DISCRIMINATION AND CHILDREN

It is said that the United Stated is home to equality, that everyone can obtain the American dream, no matter what race, gender or age they maybe. Unfortunately this is not completely true. Discrimination, or the making of a distinction in, a person or thing based on differences, stands in the way of this equality. One way that can be help to make the further equality, is by teaching children about differences in people and how to handle these differences. Doing this will cause our children to become more accepting of these differences, and in turn will cause less discrimination.
One major reason for discrimination to be a continuous problem is the fact that people do not fully understand the differences in others. These differences can cause individuals to shy away from one another, or treat one another in a different way. Discrimination can be seen in young children, this is shown by the way the children will separate themselves from others. 3- to 6-year-old children are in the preoperational stage of thinking in which they focus on what they can see. Preschoolers are likely to form opinion based on observable characteristics, material possessions, or preferences (Levitch). At this age children set each other apart from others, based on differences. Because of this children may begin to ask questions to why one individual is different from them. The answer to these questions may hold the key in to the destruction of discrimination.
Children rely on parents, teachers and there other adults to help them interpret the world. One major way for children to learn about their world is by asking questions. They ask questions about things they do not understand. Children that have unanswered questions about race, gender, disability and sexuality will come to their own conclusion (Levitch). These conclusions may not be correct and in some ways may be harmful. This is because children do not have the capabilities to come to a logical conclusion about items they do not understand. If an adult ignores, or does not explain why people are different, then children will form an illogical conclusion. This conclusion maybe harmful and can cause the children to treat the other individual different. On the other hand if an adult takes the time to explain, in a non discriminatory manner, the differences between people, then the children have a better outlook and understanding about differences. This understanding will in turn cause them to discriminate and accept others more.

Resource

Levitch, Alison.”Reducing stereotyping in the preschool classroom.” Information for Child Care Providers. http://extension.missouri.edu/hes/childcare/reducestereotype.htm