. [i] Satcher, D. (2001, July-August). US surgeon general releases report on mental health: culture, race, and ethnicity. Retrieved December 12, 2002, from www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/home.html

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