Teaching Our Children About Race Discrimination

If you interact with the outside world in any way whatsoever, you have probably noticed that racial and cultural tensions are particularly rampant in the United States today. While these tensions do not come in obvious forms such as segregated drinking fountains, they manifest covertly in both the private and public sphere. How are we to put an end to race discrimination? Many experts suggest change begins with the language we use in our homes and the examples we set for our children. As parents, we have the privilege to teach our children to value human rights, to be culturally aware, and to fight for equality. If you’re facing legal issues pertaining to race discrimination, the Law Office of Perry Piñón can help.

Race Discrimination Begins Early

According to Harvard University psychologist Mahzarin Banaji, children as young as three years old can begin to emulate racist behavior. Whether they see racism in blatant forms or whether they hear racism in seemingly harmless “jokes,” they can easily begin to develop implicit biases and prejudiced behaviors before they develop fully cognitively.

While it may be tough to believe that your children are being exposed to that much prejudice, consider the following study published by Rebecca Bigler at the University of Texas at Austin. In 2006, before Obama was a presidential candidate, Dr. Bigler asked a group of children why the previous 43 presidents had been white. Surprisingly, 26 percent of the children supported the statement that black Americans could not be president because it was illegal – in 2006! These children were not taught that such blatant political racism was existent in 2006. Regardless, they were susceptible to believing this was so.

Starting the Conversation

Because we live in a society where race discrimination still exists, it is not enough for parents to simply be good examples. That is important, but we also need to intentionally engage in conversation with our children about racial equality.

Many people are hesitant to have the race discrimination “talk” with their children. There are, thankfully, many practical ways to bring it up. Parents can take advantage of books or movies to start the conversation. “Why do you think this character reacted in this way?” “Why was that joke insensitive and harmful?”. Moreover, “the talk” should not just be one conversation. Parents who consistently and openly discuss race and culture with their children will create patterns of positive growth and will foster a healthy learning environment.

A Civil Rights Lawyer in El Paso

At the Law Office of Perry Piñón, we believe that racial discrimination must be fought from every side. If you have been the victim of prejudice or discrimination, Perry Piñón can help. He is a dedicated civil rights lawyer in El Paso who fights passionately for equality. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions concerning your potential claim.