avatarSydney Duke Richey

Summary

The web content reflects on the author's personal experience with IQ testing in third grade, revealing a potential bias in the distribution of IQ scores based on race, and touches upon the broader issue of white privilege.

Abstract

The article recounts the author's memory of taking an IQ test in third grade, where she and a classmate were both assigned a score of 135. This score was noted in their files by the teacher. Later in life, the friend recalls that such scores were frequently assigned to children of a certain race, suggesting systemic bias. The author acknowledges the likelihood of white privilege being a factor in the early assessment of children's abilities. Sydney Duke Richey, the author, is presented as a writer who draws inspiration from daily life, residing in the Pacific Northwest with her family, and invites readers to follow her work on Medium.

Opinions

  • The author implies that the IQ score of 135 may have been disproportionately assigned to children of a specific race, hinting at systemic racial bias in educational assessments.
  • There is an underlying belief that white privilege influences the opportunities and perceptions of children from an early age.
  • The personal anecdote serves to illustrate a broader societal issue, suggesting that the author views such experiences as indicative of larger systemic problems.
  • The mention of the author's writing style and personal life indicates a connection between her experiences and her creative output, emphasizing authenticity in her writing.

perspective

135

a story in poem form

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

at a young age I took a test it was third grade I think

my teacher declared “135!” and penciled that number into my file

a classmate and friend had the same result “Your IQ is 135!”

the teacher smiled and wrote it down

years later that friend recalled that 135 was given more often to children of a certain race

to that, I can’t attest but I have no doubt

that white privilege is handed out at an early age

Sydney Duke Richey writes from the heart. Inspired by everyday experiences, her poems, haiku and creative non-fiction come from a slice of her life. Sydney lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband. She has two children and one grandchild. You can follow her on Medium.

Poetry
White Privilege
Racism
Perspective
Life Lessons
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