Young kids don't see any difference between any humans until they're taught to.
Not true. There has been studies which show how kids are born with an ability to discern but the brain adapts and that ability diminishes. Pretty interesting stuff about how we actually are rather than how we think or hope we are.
As parents, we may look to teachers, politicians, or religious leaders to eliminate racism. They certainly can make great contributions toward a just society, but we also have a vitally important contribution to make. We can talk openly with our children about race, ethnicity, religion, and bigotry. We can answer their questions about these complicated topics, and we can begin a dialogue that will continue throughout their lives. The quality of our children's future is at stake.
In the 21st century, the ability to communicate and work with people from different racial and ethnic groups will be as essential as computer skills.
We already one of the most diverse societies in the world. Our children will inherit an even more diverse society. We need to help them learn to live and work closely with people whose race, religion, or culture may be different from their own.
By speaking openly about similarities and differences between people, we can raise children whose lives are not constricted by fear. By joining with them to recognize and talk about discrimination, we will help our children become adults who work to end it. By encouraging our children to reach across racial and ethnic lines, we will enable them to lead richer, fuller lives and to recognize the humanity of all people.
Some my say:
"I'm not prejudiced. I treat all people with respect and dignity, and I expect my children to do
Unfortunately, it is not enough to set a good example. Nor can we shield children from bigotry. A society that continues to discriminate against racial and ethnic groups nurtures prejudice in each new generation.
If we avoid these subjects with our children, we actually run the risk of strengthening prejudices we want them to reject. Children are barraged by images and ideas we don't control-on the playground, on television, and in school.
However free from prejudice we may be, our children, even very young children, can absorb the biases they encounter outside of our homes.