Racism is a major negative force in many communities. Because of its systematic nature, it permeates all aspects of people’s lives. Those in privileged groups often underestimate the power and effects of racism. They may downplay the structural nature of racism, blaming individuals instead. Those in marginalized groups must then work even harder to unmask racism as a social problem.
Dr. Ashley Woodson has created a series of lessons about race and racism for children and their families to explore together. This one focuses on telling the truth about racism. Read the rest of this post with children ages 5-12 years and engage in the italicized activities together.
Humans created race as a way to talk about diverse communities. A person’ race is based on where their family is from, how they look, and where they live now. Your race is a special link to people who share your family’s culture and history. Racism happens when a community of people is treated unfairly because of their race. It leads to discrimination and violence that can affect people’s lives in many ways.
Racism typically includes some people using stereotypes to talk about other people. Stereotypes are stories we believe about a person or their community because of how they look, where they live, or where they come from. Stereotypes aren’t true. Every person has their own unique story to tell. Stereotypes can also be hurtful. They can keep us from understanding each other.
Describe a stereotype that affects a community you belong to. How is the stereotype hurtful? Use your face and body to show how you feel when others stereotype you.
For communities to flourish, everyone needs to treat everyone else with kindness and respect. This means that we should not believe stories about people based on how they look or where they come from. We should take the time to get to know them and understand their unique story. We remind each other that we matter, we are stronger than stereotypes.
What is your unique story? Draw a self-portrait and include colors, symbols, and words that express your unique identity.
Another way to respond to stereotypes is to stand with those who are being stereotyped and educate those who are stereotyping. We can remind the people who are being hurt by stereotypes that they matter to us.
Think about what helps you to feel loved and important. How can you show someone else that they are loved and important, too? Role play scenarios where you show someone love and care when they are being stereotyped.
We can also talk about the dangers of stereotypes and invite others to rethink how they see people from other racial groups.
Make a list of ways that stereotypes are a problem. Then brainstorm some ways to discourage stereotypes in your community. For example, you might invite people from different racial groups to share their unique stories and post recordings on social media, make posters that identify and reject common stereotypes, or plan a multi-racial event that promotes working together. Pick one of your ideas to implement together.
Comments