EDUCATION + RACISM

Why Some Believe We Can Make Children Immune to Racism

Here’s what they’re missing about lasting racial disparities

AI-generated painting of a Black girl wearing blue | created by author using CANVA

The irony isn’t lost on the black community that children old enough to experience racism are often deprived of classroom discussions about the topic. Research shows that babies categorize faces by race before their first birthday. By three, some already internalized racial stereotypes and associated Black people’s faces with negative traits. Racism has an adverse effect on their physical and mental health, which is why we need to shift social perceptions. Refusing to acknowledge the big white elephant in the room isn’t going to stop it from breaking desks and chairs.

Despite the seemingly endless trove of studies illuminating how racism harms Black children. The association between depression, anxiety, and perception of racism, and the documented impact of racism on the self-esteem and self-concept of young children, Americans are apprehensive about the topic. And even when people in positions of power acknowledge racism, there’s a lack of investment in hierarchy-attenuating policies. Indeed, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are being scrubbed or modified in many primary, secondary, and college programs. Far too often, the blame is placed on the shoulders of…