“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.”
– Martin Luther King Jr. (American activist)
This was back in the 1960s. How far have we come from living in a world divided by racial prejudice and discrimination in reality though? Studies conducted worldwide reveal that race is still one of the focal points for discrimination and prejudice activities. Worse still, even schoolchildren are not spared of discrimination based on race.
There have been multiple cases of black children reporting abusive behavior from their white counterparts in school playgrounds. That’s how severe the effects of discrimination are. But are children born racist? It is their surroundings and teachings that make them turn out to be that way. If not addressed at a tender age, the deep-rooted prejudice against black people will continue to exist in their minds, maybe germinating into something of a rather gruesome nature later on.
Racial discrimination in schools: how it stands
To put things into perspective, we went digging into the matter of racial bias among children all over the world. The stats not only shocked us, but also presented quite an alarming picture when it comes to children facing discrimination over race in schools. Some of the studies also revealed a gloomy picture for black teachers in schools while some spoke of the absence of race sensitization among white parents in some countries. Here are some of the facts that we found from the global studies on race and discrimination among children.
– While American mothers saw race as one of the most important issues to discuss with children, studies show that around 70% of them were raising kids to be ignorant to the matters of racial differences.
– Developed countries such as the UK also report odd cases of racial discrimination being faced by teachers at their workplaces. Studies by the government of the UK show that black professionals underrepresented in teaching and administrative positions in schools nationwide.
– The picture is not so different when it comes to the USA either. Black children (along with other minorities) are more likely to face out of school or in-school suspensions, detentions, expulsions and other punitive measures for their conduct than their white counterparts.
– The National Center for Learning Disabilities in the USA found that black students with learning disabilities are more likely to face strict disciplinary actions than their white counterparts. Additionally, the number of dropouts are remarkably higher (around 26%) among black children than white pupils (around 16%) with the same difficulties.
– Finally, federal studies also reveal the disparity when it comes to discriminating against black students in schools with harsher punitive measures. The studies show that only 2% of white girls face detention or suspension in school as compared to 12% of black girls.
As you can see, the picture looks pretty gloomy for black kids in school. So what can you do make sure that your ward is not among those who view black people as somewhat ‘inferior’ due to their race? Helping kids see the world with a fair and equal mindset starts right at home, and this post will help you identify how you can do your bit to ensure that you bring up a racially sensitized kid in today’s bog, bad world.
How white parents can help your kids become racially sensitive citizens
As parents, we are often at a loss when we need to instill some important values in our children. And when it comes to a delicate matter like race, it gets even more difficult for us to deal with the issue. However, we must take the initiative of reaching out to our children regarding matters as sensitive as race. For it is our duty, as parents, to make sure that they grow up to be responsible citizens.
Here are a few pointers on how white parents can bring up racially sensitized kids in simple steps.
- Enlighten them about positive racial/cultural differences
As kids, it is natural to wonder why certain people look or dress in a manner that is different from others. Teach your kids about the beauty of racial diversity and culture early on in their childhood. Developing a feeling of mutual respect and understanding is imperative for your kids. Introduce them to music, festivals or celebrations that are inherently black, so they gain insights into the worlds of their fellow classmates. That way, they can learn to appreciate the differences even more.
- Make race-related information accessible to them
We live in the age of the internet. So this one will be quite a cakewalk for you. Enlighten your kids about the various races and ethnicities in the world so that they do not hold prejudices against any race or minority group. They say information or knowledge can unlock plenty of doors. So make use of the various sources of information such as novels or stories written by black litterateurs. A great way to do this is to encourage them to take up race-related projects for school when they come asking for essay help from you. Incorporate racial learning in their education, and you will be handling the issue better than a lot of parents.
- Encourage them to befriend kids from different racial backgrounds
Making new friends is another way of becoming more tolerant towards the races and different cultures. Once they start making black friends, they will get to learn about the values of empathy. They will also learn how to stand up to injustices faced by their black peers in school. Make sure you've raised your children as allies who [have their backs] rather than enemies who alienate them with further discrimination.
- Have a “no racism” policy at home
Strictly follow a "no racism" policy at home. Children do not often understand the profound impacts of cracking a racial joke or making fun of someone's skin or hair color. Put your foot down when such occasions arise at home. Establish the point that you do not tolerate racial slurs or jokes of any kind at home, so they know it is not an acceptable thing to do.
- Dig into your family history and culture
Finally, get your kids to look into your roots for inspiration. Knowing about the rich cultural heritage of your family or tracing the family history back to the roots can be turned into a fun family activity. Encourage them to get their friends to open up about their cultures and traditions as well. You can also invite some of their friends over for a friendly discussion about their families and traditions. That way, they will be able to appreciate the fact that diversity is something to be proud of rather than using it as a tool to hurt others' sentiments.
As new age parents, we must take up the cudgels when it comes to helping our kids see the world through the lens of justice and equality. Becoming racially sensitized starts right at home. So make sure you that you use the tips suggested here to instill the sense of inclusion and equality in your kids. As parents, it is your responsibility to guide them in the right direction in life. Help them become responsible, empathetic and fair citizens of the future by helping them see race in a new light altogether. Together, you can bring about a new dawn where racial discrimination will actually be a thing of the past all around the world.
