Researchers are suggesting the election of our President has resulted in an "Obama Effect," which is mysteriously causing black students to suddenly score higher on standardized tests.
While the findings are anecdotal, a black college student I interviewed said he witnessed the Obama Effect firsthand while taking a finals math test in May.
"In order to solve a complex equation," Tyrell Washington told me, "I first had to know the product of 12x12. Before Barack was elected, I got it wrong every time."
"Did you know the correct answer?" I asked.
"Yes, but the stereotype said I was expected to underachieve and I fulfilled the prophecy. I always screwed it up and scored lower than the white kids, the Asian kids and an Indian dude named Singh."
"So what happened during your math final,Tyrell? How did you break through 200 years of stereotypical subjugation?"
"Well, there it was again on the exam -- 12x12 -- leering at me like a slavemaster on a Southern plantation. I started to write down 143, and then, miraculously, the face of Barack Obama slowly materialized on the blackboard. He spoke to me."
"What did he say, Tyrell? Did he tell you anything is possible if you have the drive and will to succeed? Did he tell you it wasn't The Man keeping you down, but your very own fear and insecurity? Did he tell you if he could become President, you could certainly learn the times tables?"
"He said, 'It's 144, dumb ass! Put down 144!' "
"The President simply gave you the answer? Isn't that called cheating?"
"No, sir. It's called the Obama Effect."
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