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Is it beneficial to teach children about racism?
When they have yet to grasp the world’s intricacies, would it be fruitful to introduce them to challenging and controversial topics? There’s a lot to untangle about the idea; there are pros and cons that one has to consider deeply. However, as racism requires knowledge and understanding, it may pose more benefits if cons are disregarded.
Children are typically over-protected from the world’s realities. At some point, this can be understandable. With how the world is evolving, and systems have plummeted to more chaotic conditions, it may be best to let them have years of fun before they’re disrupted and made aware of life’s harshness. What’s five to ten years of not knowing about racism and other controversial matters? Children are young and naïve. They may not even fully understand these, anyway.
The Importance of Inviting Children in the Discussion
Most parents would have a unanimous sentiment if asked whether it’s essential to teach children about racism. Given they will play the most significant role in the equation, most would definitely be against the idea.
What if they’re still too young, and the conversation scares them?
What if the discussion will be too much for them?
Subsequent questions and horrors about the idea will surface, causing parents to have second thoughts about moving forward. However, it’s important to remember that children are never too young to be involved in these discussions. It’s never too early to teach children about racism, and they’re never too young to be exposed to the world’s harsh realities.
There may be a problem with the proper approach to these conversations. But the end goal should be clear: children should already be taught about justice and against racial prejudices.
Young as they are, children are susceptible to influence. When they see discriminatory behaviors in the media they consume, they can absorb these gestures, mistaking them as correct.
Children are naïve, but they’re developing biases. In fact, research has shown that they already recognize skin color and have the natural tendency to perceive people differently based on this. It becomes critical to teach children about racism when they reach the age of 4-5, when obvious biases will show, and children of color may start to feel apparent discrimination against them.
While it’s a complex and sensitive issue, it’s still essential to teach children about racism. This is the only way for them to understand why it needs to be stopped quickly.
Tips to Effectively Teach Children About Racism
There’s no valid reason for parents to avoid talking to children about this matter. Although children may be naïve about the world, they can already differentiate between good and bad and know when injustice exists. There’s no better time to teach children about racism.
Educate them young so they can open their eyes toward what truly matters.
Use Age Appropriate Channels
The conversation will be difficult, but the earlier they are taught to empathize, the more they can contribute to this affair. Talking to children about these people’s struggles will get them to participate actively in the movement. Discussions can happen at any time and through any means. Knowing who their audience is, adults can use picture books, stories, and activities to better get their points across.
An example of material they can use is Why by Marvin Blake. The author narrates the story of two sisters one black and one white. The book’s plot can help children understand the harsh realities surrounding the movement and inspire them to instigate change to lighten people’s burdens and struggles.
Utilizing stories that have impactful storylines or evident illustrations of how prejudice manifests will make it easier to teach children about racism. However, reading these stories isn’t enough. Instead, children must be asked about their emotions and thoughts throughout.
The goal is to help them understand why certain behaviors and perceptions are wrong and what they can do about them.
Be Aware of Personal Biases
Adults should avoid teaching children about racism through wrongful ideologies. Hence, before they preach about the subject, adults should have already assessed their own prejudices and had them corrected. They can talk about justice and righteousness all they want. But if they behave or explain things incorrectly, children will still grow up with the wrong beliefs.
Children absorb whatever is given to them. They notice everything they’re exposed to. This is why it’s only integral that adults also ensure they have their biases in check.
Be Direct About the Conversation
While children can appear honest and open about their thoughts, it’s still a good practice for adults to ask them directly. To teach children about racism, they must first learn to open up about what they know and how they feel about it, without outside influence.
Children don’t always know how to express their thoughts and emotions, even to the people they’re close to. Hence, adults must learn to initiate and demonstrate how to handle conversations about feelings and thoughts.
They know children even better than children know themselves. So, they must take the lead. It will be challenging, but honesty is crucial during these discussions. Whether it’s about distressing possibilities or examples, adults must be open about these realities to teach children about racism. However, in introducing these harsh realities, hope should still be necessary.
Be An Ally
Children will already have friends, and teaching them about inclusivity is essential. This doesn’t only mean accepting everyone to become their buddies. Instead, they must also be taught how to stand up when they need to. Children must understand how critical it is to speak up and protect those needing protection. This fosters a healthy step toward teaching children the power they have against these matters.
If you’re interested in reading more of Marvin Blake’s story and understand the importance of teaching children about racism, grab a copy of his book Why!
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