Actively Raising Anti-Racist Children

A Call to Act!

 
Each week as I prepare our 5+5 Activity Guides, I consider upcoming events and celebrations and things that are happening in the news. In these stressful times we are in, I try to include some suggestions that are fun and lighthearted, but that does not detract from my belief that education is a serious matter. It is imperative we give our children the best education possible. Sometimes that means confronting topics that are uncomfortable for us.
 
Whilst we want to protect children from hurt, harm and the harsh realities of life, we must also equip and empower them to deal with such things and resist them. To do so, we must talk to our children about some of the cruelty and wrongs that happen in the world.
 
We watched in horror this week as George Floyd was murdered by the police. It seems inconceivable an officer could kneel on a man’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds while he said he couldn’t breathe, while he called out for his mother, while he lost consciousness, while his pulse stopped, while accompanied by 3 other officers, while bystanders filmed a murder perpetrated by those charged with protecting them.
 
George was approached on suspicion of having used a counterfeit $20 bill.

 

Talking about racism can be a difficult conversation. Not talking about racism is not an option though.
 
We must reflect and consider how such hatred is learned, how it breeds and grows. Recent events in the US (for, sadly, George Floyd is but one of very many killed by hatred) may feel alien to us. We may feel too far away and too disconnected from them to believe we have a role to play.
 
What can I do to effect change in a country far away?
 
I am reminded of the words of Desmond Tutu.

 

 
 
And let’s face it, racism and prejudice are to be found in all countries. So what can we do to effect change? 

 

  • Our power to effect change lies in acknowledging the violence (in so many forms) in our society and taking steps to combat it.
  • Our power to effect change is to recognise the power of privilege and use what privilege we have to empower others.
  • Our power to effect change is to stand in allyship with those who are oppressed.
  • Our power to effect change is to raise children who respect and care for everyone.
  • Our power to effect change rests in the active work we undertake as parents and teachers.
 
This work is often termed ‘Teaching Tolerance’ – a term I dislike. The standard feels too low.  
 
Tolerance: the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.


Let’s aim higher. Let’s teach understanding. Let’s teach respect. Let’s teach kindness.
 
But, as I consider the starting point and the ongoing struggle black people endure, I can see the challenges and threats they encounter. I respect that tolerance might at least keep people alive, so let’s go with that to begin with. 
 
Now, more than ever, the importance of education is clear.
Now, more than ever, the importance of parenting is clear.
Now, more than ever, the importance of allyship is clear.
 
I have collected some resources that can be used to begin (or continue) this important work. If you have other recommendations, please share them with me.

 

Black lives matter.

 
 

Starting the Anti-Racism Conversation

 
Images
I often screenshot things I see on social media that speak to me. This photograph is one such example. You may wish to use it as a starting point for a conversation about the treatment of black Americans.

 
In searching for the image source to credit it, I read that the image was actually photoshopped. (Source) Lebron James had worn a t-shirt with a different statement.

 

 
Chilling.

Lebron wore the t-shirt to honour Eric Garner. Eric died in 2014 after being choked by New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo. His last words were, “I can’t breathe.”

 

Eric was approached on suspicion of selling single cigarettes from packs without tax stamps.
 
Other than losing his job, Pantaleo faced few consequences. He was not indicted on criminal charges. No civil rights charges were laid against him. Remarkably, he is now suing to get his job back.
 
The consequences for Eric’s family and the black community continue to run deep. Imagine the horror Eric Garner’s family feel at hearing his words echoed and in witnessing another senseless death this week?
 
We must act. There are countless other provoking images you may wish to explore with your child/ren to raise their awareness of racism.
 
Song
Another way to begin a conversation on racism is to harness the power of song. Ask your child to think about the lyrics of songs and what the message is. Can they determine the messages particular songs convey?
 
  • In Black and Blue, Louis Armstrong speaks of his longing not to be judged by the colour of his skin.
How would it end…i ain’t got a friend
My only sin…is in my skin
What did I do…to be so black and blue?
 
 
  • The lyrics of Bruce Springsteen’s 41 Shots reflect the frightening reality black men and women face and the daily fear involved in parenting black children, for although the song refers to a son, we have seen too many women’s lives also lost to brutality and hatred.

41 shots, Lena gets her son ready for school
She says, “On these streets, Charles
You’ve got to understand the rules
If an officer stops you, promise me you’ll always be polite
And that you’ll never ever run away
Promise Mama you’ll keep your hands in sight
 

 
 
Poetry
Poetry is similarly powerful for starting a conversation and offering us insights into the lives and feelings of others.
  • In this post, you will find 10 poems on the theme of racism.
  • This post on Fighting Prejudice With Poetry speaks powerfully on the way racism dehumanises and reminds us “beneath the superficial features that distinguish us are common human foundations we share.”
  • Zimbabwe-born Takunda Muzondiwa moved to New Zealand when she was 7. Listen to her extraordinary performance of her experiences here.
 Yesterday I was African, today I am lost. Maybe I was blinded by the neon sign of opportunity, failed to read the fine print that read: “Assimilate or go back where you came from.”
  • Hear her talk more widely about her poem here and discuss her comments on language in her TedTalk
  • You can find some additional resources on Poets.org, Poetry Society and Rainy Day Poems

 

Quotes
  • This quote has been posted quite often in the last few days. What do we learn from it?

