A recent documentary was released citing African American children’s preferences when presented with dolls that had African American and Caucasian physical characteristics. The documentary, produced by a 17 year old African American high school student and filmmaker, ignited new debates about race, and more specifically, how our children perceive and value themselves as African Americans. This report is based upon the previous study called the “Doll Test” conducted by black psychologists Dr. Kenneth and Mamie Clark over 50 years ago that originally analyzed the basis of African American children preferences when presented with the same racial comparisons. Dr. Clark published a paper on his findings in the 1950s. His work, specifically cited by the Supreme Court in the landmark case “Brown vs. Board of Education” played a significant role in ending school segregation.

During the student’s documentary, when asked to make a choice, the children overwhelmingly chose the Caucasian dolls. While the dolls were identical in every regard except race, when asked why they made the choice to select Caucasian dolls, the children cited that they “liked” the Caucasian doll “best,” or that it was the “nice doll.”  When asked which doll is “bad,” the Black children selected the Black doll, even though they were able to identify the Black doll as the doll that “looked most like [me].” Surprisingly, the children’s preferences in 2007 are no different than selections made by children participating in a similar Doll Study conducted by Dr. Clark more than half of a century ago.

While many African American children may claim to be “Black and Proud” when asked the question, it can be argued that the basis of their pride is misplaced, and attributed more to superficial things such as clothing and “hood” association. Arguably, this issue speaks to the present condition of our communities and the continued work that African-American parents, teachers, professionals and community stakeholders must engage in if we are to reverse the lack of positive self esteem and commitment to excellence among our youth. What are we doing within our schools, churches, homes and community centers to better teach our youth about their heritage, value and limitless potential? Why aren’t we more serious about controlling the images and environment in which our children are raised?

What do you think?

To learn more about the “Doll Test” study, please click on the following hyperlink:

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/brown/brown-brown.html