"Children often notice differences in each other and often, to the dismay of adults around them, have no problem verbally identifying these differences. If you have spent any time with young children, you have undoubtedly heard things such as: “That girl has dark skin,” “That man looks like a girl!” “Why does that woman use a wheelchair?” Though it is undeniable that young children notice differences, and often comment on them at inopportune times, children do not independently form negative associations about them" (Walden University).
- A time when you witnessed an adult (or yourself) reprimand or silence a child after he or she pointed out someone they saw as different (e.g., “That lady talks funny,” “That man only has one leg!” “Why is that man so pretty!”). Include what the child said and what the adult did or said in response. (Note: If you cannot think of a specific time ask a friend or family member.)
I was on the 'A' in train in NY with my children. My oldest was 5 when a bum got on the train. He said in a very loud voice "mommy why does that man smell like that, he stinks". I quickly hushed him and told him we don't say things like that. Of course in his loud voice he says "why mommy he stinks", and I again say "shh shhh shhh, we don't say things like that. Baby, saying thinks like that can hurt peoples feelings. That man doesn't have a place to go where he can bathe, so he smells a little funny. But its not nice to say something like that so next time just ask me and i'll tell you, lets not scream things out loud".
- What messages might have been communicated to this child by the adult’s response
That it's not a good thing to say things so loudly that may hurt someone's feelings. He's never said anything like that again.
- An example of how an anti-bias educator might have responded to support the child’s (or classroom’s) understanding
Probably in the same way I would have without shushing the child and giving them a better example to express their question.
