As a parent, I’m faced with some tough topics to discuss with my kids at times. One of the things that we sadly have to discuss is why they are sometimes looked over for certain things. Or not considered when they are obviously just as qualified and capable. I’m searching for all the right answers when they ask, but I have no real reason why our brown kids have to work twice as hard.
I’ve learned that life in the suburbs comes with its challenges and blessings. Better schools, better parks, more attention to local aesthetics and the likes. The downside is our brown babies are faced with “world issues” sooner rather than later. They are often targets for racial prejudice and are stereotyped before they even have a chance to prove otherwise.
A perfect, yet HORRIFYING example: A friend of mine, who has a preteen in a suburban school that is tall for his age, was told by the school that her son should stand 3 feet away from his fellow schoolmates as not to intimidate them. This same school made even more condescending remarks about his success at the school, as to imply that he was not destined for such. This type of foolishness INFURIATES me! Our children not only have to endure the normal day to day pressures of just being children, but in order for them to shine, they have to prove themselves worthy of the attention that is duly warranted from educations and administrators.
It’s a somber truth that I have to explain to MY tall-for-his-age-honor-roll-student-basketball-playing-french-horn-playing-brown-theirteen-year-old, as well as my two princesses shortly afterward, “Even though you are doing a perfect job and we are extremely proud of you that you may not be recognized the way you deserve to be.” When our children do well, we MUST continue to applause and praise them at home, while celebrating their achievements while the world waits for them to fail.
BMWK: When will the madness end? How do you address this issue with your children?