Race and color: what about the kids? | Jos Holman | TEDxWabash Heritage Trail

Key Concepts: Race, color, racial identity development, colorism, implicit bias, microaggressions, racial socialization, parenting, children's understanding of race, dismantling racism.

Introduction: The Urgency of Addressing Race with Children

Jos Holman's TEDx talk, "Race and color: what about the kids?" addresses the critical need to engage children in conversations about race and color from a young age. She argues that silence on the topic perpetuates racial biases and hinders the development of a more equitable society. Holman emphasizes that children are not colorblind; they notice racial differences early on, and their understanding of race is shaped by the environment around them.

Children's Early Understanding of Race and Color

Holman highlights research demonstrating that children as young as three months old can distinguish between different racial groups. By the age of three to five, children begin to internalize racial biases and stereotypes, often absorbing them from their parents, peers, media, and broader societal messages. She cites studies showing that children often associate positive traits with their own racial group and negative traits with other racial groups. This early development of racial bias underscores the importance of proactive and intentional conversations about race.

The Impact of Colorism

Holman delves into the concept of colorism, which is discrimination based on skin tone, typically favoring lighter skin tones over darker ones. She explains that colorism exists both within and between racial groups and can have significant psychological and socioeconomic consequences. She provides examples of how colorism manifests in various aspects of life, including employment, education, and social interactions. Holman emphasizes that addressing colorism is crucial for dismantling systemic racism and promoting inclusivity.

Parenting and Racial Socialization

Holman discusses the role of parents in shaping their children's understanding of race. She introduces the concept of racial socialization, which refers to the process by which parents transmit information, values, and beliefs about race to their children. She identifies different parenting styles related to race, including:

• Colorblind approach: Ignoring or minimizing racial differences. Holman argues that this approach can be detrimental because it denies children the opportunity to develop a nuanced understanding of race and can reinforce the idea that race is not important.
• Racial avoidance: Avoiding conversations about race altogether. This approach can leave children feeling confused and ill-equipped to navigate racial issues.
• Preparation for bias: Preparing children for potential experiences of discrimination and providing them with coping strategies.
• Promotion of cultural pride: Instilling a sense of pride in their racial and cultural heritage.
• Promotion of egalitarianism: Emphasizing the importance of equality and fairness for all people.

Holman advocates for a balanced approach that combines preparation for bias, promotion of cultural pride, and promotion of egalitarianism. She stresses the importance of creating a safe space for children to ask questions about race and to express their feelings.

Addressing Implicit Bias and Microaggressions

Holman explains the concept of implicit bias, which refers to unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that can influence our perceptions and behaviors. She emphasizes that everyone has implicit biases, regardless of their conscious beliefs. She also discusses microaggressions, which are subtle, often unintentional, expressions of bias that can communicate hostile or derogatory messages to people of color. Holman provides examples of common microaggressions and explains how they can contribute to feelings of marginalization and exclusion. She encourages listeners to become aware of their own implicit biases and to challenge microaggressions when they witness them.

Strategies for Talking to Children About Race

Holman offers practical strategies for talking to children about race:

1. Start early: Begin having conversations about race when children are young, even before they start asking questions.
2. Be honest and age-appropriate: Use language that children can understand and be honest about the realities of racism.
3. Create a safe space: Encourage children to ask questions and express their feelings without judgment.
4. Use diverse books and media: Expose children to diverse characters and stories that challenge stereotypes.
5. Model inclusive behavior: Demonstrate respect for people of all races and cultures in your own actions.
6. Acknowledge your own biases: Be open about your own biases and be willing to learn and grow.
7. Don't be afraid to make mistakes: It's okay to not have all the answers. The important thing is to be willing to engage in the conversation.

Conclusion: Building a More Equitable Future

Holman concludes by emphasizing that talking to children about race is essential for building a more equitable future. She urges listeners to take action by engaging in conversations about race with their children, challenging their own biases, and advocating for policies that promote racial justice. She leaves the audience with a call to action: to actively work towards creating a world where all children have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their race or color. She states that "our children are watching us, and they are learning from us. Let's make sure that we are teaching them the right lessons."