In a recent incident at Oak Grove Middle School in Spring Hill, Florida, a teacher was dismissed after assigning her sixth-grade students a task that encouraged them to reflect on their comfort levels with people from various racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The assignment presented scenarios such as:
- Your new roommate is a Muslim from Palestine.
- A group of young African American men approaches you on the street.
- The young man seated next to you on the airplane is Arab.
- Your new suitemates are Mexican.
- Your lab partner is a fundamentalist Christian.
Parents and students voiced their discomfort, questioning why such topics needed to be explored in school. One concerned parent expressed, “They’re just kids. Let them be kids. Why are we discussing these issues?” Another echoed similar sentiments, suggesting children may be too young for these discussions.
However, such perspectives are often misguided. Many believe that children, particularly white children, are innocent and unaware of racial realities. In fact, research shows that by the time they reach age five, most children have absorbed significant biases, regardless of their racial background. Studies indicate that infants show a preference for faces that resemble their own, and by preschool age, this innocent inclination can develop into explicit biases.
By kindergarten, children start to reflect the implicit racial attitudes prevalent in society, associating certain groups with higher status and more favorable characteristics. Thus, the pressing issue isn’t whether we should introduce discussions on race in schools but rather how we can effectively address these harmful biases and shape our children’s views on race.
Here are nine strategies based on research and practical experience that parents, educators, and caregivers can use to foster healthy racial attitudes in children:
- Initiate Early Conversations
Encourage your child to notice and discuss skin color and race openly. Foster an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and expressing curiosity about racial issues. - Be a Positive Role Model
Children learn through observation. Your actions, such as the diversity of your social circle and the inclusivity of the books and media you choose, profoundly influence their perceptions. If your child’s school lacks diversity, consider enrolling them in various activities that expose them to different cultures. - Acknowledge Your Own Biases
By confronting your biases, you reduce the likelihood of passing them on to your child. Share with them your experiences and the steps you take to challenge these biases. - Embrace Your Heritage
Discuss the histories and experiences of your own racial and cultural identities. Highlight both the achievements and the challenges faced by your ancestors, fostering pride and understanding. - Cultivate Racial Literacy
Explore the histories and experiences of various racial groups, emphasizing the diversity within them. Help your child recognize that individuals within racial groups can differ significantly in beliefs and behaviors. - Discuss Bigotry and Oppression Openly
Kids notice patterns in their environments, including those related to race. Help them understand these patterns and explain the realities of bigotry and oppression, while emphasizing the ongoing struggle for racial equality. - Highlight Stories of Resistance
Teach your child about individuals and groups who have fought against oppression. Include narratives of resilience that feature women and young people, illustrating the power of standing up against injustice. - Encourage Active Participation
Help your child understand what it means to be an advocate for racial justice. Connect discussions to actions they can take to promote positive change in their communities. - Make Conversations Ongoing
Discussing race should be a continuous dialogue, not a one-time conversation. It’s okay to acknowledge uncertainty or to revisit topics later, but commit to keeping these conversations alive.
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In summary, addressing racial bias in young children is crucial for fostering a more equitable society. By engaging in early conversations, setting a positive example, and being honest about biases and oppression, we can help shape our children’s understanding of race and justice.