In a recent incident, administrators at Riverview Middle School in Clearwater, Florida, dismissed a teacher who assigned her sixth-graders a task prompting them to contemplate their comfort levels around various individuals based on race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion. Scenarios included:
- Your new roommate is a Palestinian and Muslim.
- A group of young Black men approaches you on the street.
- The young man seated next to you on an airplane is Arab.
- Your new suitemates are Mexican.
- Your assigned lab partner is a fundamentalist Christian.
Many students and parents at Riverview expressed their discontent. One concerned mother remarked, “They’re just kids. Let them be kids. Why are they being asked these questions?” Another parent commented, “I think kids are too young to engage with these topics at this stage and in a school setting.”
Such reactions, while common, reflect a misunderstanding. In the United States, there’s a pervasive belief that children, especially white children, are naive about race—unaware and untainted by the complexities surrounding it. However, research indicates that children become aware of societal biases long before they reach their teenage years. Most children, regardless of race, internalize biases from a young age.
Studies have shown that infants have a preference for faces that match their own race, likely due to their surroundings. Yet by preschool age, this innocent inclination can shift. By the time they reach 5, Black and Hispanic children typically don’t show a preference for their racial groups compared to white children, who often exhibit a strong bias towards whiteness. By the start of kindergarten, children begin to adopt implicit racial attitudes similar to those held by adults in their culture, associating certain groups with higher status or positive attributes.
Given this context, the pressing question isn’t “Why address issues of race and bias in schools?” Instead, we should ask, “How can we effectively tackle the biases that permeate our educational environments and shape our children’s attitudes towards race?” Research and practice provide valuable insights for parents, guardians, educators, and anyone who cares for children. Here are guidelines proposed by the EmbraceRace team:
- Start Early: Encourage your child to acknowledge and discuss race openly. Foster an environment where they can ask questions and express their thoughts respectfully.
- Be a Role Model: Your actions matter. Diversify your social circle, and if your child’s school lacks diversity, consider enrolling them in inclusive activities. Choose books, toys, and media that celebrate various races and cultures.
- Confront Your Own Biases: Acknowledge biases you’ve recognized in yourself. Share your experiences with your child and demonstrate how you work to challenge these biases.
- Embrace Your Identity: Discuss the histories and contributions of your own racial or ethnic background, including both proud moments and challenges faced by your family.
- Cultivate Cultural Literacy: Educate your child about the diverse histories and experiences of various racial groups, emphasizing the richness within each group rather than stereotypes.
- Be Honest About Bigotry: Help your child understand the realities of racism and oppression in age-appropriate ways. Discuss the ongoing struggle for racial justice and encourage their involvement.
- Highlight Stories of Resilience: Share narratives of individuals who have fought against oppression. Make sure to include diverse voices, including those of women and children in these stories.
- Encourage Advocacy: Teach your child what it means to stand up for racial justice. Connect your discussions to actionable steps they can take toward making a positive impact.
- Make It Ongoing: Regularly engage your child in conversations about race. Revisit these discussions frequently, acknowledging that it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure,” and promise to return to the topic.
This article was initially published by EmbraceRace and provides essential insights for fostering a more inclusive mindset in children.
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In summary, addressing racial biases in children is essential for fostering a more inclusive future. By starting early, being mindful of our own behaviors, and engaging in ongoing conversations, we can help shape our children’s understanding of race positively.