 

 
  • Can your child find other quotes on the themes of racism, oppression, prejudice and activism? Discuss what they mean.
“At the heart of racism is the religious assertion that God made a creative mistake when He brought some people into being.” – Friedrich Otto Hertz
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.” – Anita Koddick
  • Find more quotes here.

 

Stories
I have written before of the need to ensure children are exposed to a wide range of reading materials with diverse characters. It is through reading of the lives and experiences of others, we develop empathy and understanding.

 

Articles and Websites
  • The conversation in Bruce Springsteen’s song above is echoed in this post, The Conversation We Must Have with Our White Children, which makes suggestions as to how to raise white children with an awareness of racism. 
  • Furthering this theme, this post, 100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say To Your Child, models language you can use with your child in discussing race.
  • There are very many essays in On Being on racism and tolerance that prompt thinking and learning and that you may wish to read.
  • I found ‘The Conversation We Must Have with Our White Children’ article in this post by Kaitlin Smith. In it she shares many other useful articles and resources and I advise you to check it out. I have included some here.
  • The tracker and infographs on Mapping Police Violence are powerful indeed.
Police killed 1,099 people in 2019.
Black people were 24% of those killed despite being only 13% of the population.
  • How has this come to pass? Explore some of the history of prejudice with this Identity Star Activity. Although written as a class task, it can easily be adapted for home use by having your child create 4 coloured stars to represent each of the characters and then following the instructions. Follow this with a discussion on how they feel the stars are today.
  • Other Breaking the Prejudice activities may be found here.
  • An uplifting article is this Washington Post one – A 9-year-old girl got people to finally stop thinking of the peach-colored crayon as the ‘skin-color’ crayon. We may question, What can one person do? Bellen Woodward shows us precisely what one person can do! Similarly, this post reminds us of the changes brought about by the actions of Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ruby Bridges and Martin Luther King Jr.
  • It is countered by Brianna’s Holt’s recollections of her upbringing, Now I Understand Why My Parents Were So Strict, a powerful article that is accessible for children to read and a good basis for a discussion on the changes needed in our society.
  • What can we do? 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
  • The following image has been shared widely today. It suggests other resources we may use to teach about race. Download the PDF with clickable links here.

 
 
Acknowledging Difference
  • It is important that we talk to children about skin colour but don’t use it as an identifier according to Dr. Pragya Argwal. Here, she and Freddie Harrell provide advice for parents on talking to your children about race and racism. 

 

Videos
  • An important lens through which to consider most matters is privilege. This Buzzfeed video offers a nice introduction to the concept of privilege and urges viewers to be advocates for those less-privileged than themselves.
 
I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was “meant” to remain oblivious.

 

Image Source

 

 

 
  • Find a list of further useful videos here.
 
 
Examining Implicit Bias
Also known as implicit social cognition, implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.
  • This definition is from The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity.
  • I found it in this detailed lesson plan, Talking About Race and Racism, from Teaching Tolerance. In it you will find a great exercise on considering the intent and impact of our words as well as ideas around unpacking stereotypes and the biases we hold. It poses some great scenarios to discuss, e.g.,
    • A doctor doesn’t ask his Latina patient if she has any questions.
    • A teacher assigns her only Asian student to tutor other students.
    • An employer places the resumes of applicants with Arabic-sounding names at the bottom of the stack.
    • A woman who clutches her purse when a black man enters the elevator.
  • The lesson also contains links to two great videos.
  • ‘Why Your Name Matters’ is an interesting read on the implications our name holds for us. What do we think people think of when they hear our name?
We see a name, implicitly associate different characteristics with it, and use that association, however unknowingly, to make unrelated judgments about the competence and suitability of its bearer.
  • It is possible to take this theme further and examine your own implicit bias using this Harvard tool.
  • Alternatively, these questions are also designed to get you thinking about implicit bias.
  • Finally, this iceberg of diversity activity is interesting and I feel the image is a great one to explore.

 

 

Resource Packs

 

Lesson Plans

 

Other
In week 9 of our 5+5 Activity Guide series, I shared some resources on emigration/immigration for the World Day for Cultural Diversity and Development. You may find those useful to refer to also.
 
Educating Ourselves
In order to act as an ally, it is important we continue our own learning. The following resources may help.

 

***Updates: Please note, I have updated this post since it was first published to add new resources I have found. If you have recommendations for other particular resources to share, please leave a comment. Thank you.***
 
Truly, as parents and teachers, we have so much power to act for good in this world. Let’s use it.

 

One Final Thought

We wouldn’t need to teach tolerance if we didn’t teach hate.
 

2 thoughts on “Actively Raising Anti-Racist Children

  1. Pingback: 5 + 5 Activity Resource (No. 11) – 5 Independent & 5 Cooperative Learning Activities to Try

  2. Pingback: Refugee Awareness Week Resources (June 15th-21st 2020)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *