Today a friend posted on Facebook that he has completed his PhD in Biology at IU! Pretty cool, right? Honestly, I can't imagine going back to school to attempt a PhD. But that being said, there are a lot of other people who can and do and love it. So it's exciting that my friend pushed through long hours of labs and paper writing and attained his goal, but it's not particularly news worthy.
Or is it? What he also posted that I failed to mention above is, "In the 100+ year history of Indiana University-Bloomington there have been approximately 10 PhD awarded to African Americans in Biology." And he is one of them.
So many thoughts and emotions ran through my head as I read that... "10, is that all?!" "Pff, that's not surprising. Look at the world we live in." "Wow, this guy's a role model for black youth."
That last one, that's what got me. I was actually thinking about writing that on his wall and then I started thinking... A role model? Because he got a PhD? I mean, people with PhDs are great, but have I ever thought this about any other friend with a PhD? Is it because he's BLACK and has a PhD? Is it wrong to think this?
I don't know. But it does put a lot of pressure on black men who are successful.
I don't know if you've heard of white privilege, but this is a prime example. My friend (let's call him) JD, whom we call the rocket scientist, has a PhD in physics (or something sciencey like that). But I'm pretty sure when he finished his degree he didn't have people coming up to him and saying, "Now you be careful what you do and say. You're a role model now for all these kids looking up to you!" At least I never thought that. But that thought did come to mind with my friend (let's call him) AL. So where's the "white privilege"? JD doesn't have to worry about people putting that kind of pressure on him. In fact, he may not even be aware that some people with the same level of education, but a different skin tone face that kind of pressure. JD has the privilege of being free and oblivious. But AL doesn't. Most likely, wherever he goes in life he'll probably hear things like, "We need more black men like you in our community!" and "Thank goodness these kids have someone like you to look up to!". And while both those statements are quite possibly true, it sure puts a lot of pressure on a guy. A pressure most of us have the privilege of not bearing.
My hope is that AL, who is a fabulous role model for so many reasons other than his degree, will see this unrequested title more as a privilege and honor, and less as a burden. Congrats again, AL!
