We Need to Talk

I don't agree with children being prejudice.  I do think they believe thing based on what they see.  This, in my opnion, is no different than believing in the Easter Bunny oo Tooth Fairy.  I do think children start with a clean slate.  However, as we get older people tend to divide things.  I think it's natural and not always done in a mean or prejudice way.  I'm short I was always in the first row for pictures.  That doesn't make it mean.  I believe things in the world need to change.  However, many of us are set in our ways so change may not happen.

After reading the article in Newsweek entitled “ See Baby Discriminate,” by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman as well as the response to this article by Dr. Schroyer, I believe that this excerpt as well as the opening sentence: “Is Your Baby Racist?” is a great tactic used in order to grasp individuals’ attention.  I too was very curious and taken aback by this question just as Dr Schroyer had also stated.  But I was anxious to observe what this article would entail and how they would determine such a vigorous claim. The article goes on to explain how a test was conducted for small children where they were shown pictures of people who were an opposite race from them.  It was evident that these children were undoubtedly curious and would stare at the pictures in bewilderment.   This clearly did not mean that they were racist, but presents the issue that children who have no knowledge of cultures that are different from their own will react with interest.  It was fascinating to note how avoiding the topic of race can unfortunately lead to unintended prejudiced acts among individuals, even children.  In the article, Bronson and Merryman present an example of how a first grade teacher read a Christmas story to her students. The students were all outraged once the teacher declared that Santa Claus was indeed black.  This was unimaginable to them.  Such an important figure could never be black. But after coming up with their own solutions how this could be a replacement Santa, or maybe he is biracial, they felt more at ease. Race is a very important issue within our civilization.  We must embrace each other and educate the younger generation that no one is superior, especially when it comes to the color of one’s skin.  I agree with Dr. Schroyer when she stated how we should not be prejudiced.  I believe that we should all take part in addressing this issue and spread knowledge to others so that racism is not a leading factor within our communities.

I feel that children act the way that they are brought up, and if they were brought up to be prejudiced, that's how they most likely will be.  I don't think that children should be prejudiced though.  I feel that small children can't have their actions held against them due to the fact that they have not yet developed into their own person yet.   I feel that the parents are to blame because it’s how they teach or what they tell their children to do. I think that at a certain point children become their own person and have to question their parents ways and then that would lead them to questions their own ways.

After reading the original Newsweek article "See Baby Discriminate" I also agree that the name of this article was intended to be an attention grabber, and Precie has confirmed, that it got the job done. Surely a baby cannot be prejudiced, but a child on the other hand, who has been influenced by prejudiced parents, family members, and/or friends, would always feel the same way. And it probably wont be, until this person grows and builds his/her own opinion that he will have his own view on the matter of prejudice. I also don't agree with sister Mary, because prejudice is to like or dislike one rather than another without good reason. Any educated individual would agree that we shouldn't do or believe in anything for no good reason. So of course we shouldn't be prejudice, it would be ignorant to succumb to this idea.

      The Santa Clause we know so well as depicted in children' books is property of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and was first depicted in 1931 in magazine ads for Coca-Cola. He was created by artist Haddon Sunblom, who was hired by Coca-Cola at the time. And this Santa Clause was White, so I don't believe there should ever be a black Santa Clause in a children's book. I am a fact driven individual, who does not believe in prejudice, I don't think the Newsweek article had as much to do with prejudice as it did with ignorance. I agree with the other posters that change is necessary, and education in my opinion is the answer.

My husband and I have been discussing adoption over the past six months.  We've decided that we would like to start the adoption process at the beginning of next year and after much deliberation and research we have concluded that we would be happiest with a blended family.  We are looking to adopt internationally, which has raised some concerns that we feel we need to be prepared for.  Our foremost concern is a fear that someone will be disrespectful and behave prejudiced towards our children.  While we have come to an agreement on proper proceedings to deal with others who may take such a negative stance, including their classmates and peers, we are at a loss of what to say to our children.  Each of us is, at a glance, Caucasian American, so how can we fully understand how to help guide them through this experience?  I've been thinking it over and have thought of a few things that might help and I will continue my research over the next several years.  However, the sad fact in today's society is that this is something that even needs to be addressed and prepared for.  I was a Catholic raised by a single mother with lower middle class income.  I was a happy child and well provided for, but I remember even my angst and outcast role as I lived in a neighborhood and went to a school with mostly Jewish, married families that lived with the  luxury of two incomes.  Am I bitter about my childhood?  No.  Am I bitter about those people?  Hell yes!  Now, as it happens, this experience is what gives me the confidence and desire for a blended family, so I can see the good, too.  My motto is, if you can love ANY child and raise him/her as your own, then you have a responsibility to do so!  So many children need healthy homes!  So, Lord, please grant us the patience and understanding to navigate this path.