The events that have been unfolding before our eyes is nothing short of tragic and evil. The unfortunate truth is – this is not new! It has been happening again and again as if it’s the norm. Let’s talk about the beauty of race and ethnicity first. Race is not solely biological in nature but also includes the social construct – the simple definition of a race is – to define someone by their skin color, as well as other physical, social, and biological attributes (Omi & Winant,1986). Race is something that we are born inherently. While on the other hand ethnicity is described as the shared culture, nationality, language, ancestry, practices, and beliefs of a group of people (ethnicity derived from the Greek word for ‘nation’). They are two different things but closely related. For instance, one can be born black inherently and at the same time belong to a certain nationality, culture, and language…etc.
God created race and ethnicity for his glory. He is a God of diversity; man is equally created by God after his own image and likeness. Regardless of biological, social, economical, cultural strata first and foremost humankind is precious and priceless in the eyes of God. You are an image-bearer of God!
On the other hand, racism is manmade. Racism is defined as any distinction, exclusion, restriction based on race, color, descent or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life (United Nations, 1966). Quite a mouthful of definition yet precisely right! Basically, unfair and unequal treatment of any kind based on someone’s skin color and everything else that follows. Let that sink in!
How do you talk to your kids about race and racism especially when you have a child who is born and being raised in a totally different culture and language from your country of origin? It is tough enough when you experience racism first hand, but it is even getting harder when your kid experiences it. I have worked with children and youth on different occasions over the years and this is one of the main topics that come up in my interaction with them especially when they first hand experience it!
Especially nowadays “thanks” to technology kids can hear and see about what’s going on around the world before us! This is something we can’t avoid, unfortunately. Given the recent murder that happened on a black African American man George Floyd in the hands of police – the whole world watched the senseless acts of injustice helplessly.
How do we start a conversation with our kids about the reality of it? It has to start within our homes before it spread into our communities and country by large (at least that’s what I believe). If I may I would like to share a few pointers from a Christian perspective to parents and caregivers…
- We have to have an open nonjudgmental mind, to begin with. I think instead of asking questions, lets seek to understand first. doing so will create an atmosphere for open dialogue. Otherwise, it will be hard to win the hearts of our kids where they can talk to us openly about what’s going on in their lives. It will be hard to grasp the emotional state of their mind if we cut them short by firing questions at them. I’m not saying we shouldn’t ask but rather save our questions at the end. From my experience working and serving with this particular population, what they often say is that “ habesha parents don’t get it. They just want to ask questions only, but not willing to listen.” Since I myself am a proud East African (aka habesha)Eri-Canadian, I can attest there is some truth to what they are saying here and I’m at times guilty of this! Rather being open and even share some of our experiences with them will create a win-win open discussion.
- If they start to understand how precious and sacred a person’s life is regardless of that person’s background and instead see themselves just the way God sees them. Then they will start to see and treat people just the way they are! (Gen 1:27) Remember God created race, ethnicity, and diversity for his glory (Rev.7:9). You don’t get to choose to be black or white, you are the way you are by God’s design – how beautiful is that! On the other hand, mankind created racism to divide humanity.
- Recognize injustice and call it as it is. One of the attributes of God is that He is just and He delivers justice. On the other hand, all forms of injustice come from the enemy. Encouraging your kids to speak up and to tell someone who is an authority figure in their lives like their parents, older siblings, teachers…etc. Isaiah 1:17. Love the person and condemn the injustice act.
- Instead of focusing on themselves encourage them to think and pray about other people, other circumstances, and other countries around the world. That is what the kingdom of God is all about. Zech.7:9.
To be continued…
S.G.
