Insensitivity To Physical, Racial Or Ethnic Differences
Insensitivity to Physical, Racial, or Ethnic Differences
With the changing face of Irish society and the ever increasing range of nationalities and cultures of children in our classrooms, childcare providers are facing new behavioural challenges with the children in their care.
Ethnic, racial slurs, or personal comments about individuals with physical disabilities are examples of behaviours that must be addressed and stopped. Such behaviour embarrasses children, parents, and caregivers. Children who are teased often or victimized by inappropriate comments or actions suffer tremendously.
Young children often do not realize that this type of behaviour is inappropriate. Like forbidden words, children have a tendency to pick up and use ethnic and racial slurs. For instance, a younger child may have heard an older child or adult use words ridiculing some ethnic group or race. He may then try to use the same word, either to imitate or to see if he gets the same response. Children pick up words and gestures from television too.
Dealing with a child who is making fun of another person's race, religion or disability is a real challenge: however racial and ethnic slurs and comments based on physical disabilities cannot be ignored. They are like verbal slaps and are too hurtful or damaging to the victim to be ignored.
When providers witness or overhear a child saying something hurtful or disrespectful to another they should address the situation immediately. Here are a few points to remember:
Speak directly to the offending child. "It is not OK to use that word to describe Trisha. That word hurts her feelings and makes her feel sad or angry."
Reaffirm the value of both children. "Her skin (religion, language, etc.) is different from yours. That makes her special and unique. You are also special. Everyone is different. Some people have white skin and some have brown. Some people have blue eyes and some have brown eyes. Some people speak different languages. Everyone is different in their own way. I care about you both."
Comfort and acknowledge the victim's feelings. "I know it made you angry when James called you that name. It's okay to feel angry about that."
Teach appropriate words to the offending child and give additional information. "Susan is Chinese."
Model respectful behaviours for children, lead by example. Treat all children fairly and respectfully. Invite children to share as much information about their culture or disability as they feel comfortable with.
Finally, don’t wait until a situation may arise; if children are exposed to cultural diversity from the outset you can avoid conflict altogether. Include books, toys, and materials in your curriculum that discuss physical, racial, or ethnic differences. Bias and discrimination often stem from ignorance and fear of the unfamiliar. You can combat destructive attitudes by purchasing books, dolls, and dramatic play props that make children aware of other races and cultures.
It is not unknown for a well informed three year old to pipe up with a wonderful piece of cultural information at home when they overhear an adult make an inappropriate comment or use an inappropriate phrase.
That is when these little people become the educators of the ‘grown ups’.
Written by
Ireland's leading Early Years education Magazine
