The Challenge of Keeping Children Safe From The Ugliness of Racism | Pt. 1

Last updated on May 2, 2021

Not many things make us happier than listening to children play. There is magic in this mixture of laughter, heavy breathing, and tired sighs. A few years ago, I watched my two-year-old playing so innocent on our neighborhood playground – having fun. But around the corner, I heard:

“Why is their skin so dirty?” a little boy asked his mother with a confused face.

I heard it, but I didn’t know if I heard it right or how to react.

“It is the color of their skin,” his mother answered.

As innocent as that question is, I couldn’t understand where a three-year-old got such an idea.

I thought it was some coincidence. But about 30 minutes later, an older kid (about ten years old) walked up to us and yelled, “Dirty! Dirty! Get that dirt off your skin”. I looked the other way and pretended not to hear it. He then came up to me, looked me in the eyes, and screamed, “Dirty! Dirty! Black people are filthy”. That is a 10-year-old child who should distinguish good from evil, assuming the parents educated him. Because the way I see it, he’s still a kid.

These memories returned when a good friend wrote on Facebook (see the screenshot below):

Like most persons of color, I have had my share of hate, including discrimination and racism. But I have never feared the early exposure of my child to such experiences. Growing up in Nigeria, I did not have to worry about race or being described as dirty because we were all black. We focused more on our different cultures. 

Racism: A significant public health concern

Racism harms the psychological, emotional, mental, and physical well-being of millions of people. It prevents them from attaining their highest level of fitness and, consequently, affects the health of a nation. For children, this could permanently distort their view of diversity and inclusion.

Anti-racism: How to help children do what is right

Children know that we are different. Yet, they are not born recognizing people with a particular race, gender, or ethnicity. Therefore, they are not discriminating by nature. That behavior is a learned thing to do. Thus, a stepping stone towards anti-racism among children is:

1. Be a good role model – In those early years, build a positive foundation to fight hate by encouraging the opposite: compassion and tolerance.

2. Restrict child exposure to explicit media reporting and adult content. Talk to children according to their age by using simple language that they understand (for example, ‘fair’ or ‘not fair’).

3. Expose children to persons who are not like them or do not live like them. Studies show that kids who grow up in diverse communities accept other world cultures. Though not guaranteed, it helps.

4. Pay close attention to children’s experiences and feelings. Let them know that they are perfect as they are. Focus on hope, positivity and be active in making the world fairer.

5. Talk to older children about these issues, but it does not need to be formal. Be as simple, brief, and truthful as possible.

6. To build self-confidence, encourage your children to participate in group activities such as sports or other things.

7. Teach children to be assertive, talk to you, speak to someone they trust, develop good social skills, and not be isolated.

Talking about racism can be difficult. Some parents fear exposing their children to things like racism and discrimination at a young age. Others are reluctant to talk about something they may not fully understand or are uncomfortable discussing. Others, particularly those who have been victims of racism, have no option but to talk about it. It is beneficial for all people to become aware of their race and embrace it before developing racial bias.

Racist interactions are frequent among children and adolescents with racial and cultural differences. Greater awareness can help us deal with such experiments when they happen.

So, friends, in your opinion, what should we do to help children face racism or avoid being racist themselves? Please let me know in the comments section below. ⬇️

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