S1.E9: Equality, Multiculturalism and Race - Raising Thinkers Podcast

Today I'd like to address the racial tensions and clashes that are happening around the world. 2020-2022 has been a challenging few years in many ways, for many people. While I realize the events regarding racial injustice are mainly being highlighted in the United States currently, I know this is not new for many people in many places around the world.  

I'm not here to talk about what's wrong. My desire is to talk about what we can do to make it better. I firmly believe that education, particularly in the home, is what sets children up with their perspective that they will carry with them throughout their lives. The way that we live and the way that we treat the people around us, will make a difference in how our children respond and interact with others. We must be the example that we want our children to follow. They will follow us in many ways regardless of how we act, therefore we must act well.

Since this is a sensitive topic, I've been doing a lot of thinking before completing this post. I’ve been listening and doing a good bit of research, and reading a lot.  I wanted to take my time before addressing these issues. Please also take the time to pause, to listen and to research as well. There are many voices out there who can speak more eloquently about this than I can.   Perhaps my voice can at least be a starting point for you.

As I was researching and reading, one quote in particular that I heard stood out to me. Bishop Jakes said, “Nothing dispels ignorance like exposure.” If we want our children to be thinkers, and to be those who are kind to all others around them,  then they need exposure. I believe that starts with us as parents.

The events we see are disturbing for us, so how can we possibly address them with our children? As I said in a previous episode, you know your child best. If your child is very young, or extremely sensitive, you need to be more careful in talking about things like this with them. In that case it's more about how they see you living your life.

If your child is older, and you think it's appropriate, let them see certain videos, let them hear different perspectives. Look at some of the facts with them and ask them how they feel, ask them what they think should be done. Ask them what questions they have, let them think. Then talk it through with them. Children are very sensitive, and very perceptive. If we listen, we can learn from them too.

Now, it’s not all about talking about events that are unfolding around us.  Let’s take a moment to be introspective and to look around ourselves... or rather, take a look at the contacts on your phone. How many of them, who you would actually call friends, are different than you are? It could be that they are from a different race or a different country or they speak a different language, but you can honestly say that they are different?  Invite some different people over for playdates with your children, or over to your home for dinner… it may feel strange or awkward to you initially, but it’s worth the effort.

Now, on a side note, I honestly have to say that I don't see those differences as truly being different. We are all human and I personally believe we are all made in the image of our creator, and being made in the image of God, this instills us with value and worth.   The different perspectives, attitudes, cultures, languages, and skin tones are what make us a kaleidoscope of humanity. The more you turn a kaleidoscope, the more beauty you can see in the many different reconfigurations of colors, angles, and shapes.

I personally want to appreciate and see that beauty and be a part of it. I am still learning how to do this well, but I do know that I don’t want to have a monochromatic life. The world is becoming more and more blended, and we need to prepare our children to be open and caring to those who may not be exactly like them, to value them as they value themselves. They're going to live as a part of a kaleidoscope. More likely than not, they will work and learn with people who are different than they are. So how do we prepare them?

For one thing, we need to expose them to cultures and people who may not think in the same way as we do, or look the same as our family does. Look at the books that you read with your children.  Look at the movies that you watch. Consider the types of museums you take them to. Choose more variety.  However, exposure is not enough.

I believe that the level to which I have been able to be open to others, was mainly due to being able to travel and to know many people from different cultures and countries. For three years in elementary school, I lived in the Middle East. I had friends from many different countries, many who spoke different languages, and when I moved back to the United States, I felt that I didn't fit in, even among people who looked very much like me.  I was changed from what I had seen and from how my parents acted, showing us the beauty of other people and their places.  While many of us may not have the opportunity to travel internationally with our children, if you have that chance, I encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity.

Wherever you go, whether it's to the grocery store, a museum, or to another country, show the attitude of appreciation and kindness.  Speak to people and look at them.  Try to understand and show value for who they are.  Ask them about themselves.  Demonstrate that you value people for being humans like you. Talk with your children about what you see, hear, and experience and encourage your children to do the same.  It starts with you.