"No one escapes learning stereotypes and misconceptions about various aspect of human diveristy. These lessons begin when we are very young, taught initially and most powerfully by our family and then by the larger world around us" (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 23).
We constantly say things as a society to children that breed bias without realizing what we are doing. The other day I was at the store when I heard a small child comment on someones face that had burn scars. The child said " Mom, that man is gross looking." The Mom responded by saying that " We do not say those types of comments out loud." Although I am sure the mom only had the best of intentions, this of course, just bred the bias, making it okay to think it but not to say it.
As an anti-bias educator, I think it would be important to point out that no one is gross and that there is beauty even in disabilities and differences. It would be a good way to lead in to showing people with disfigurements and disabilities doing amazing things. Making everything a way to learn in key in an anti-bias education.
Resource:
Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC
I also think that it is important that we teach that there is beauty in disabilities and difference. I also think that it is important to teach children that we may have thoughts come into our heads that should not be said out loud. This can be done by teaching about stereotypes and how these stereotypes can hurt people's feelings. By teaching children that they may have these thoughts but we must "think before we speak" can help children learn to censor what they say. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat point about teaching the about the beauty in all people. Showing people with disabilities doing great things is wonderful. I remember in high school participating as a volunteer in special Olympics which was always a joy to do. Even today I do not know his name but their is a double amputee man running in the Olympics against people with legs I think this is a great example of showing great things being done by ALL people!
ReplyDeleteI think that it is the not saying anything out loud statement that the mother said is a problem in itself. We should confront problems like these head on and allow our children to see that its okay to be different.
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