by K.C. Jean Kellam

Created on: January 21, 2009

One of the most beautiful things about the society in which we live today, is our growing tolerance of cultural and racial differences. Our children, born of this new generation, look towards the world with their eyes wide open and will naturally befriend children who exhibit qualities and traits that match their own, rather than select by skin color.

While growth and tolerance are the face of our new generation, ignorance still holds firm in our country in the form of racism and cultural intolerance. Our children will be exposed countless times to situations where the color of their skin or cultural differences will come into play. They will face these challenges armed with the information provided at home, taught while they are still young and impressionable, from school and their peers, and from media sources.

For a parent, the message should be simple and easy to understand. The fundamental belief that racism is wrong should be strong and show through your expressions, words, and actions to your child. Taking the time to discuss what racism is and examples of racism that your child will understand before a situation arises is the best defense.

Because racism is a disease in society, there is no telling when and where it will occur. Being your child's first resource ahead of time will give them a feeling of safety and security, and that at the core of their family, racism is an unacceptable injustice. Having your child's respect and understanding will make them feel more secure and less afraid to speak out against racism on their own.

Knowing that racism is wrong on such a high level with you will also help your child overcome their own feelings of insecurity based on culture or color. Children who are victims of racism can live in fear their entire lives, avoid many of life's wonderful opportunities, and suffer emotionally long after physical damage, if any, has worn off. These children first need to be told they truly are victims and they do not have to tolerate any racism in their life from any source. Children who are exposed to racism should not be able to tolerate its presence, even when it is not directed at them.

Often, children will answer questions about racial tolerance better than most adults. They are bearing witness to the first African American president, and hopefully, by the time they are parents, it will be the norm. But they still need to be prepared to face the ignorance that permeates society and that responding with fear to the unknown is normal but reacting with oppression is not.

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