How do you explain racism to a 5yr old?

Strut&Rut · 08-25-2006, 02:59 PM

I mean seriously...

There's the terms Asian-American, African-American, WASP, Hispanic, etcetera...

How do you explain to a 5yr old the "n" word, especially when they hear it on a rap song played on the radio?

How do we explain that it's OK for a male African-American to call other dark-skinned people 'nigga', but everybody not of that skin tone can not use any term closely related, or else they're labeled a racist or a bigot? AND, then you need to define racism and bigotry.

Any takers? And yes, this is a serious question. My daughter just heard the "n" word last week, and started asking my wife and I questions. Not one to be politically correct, I was actually at a loss of words as to how to respond, realizing that this is a very serious subject, one which will NOT be covered in school.

Personally, I believe that races are equal. However, to say that cultures are even similar is like saying pepper tastes like salt...

CalHunter · 08-25-2006, 03:06 PM

Tell her the truth. It's not okay for anybody to use the N word and that blacks who call each other that name are not being nice to each other.

kevin1 · 08-25-2006, 03:22 PM

Tell the kid the truth , including the offensive words , what they mean , and how they're applied and why . If you shelter children you do them the ultimate disservice . Keep them in the dark and all you'll leave behind is confused children . Don't sugar coat it , that only makes it worse .

North Texan · 08-25-2006, 03:30 PM

Tell her those are the people that sit in the back of the bus.[8D]

Strut&Rut · 08-25-2006, 03:30 PM

But at 5 years old, do you guys think that's old enough? She's a very smart kid, top of her class and already reading etcetera, but she is still only 5.

I just worry about her age, because kids that old will sometimes say what they say...and I know, that you know, what I mean...

CalHunter · 08-26-2006, 12:21 AM

S&R, I would be shocked if you haven't already told your daughter about not using bad words and that it's not okay if other people use them. My son is 6 and he knows he is not allowed to use those words, no matter who is saying them. He has learned this lesson well as he doesn't hesitate to tell me when I mutter some of these bad words under my breath while driving when I see other drivers drive stupidly. Oops, that's one of those bad words. See what I mean.

Champlain Islander · 08-26-2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: North Texan

Tell her those are the people that sit in the back of the bus.[8D]

Has the driver been assigned council and are you doing it pro bono? I thought you loved the smell of capitalism in the morning?

Canuck_Buck · 08-26-2006, 08:34 AM

At that age do kids have the capacity to understand judgement?

I'd say if the child persisted in having a question answered then do your best to explain in a way they'll comprehend...and leave Barney or Sponge Bob out of it....

smokeman · 08-26-2006, 03:44 PM

How do you explain to a 5yr old the "n" word, especially when they hear it on a rap song played on the radio?

it shouldn't be played on the radio if they are trying toeliminate racism...

ricoace · 08-26-2006, 06:12 PM

Hi Strut
The same way you teach them about a hot stove, or crossing the street ect...a little repetitiveness and by Example.

Now, as far as other blacks calling themselves that name, I dont justify it, but they can...And you cant, thats just the way it is, to explain it would just exhaust this thread out.