Seeing All Colors

Why we shouldn’t teach our kids to be color blind and what to do instead

- Liz Rothaus Bertrand

For many people, race is a topic that’s difficult to discuss, especially with kids. Avoidance, however, has complicated rather than improved our relationships with one another. In recent years, America has been rocked by the rising frequency of racially motivated hate crimes, deadly incidents of racial profiling, a resurgence of resegregated schools and daily reminders of inequity.

While families of color often feel compelled to have “the talk” about racial bias with their children for safety’s sake, too often families are silent. One reason maybe they don’t know how to start the conversation. Here’s a look at how we all can begin having fact-based, healthy conversations about race to promote understanding and positive change in our community.

WHY SHOULD WE BE TALKING ABOUT RACE?

We all have different physical features, cultural traditions and languages, but the concept of race is not biologically real. It is a system of power that has been reinforced over hundreds of years through social, political and economic means.

“It’s basically been laws and practices that have separated [individuals] into people groups with whites at the top and blacks at the bottom,” says Dr. Lucretia Carter Berry, an antiracist consultant and educator.

Perceptions of race affect the way we interact with one another and institutions, as well as our placement in society.

“It’s related to every aspect of our experience whether or not we know it,” says James Ford, cochair of the Leading on Opportunity Task Force. “Not just for families of color but white families as well.”

Understanding how race has been used for the advantage of some people and the disadvantage of others is essential to make sense of many issues our community and country are struggling with today.