Unlearning Racism: How Children Can Grow to Embrace Diversity

Racism, a deeply ingrained set of beliefs and behaviors that prioritize one race over another, often emerges in children as they grow older. However, it is crucial to understand that no child is born as a racist. Rather, they learn these harmful ideologies from the environments, examples, and interactions they come into contact with in their formative years. Children in early nursery settings exhibit no signs of racism, seeing people as equals rather than categorizing them based on race or other distinguishing features.

Early Childhood: A Time of Equality

Observations in nursery schools highlight the early phase of a child’s life, where they show no prejudice against race, ability, or disability. During this period, children interact with each other based on shared experiences, interests, and playful interactions, which do not take into account superficial differences. By the time children reach secondary school, however, the dynamics shift significantly. The influence of family, community, and societal norms starts to shape their perceptions, leading to the implementation of racial and other discriminations.

Behavioral Shifts in School Years

This shift is not entirely the result of negative influences, as it is also influenced by the expectations placed on children by their families and communities. Children are taught to mix only with people who align with certain characteristics, such as religious beliefs, social status, or sexual orientation. This selective behavior is often enforced to ensure social acceptance and respect, rather than genuine human connection and understanding.

Personal Experiences and Observations

Personal accounts and observations underscore the importance of education and the role of parents in shaping a child's understanding of diversity. For instance, there are instances where children display actions that might be considered racist, such as name-calling or discriminatory behavior. However, these actions may not necessarily reflect a deeply ingrained racist ideology within the child. Instead, they might stem from a lack of understanding or unintentional reinforcement of stereotypes.

Case Study: Nurturing a Non-Racist Mindset

A significant detail is that not all children's racist behavior can be easily pigeonholed. For example, the author noticed a pre-schooler calling their black daughter derogatory names and engaging in discriminatory acts. Interestingly, the teacher or parents failed to provide the appropriate conversation or intervention to address these actions. The mother insisted that this behavior was not learned from home, but it was clear that the environment needed to support non-racist values.

Preventing and Addressing Racism in Children

To prevent and address racism in children, it is crucial to foster an environment that emphasizes respect and inclusivity. Parents and educators should encourage children to interact with people from different backgrounds, promote empathy, and teach them how to resolve conflicts respectfully. Encouraging children to get to know others as individuals instead of relying on stereotypes or prejudices is key.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while children may inadvertently display behaviors that are perceived as racist, these behaviors are not inherent in their nature. They are the result of what they observe and are taught. By addressing these behaviors early on and consistently promoting diversity and inclusivity, we can help children grow into understanding and respectful adults. Emphasizing the celebration of differences and the importance of individuality can create a generation that values and respects all people.

Keywords: childhood racism, unlearning racism, diversity education