Burden of Acting White

The acting-white phenomenon is defined as a negative label placed on African American and other non-white students by their peers as a result of exhibiting what they consider traits that are antithetical to their cultural communities and unique histories. Traits that incite this labeling can include excelling in school, interracial dating, dressing and speaking in a certain way, and the perceived close association with white peers at the expense of their ethnic or racial peer groups. Researchers have observed this phenomenon and the consequences associated with it more in integrated school settings than in segregated school settings. Integrated school settings provide more opportunities for cross-cultural and interracial contact, and therefore more opportunities to demonstrate these behaviors. The consequences or associated burdens of being labeled as ...