posted April 06, 2009 01:22 PM         

The Obama Effect?
April 6th, 2009 by Burt Goldman

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This is just one of those things you need to *see* to *believe.*

A recent study has found that the achievement gap between white and African-American students significantly decreased immediately after President Obama’s nomination acceptance speech, and just after his election victory.

What this means is that President Obama’s achievements have directly influenced black children in America to rise up and do better in the classroom.

The study was featured in the New York Times, and you can see it for yourself here.

Click here to read the article

This is an incredible finding, and it just goes to show how powerful role models can be in our lives.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this:

Why do you think the Obama Effect happened?
Have you personally observed any cases of the Obama Effect?
What do you think this means for our future?
Please leave your comments in the box below.

posted April 06, 2009 03:37 PM         

Why do you think the Obama Effect happened?

I'd say that it happens because it shows that the system in place isn't just "whites only" anymore. Before, most famous role models tended to disdain academics, or any achievement beyond athletic and/or monetary. Those who tried to better themselves in other ways were often seen as "trying to be white" or even becoming an "Uncle Tom." (Sure, plenty of good role models existed, but they're not promoted.)

Not just that. I can't recall what it's called, but there's another effect that could be at work here. It was named after an experiment in which a new teacher was told that habitual failing students were actually smart, bright kids, and for the first time the kids DID learn while she taught, suggesting that a teacher's expectations has at least as much an affect as a student's attitude. In this case, seeing quite a few successful black men may also inspire teachers to treat such students differently than they may have before.

It should also be noted that Obama isn't the only place where "African Americans" have made serious progress, so calling it "the Obama Effect" isn't exactly accurate, even if the assumptions here are otherwise true (though he's the most visible).

There's also that it could be white students are performing worse because their families are in greater turmoil right now due to the crisis (and they don't have any great morale booster that "African Americans" do to offset that).

('Course, this could all just be less than accurate reporting, for which the NYT is infamous for, too.)

Have you personally observed any cases of the Obama Effect?

No.

What do you think this means for our future?

That really depends on how well Obama pulls a rabbit out of his hat, among other things that could happen (good and bad).

posted April 06, 2009 07:43 PM         

BUT my grandson is a "golden" child. he and his classmates, in a largely "coloured" school (i will not use black for such a mix of shades, nor for chinese or mexicans), definitely sat up and took notice. and if you think kids of 6 haven't already noticed the divisions between colours, think again.

so whether obama is an ogre, tyrant or just a man who became president, my grandson will never have the EXCUSE of the colour of his skin like his father and grandfather did, to give up before he starts in life. the reason obama is such a HUGE role model is because this is the top job in the world right now. and he is the one who broke through the barrier, whatever machinations went behind it.

i believe the piece said the noticeable upswings happened a) in the fall after he was nominated and b)immediately after his inauguration? that is pretty significant.

of course my grandson was smart, self-confident and handsome before obama came along! but the interesting thing is his DAD went out and got himself a job worthy of his own talents during that same time period, for the FIRST TIME in his life he is doing what he is good at and trained for.

posted April 07, 2009 02:51 AM         

quote:

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It was named after an experiment in which a new teacher was told that habitual failing students were actually smart, bright kids, and for the first time the kids DID learn while she taught,

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An excellent experiment - which proves the power of positive speaking and thinking improves chances of success!

The Obama Effect - you're right in mentioning a need for positive role models for all factions of society, to break down invisible discrimination against women, people with disabilities, minor ethnic groups, etc...

I was so disappointed when the Presidential race began with a woman and an African-America!!! Why at the same time!! LOL!!!