Children are not born racist
Children are not, by nature, racist. They are not born with damaging assumptions about people in any definable group. We all begin with a winning trust in others, an expectation that people will be good to each other, and that life with others will be safe and fun. When a child feels close to his parents, gets to play freely with lots of laughter, gets plenty of affection, and has sensible limits set by grown-ups who don't attack him, a young person can feel at home with himself, and relaxed with others.
Lessons and games for teaching children and teenagers not to hate can be found at http://racerelations.about.com/od/racismandchildren/a/games.htm.
Another wonderful website that teaches anti-racism education in Australian schools and can be used by any parent or teacher is "RACISM. No way." http://racismnoway.com.au/
How to Raise Tolerant Children
- Make sure you're a good role model - Who are your friends? Who do you invite over to the house? If there's not a lot of diversity in your life, your children will pick up on that.
- Examine your own biases. How do you react when someone from another culture is around or approaches you? Children have the ability to pick up on the slightest amount of anxiety. If your behavior changes, they will pick up on that.
- Watch what you say. If you make fun of those who are different, guess what? So will little Junior.
- Start the dialogue early! Don't wait until a "situation" occurs (e.g. your child is made fun of, or makes fun of someone else). Remember how young children learn stereotypes! Make sure you begin dialogue about difference early on. Communicate the message that different isn't automatically a bad thing.
- Keep your eyes open. Who does your child play with? Do they exclude other children? children who are different? Encourage them to develop friendships early on with children who are different (e.g. different gender, cultural background, age, etc.) Engage them in dialogue and help them determine what's fun or good about playing with someone who's different from them in some way.
- Examine your surroundings. What are the messages in your neighborhood or community? Do the only people who are different own the neighborhood store, teach your children, clean your house, or live somewhere across the railroad tracks? Exposing your child to different cultures and lifestyles early on, enables them to learn about difference and sets the expectation that not everyone is the same.
- Explore and discuss differences within the family - highlight ways that you differ amongst yourselves and help them to make the connection that different is not always a bad thing.
- Read books that depict diversity and educate your children about other cultures. Links provided on this page can help you get started in identifying age appropriate resources.
- Listen for signs of intolerance - others may make jokes or say hurtful things about other groups to be funny and your child may not understand the difference. Figure out how to respond to others who say intolerant things, and listen for your child's imitation of those messages.
Books on Amazon that help children learn racial acceptance and tolerance
We're Different, We're the Same (Pictureback(R))
Jim Henson's Sesame Street Muppets cavort cheerfully with people of all sizes, shapes and ethnicities in this effort to show the ways in which all people are the same, despite obvious physical differences. On alternate spreads, drawings imitating photos zero in on variations on noses, hair, mouths, skin, eyes and bodies, all "different" from one another. A turn of the page reveals all of the owners of these body parts interacting, alongside several lines of sing-song verse explaining how our noses, hair, etc., are "the same."
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 07/09/2009) 
Other People's Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom, Updated Edition
Many minority students are erroneously labeled "underachievers" due to failures of communication between teachers and students.
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 07/09/2009)
What If All the Kids Are White?: Anti-bias Multicultural Education With Young Children And Families (Early Childhood Education Series)
In this compelling volume, distinguished educators tackle a frequently asked question about multicultural education: How do I teach about racial and cultural diversity if all my students are white? The authors propose seven learning themes to help young white children resist messages of racism and build identity and skills for thriving in a multicultural country and world. The text includes strategies, resources, and classroom examples for implementing the learning themes in early childhood settings.
Amazon Price: $22.45 (as of 07/09/2009)
The Jacket
After wrongly accusing a boy--an African American boy-of stealing his brother's jacket, Phil--a white boy--has some hard thinking to do. And a tough question for his mom: "How come you never told me I was prejudiced?" This seemingly small school incident turns into a painful, but ultimately satisfying, learning opportunity for the sixth grader, as he explores the myriad influences in his life and the way his thought patterns have formed... and finds a new friend in the process. The intellectual evolution Phil goes through may be somewhat facile for a child his age, but Andrew Clements's message will undoubtedly hit home for many readers. This is exactly the kind of situation that arises every day in schools (and offices and buses) all over the world.
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 07/09/2009)
Anti-Racism Education: Theory and Practice
Studying anti-racism as a proactive, process-oriented approach to addressing the racial and ethnocultural differences that students bring to schools, this book captures the relational aspects of social difference and argues for the analyzation of the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexual oppression.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009)
Organizations that promote racial acceptance and tolerance in children
- Teachers Against Prejudice
- TAP's mission is to increase awareness of prejudice and discrimination and examine its causes and roots; open dialogue with and between students and educators from elementary school through college; and promote understanding and respect for all through the critical exploration and analysis of films, television, and other media.
