Children are not, by nature, racist. They are not born with damaging assumptions about people in any definable group. We all begin with a winning trust in others, an expectation that people will be good to each other, and that life with others will be safe and fun. When a child feels close to his parents, gets to play freely with lots of laughter, gets plenty of affection, and has sensible limits set by grown-ups who don't attack him, a young person can feel at home with himself, and relaxed with others.
Lessons and games for teaching children and teenagers not to hate can be found at http://racerelations.about.com/od/racismandchildren/a/games.htm.
Another wonderful website that teaches anti-racism education in Australian schools and can be used by any parent or teacher is "RACISM. No way." http://racismnoway.com.au/
There is a great article entitled "How to Raise Tolerant Children" that can be found at http://racerelations.about.com/od/reachingbeyondtolerance/a/raisingchildren.htm which is a step by step program for raising your child to respect all humans.
Below lists the steps that this article recommends. We all need to start somewhere and following these steps and actively showing people you mean business are a good start.
1) Make sure you're a good role model - Who are your friends? Who do you invite over to the house? If there's not a lot of diversity in your life, your children will pick up on that.
2) Examine your own biases. How do you react when someone from another culture is around or approaches you? Children have the ability to pick up on the slightest amount of anxiety. If your behavior changes, they will pick up on that.
3) Watch what you say. If you make fun of those who are different, guess what? So will little Junior.
4) Start the dialogue early! Don't wait until a "situation" occurs (e.g. your child is made fun of, or makes fun of someone else). Remember how young children learn stereotypes! Make sure you begin dialogue about difference early on. Communicate the message that different isn't automatically a bad thing.
5) Keep your eyes open. Who does your child play with? Do they exclude other children? children who are different? Encourage them to develop friendships early on with children who are different (e.g. different gender, cultural background, age, etc.) Engage them in dialogue and help them determine what's fun or good about playing with someone who's different from them in some way.
6) Examine your surroundings. What are the messages in your neighborhood or community? Do the only people who are different own the neighborhood store, teach your children, clean your house, or live somewhere across the railroad tracks? Exposing your child to different cultures and lifestyles early on, enables them to learn about difference and sets the expectation that not everyone is the same.
7) Explore and discuss differences within the family - highlight ways that you differ amongst yourselves and help them to make the connection that different is not always a bad thing.
8) Read books that depict diversity and educate your children about other cultures. Links provided on this page can help you get started in identifying age appropriate resources.
9) Listen for signs of intolerance - others may make jokes or say hurtful things about other groups to be funny and your child may not understand the difference. Figure out how to respond to others who say intolerant things, and listen for your child's imitation of those messages.
Organizations that promote racial acceptance and tolerance in children:
The following is a partial list of Organizations that help promote raising children with tolerance for all humans.
1) Teachers Against Prejudice
TAP's mission is to increase awareness of prejudice and discrimination and examine its causes and roots; open dialogue with and between students and educators from elementary school through college; and promote understanding and respect for all through the critical exploration and analysis of films, television, and other media.
2) WORLD OF DIFFERENCE ® Institute
ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute is a leading provider of anti-bias education and diversity training programs and resources. The Institute seeks to help participants: recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society; explore the value of diversity; improve intergroup relations; and combat racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry.
Human relations and education professionals design trainings and produce resources that provide the necessary skills, knowledge and awareness to promote and sustain inclusive and respectful school, work and home environments. Customized to meet the changing needs of a wide range of audiences, programs are available to schools, universities, corporations and community-based organizations throughout the United States and abroad.
3) Ethnic Diversity AllianceThe Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (also known as LEDA) seeks to dismantle racial, socioeconomic, and institutional barriers to ensure that people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community. We are located in Holland, Michigan.
4) Tolerance.org
Winner of the Webby Award for Activism and Electronic Multimedia Awards for both Education and Public Service, Tolerance.org provides:
Daily news about groups and individuals working for tolerance and fighting hate;
Guidebooks for adult and youth activists;
Practical resources for parents and teachers; and
Entertaining and educational games for young children.
5) Kids As Peacemakers
We are a community based group of individuals and organizations dedicated to the reduction of violence and fostering development of child-friendly communities. We interact with city officials, religious organizations, schools, social organizations, and others in building strong community support for our programs.
Let your children and infants stand out in a crowd with these custom t-shirts and clothing.
To try to do our own part to help end racism, we have come up with a unique design that shows gentle respect for the human race that we are now offering in our online store. Purchase anti-racism t-shirts, sweatshirts and bibs for infants and children available in all sizes and many colors.
Please visit http://www.oneracehuman.org/
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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