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If no one is supposed to talk about racism, has anyone told the racists?


In recent weeks, I have been intrigued by the discussions surrounding how the topic of racism should be taught, especially to children.  And as I hear these discussions, I am hearing an increasing chorus of people who appear to be discouraging the discussion of certain unpleasant aspects of racism.

What is becoming MORE intriguing is a growing discussion among some with the focus on NOT talking about racism to our children.

I understand the desire to avoid messaging of any kind that appears to serve as an indoctrination towards a specific mentality.  I, also, completely understand the desire to protect the innocence of our youth as long as possible.  


However, for those who don’t want racism discussed or taught, I have one question:


“If you don’t want to talk about racism, has anyone told the racists, yet?”


Now, there are going to be some people who will read this post and think I am being flippant but I am not.  And if some of you have children in communities where you can effectively shield them from the realities of the world, you are truly in a unique situation.


However, life as the great teacher does not necessarily follow your desires.


When asked recently by the daughter of a good friend “When was my first experience with racism”, I told her that I was 8 when I was asked to leave a friend’s backyard because his grandfather had a problem with a black child in his backyard.  I believe I was 9 when I was told by another friend that his mother would not let him play with black kids any more.  I believe I was about 7 when I was called the ‘N’ word and threatened by some boys claiming to be members of the KKK.


These incidents didn’t happen in the 1940s or 1950s.  These incidents happened in the 1970s.   And I had no idea how it happened.   When I was chased by boys claiming to be in the KKK, I was just playing outside with my friends.  The boy whose mother told him to stop playing with black kids used to play with me almost every day (interestingly enough, she would never let me in her apartment).   And the boy who asked me to leave his back yard and I used to play with each other all the time.   


I share this because I never had any classroom teachings that I could recall about racism, discrimination, or bigotry.   My experiences involving racism and bigotry came at the hands of the adults and boys who could care less that I was an innocent little boy.  My exposure to racism and bigotry came at the actions of adults who ignored the long standing relationship with their relatives.   


But the reality was, I wasn’t completely blind.  I had loved ones who made me aware of reality of being black. I was aware, at a young age, that my home town used to be segregated.  I had seen pictures of black people being lynched.  I knew that the KKK had a history of violence against black people (Hence, why I ran).  I was hurt when I was asked to leave the back yard.  But I knew why.  I was hurt was my friend stopped playing with me.  But I knew why.   


I knew this not just because of some specific teaching. I knew because I was exposed to realities by family, friends, and in some cases, teachers about the reality of racism.  And these realities enabled me to be aware of certain experiences.  


Again, I completely understand the desire to protect the innocence of young easily influenced minds.  However, you have to ask two questions:

  1. Are you truly doing them a favor by COMPLETELY shielding them from all unpleasant realties involving racism?

  2. And if you choose to do so, has anyone told the racists??


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