One of the questions/requests submitted to the ReCenter panel I was a part of was the following: “[I would like to] Learn approaches to have meaningful conversations surrounding structural racism and the impact it has on society”
I have some tips from my free guide, 27 Ways to Kickstart Conversations About Race with Kids 0-18, that will help!
These tips are for kids 7 years old and older. Younger kids aren’t usually developmentally ready to build a mental model that will accommodate “structural racism”.
When there are instances of racial injustice in your environment and/or in the news, use that as an opportunity to call out racism. Use the term ‘racist’ rather of labeling it ‘mean’ or ‘unkind’. Racism is both mean and unkind, but it also more: it is dehumanizing. We can’t fight what we can’t name. Involve your kids in the discussion. Ask what they think about the situation and how they think the parties could move to resolution.
Be willing to discuss systemic racism as well as discrete racist events. Don’t shy away from the role that White people may play in the system or the event. If your children are White, empower them by including examples of where White people have fought against racial injustice alongside people of color. (Hint: there are usually racial-justice-seeking Whites involved, even if they weren’t popular or successful. Love of justice knows no borders.)
Challenge what you see. What are ways that systemic racism shows up in your neighborhood/schools/job/life? Where do people of color live? Where do they work? Who takes care of children, sanitation and cleaning of hotels and personal homes where you live? Who runs the businesses and local government?
Encourage your kids to make or maintain healthy interracial relationships. (I know, I know, we are less and less involved in our kids’ friend-making at this age. But, this is the developmental stage when interracial relationships start to fall away.) Healthy interracial relationships are key for helping children (and adults) to navigate an increasingly diverse world. Those relationships will be the ones where they can have deep conversations that stretch their understanding of racism, equity and justice.
Link to the tips: https://lnkd.in/gVt5GwGP
Have anything else to add?
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