- WORLD OF DIFFERENCE ® Institute
- ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute is a leading provider of anti-bias education and diversity training programs and resources. The Institute seeks to help participants: recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society; explore the value of diversity; improve intergroup relations; and combat racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry.
Human relations and education professionals design trainings and produce resources that provide the necessary skills, knowledge and awareness to promote and sustain inclusive and respectful school, work and home environments. Customized to meet the changing needs of a wide range of audiences, programs are available to schools, universities, corporations and community-based organizations throughout the United States and abroad. - Ethnic Diversity Alliance
- The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance (also known as LEDA) seeks to dismantle racial, socioeconomic, and institutional barriers to ensure that people of all ethnic backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to participate fully in the life of the community. We are located in Holland, Michigan.
- Tolerance.org
- Winner of the Webby Award for Activism and Electronic Multimedia Awards for both Education and Public Service, Tolerance.org provides:
Daily news about groups and individuals working for tolerance and fighting hate;
Guidebooks for adult and youth activists;
Practical resources for parents and teachers; and
Entertaining and educational games for young children. - Kids As Peacemakers
- We are a community based group of individuals and organizations dedicated to the reduction of violence and fostering development of child-friendly communities. We interact with city officials, religious organizations, schools, social organizations, and others in building strong community support for our programs.
Let your children and infants stand out in a crowd with these custom t-shirts and clothing.
Your child will learn respect early in life for all different types of people and their opinions and differences.
Anti-Racism T-Shirts, Clothing and Gifts for Children and Babies
Anti-Racism Kids Hoodie
Stay warm while lookin' casual-cool in this kid version of an adult favorite - our ash grey Hanes Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. Deep front pocket and hood for extra protection against getting slammed by bad weather. Made of cotton/polyester blend that's thick (not bulky) for enjoying roomy comfort that allows adding layers underneath. Great durability for playing hard or hangin' out. 7.8 oz 50/50 cotton/polyester fleece. Standard fit. Fleece-paneled front pocket. Hood without drawcord for safety.
Price: 23.99
Anti-Racism Bib
Eeewww Baby, Baby!!! It's okay to make a mess in our easy-wash 100% cotton bib. It provides great upper body coverage to protect baby's clothes. The sturdy closure makes this one-size bib fit newborns to 36 months. 100% jersey cotton. Measures 9" x 15" top to bottom and 9" x 10" bottom to collar.
Price: 8.99
Anti-Racism Infant Bodysuit
Babies love creepin', crawlin' and sleepin' in our super comfy, 100% cotton jersey knit Infant Creeper. Infant clothes shouldn't be hard to change, so our three-snap bottom helps ease those nasty diaper changes. Great baby stuff for your special little one. 5.5 oz. 100% cotton. Three bottom snaps. Standard T-shirt neck.
Price: 14.99
Anti-Racism Infant/Toddler T-Shirt
Our 100% cotton infant/toddler tee will look great on your little ones. 5.5 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit.
Price: 13.99
Anti-Racism Kids Dark T-Shirt
The pint-sized version of our popular adult favorite. It's preshrunk and durable - just what a playful, active tyke needs. 6.1 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit.
Price: 23.99
Anti-Racism Teddy Bears
We also offer a cute selection of Teddy Bears with a design in four color schemes. Give one of these adorable teddys to someone you know respects all humans!! Ideas on promoting anti-racism and human rights.
Discusses ideas to help promote anti racism and human rights.-
Anti-racism design on t-shirts, mugs, totes and gifts that promotes human rights
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Don't be afraid to ask others outside you to help and don't avoid recruiting people whom you don't normally think of as antiracist types. You need to express your opinion in a public way and this will influence others in expressing like you. &n...
Your Place for Comments
purplebear wrote...
Very nice lens.:)Growing up I don't think it was something she made a conscious effort at doing, suppose it was just naturally the way she was. I had friends from different races and never even thought about it, they were just my friends. :) So, I suppose my Mom set the example without deliberately trying to. :) Would be a very nice world if everybody thought that way. :)
Posted September 18, 2008
Comfortdoc wrote...
Thank you for joining the Imagine Peace Group. Your Racism and Children lens is featured as an Imagine Peace Promoting Project.
Posted December 08, 2007
ptt wrote...
Peace Think Tank is proud to host a thread dedicated to promoting children who know that diversity is a source of richness in the tapestry of God, not a source of hatred, fear or bigotry.
http://www.peacethinktank.org
Posted December 08, 2007
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by NotChris
I am a software engineer, married to the love of my life and we both want to see world peace and help stop racism and fighting.
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