How to Not Raise Racist Children | Motherhood Malaysia

We're all living in an increasingly progressive world where people from all walks of life are accepted and embraced. Or, at least that is the hope. However, there are still shades of prejudice, bigotry and intolerance in our community. Negative sentiments that some people harbour towards various ethnic groups and subcultures that are different from their own. Possibly propagated by years and generations of indoctrination and subliminal conditioning. But while it is common, it is not something that we should bring with us into this era of collective enlightenment. And it starts with you as parents or guardians, the mothers and fathers of the world, to shape the next generation. Whether that is based on the colour of their skin, their lineage, and above all their ethnic and racial background. The Realities of Racism in Malaysia In order to tackle racism, we must first acknowledge that it exists. Every ethnic community, both great and small harbours some distrust, resentment, and judgement towards each other. Whether this is from upbringing, personal experience, broad generalisations, or even mass media. Humans have always been naturally suspicious of other cultures or anything even remotely different from what they are familiar with. And this has gone on for centuries. Concepts of 'racial superiority' are integral to this mindset, where you may believe that your ethnic community is smarter, stronger, wealthier or more civilised than other ethnic communities. When the truth is, each culture has its own strengths and shortcomings. But while fewer people are racist these days, or at least outwardly, racially-motivated hate crimes are still more or less rampant in certain parts of the country. Causes of racism almost always can be attributed to self-interest, complacency and ignorance, and how communities are always insulated from one another. That said, one of the major things that have resulted in the perpetuating of racism is denial. Not recognising, acknowledging and addressing your own inner racist tendencies. At times, this mindset may be far more dangerous than whatever racially-motivated political campaign that is being waged in election wars, and racist policies that prevents certain ethnic groups from enjoying certain rights and privileges. That said, there are still ways to avoid the future generation from following in the misguided footsteps of their predecessors. How to Discourage Racism in Children Set a Good Example All the advice in the world is worthless if the parent doesn't take measures to address their own possible inherent racisms. One might at times—intentionally or not—cast the occasional racial slur, insult or derogatory statement in the safety of their homes. This might happen because they are at home, a place unlikely to have any passers-by give them dirty looks for being a terrible person. However, this is also where your very young and impressionable children are always around, listening in on our conversations. Sometimes involuntarily. Children are always absorbing information like a sponge as they grow up, and this is where parents can sometimes inadvertently indoctrinate their kids into racist ideologies just like their own parents did before them. It probably goes without saying that no parent intentionally raises racist children. But when certain generational habits are passed on in a family and throughout a community, it can be hard to unlearn those negative patterns of behaviour. Encourage Them to Mingle It is important that children learn to socialise with other ethnicities. Not only to learn about their respective traditions and customs, but also on their struggles and issues. This will help them to understand and empathise with one another more. Remember: No child is born a racist; it is through the upbringing of their parents and family members that may turn a child into one. One of the upsides of being enrolled in a public school is that you're exposed to peers of all races. So eventually your child will have to intermingle and socialise with students from other ethnic groups. Especially for things like assignments, group projects and school performances. You yourself may have grown up with a lot of friends from various racial groups. Encourage your kids to do the same. Ban Racist Media Let's be honest, negative media representation of various races in Malaysia have contributed to the prevalent racism in our community. Even now many local videos of 'blackface' are still in circulation in popular social media platforms. Celebrities, digital creators, public figures and influencers who have played offensive racial stereotypes and characters (or rather caricatures) on television and other mediums, are still walking around scot-free because no one has held them accountable for their actions. So, you need to wean out all the racist media that you find on television—and this includes international movies, too. Just because a movie doesn't portray Malaysian racism, that doesn't mean it's not still a racist movie. This is also another good reason to watch out for any racist content that your child may be consuming on their electronic devices. Embrace All Humans Regardless of Skin Colour We've voraciously assimilated and consumed the cuisine, fashion, language and even traditions of various ethnic groups in our society, yet racism still persists in this day and age—whether on the surface or hidden below layers. Logically speaking, if we can appreciate the cultural products of other races, then we should be able to embrace the people as well. But many racists may still be holding entire racial groups accountable for the mistakes of a few. In truth, the crimes of the one does not represent the many. One bad apple does not in fact spoil the bunch. We need to let go of our old prejudices and learn to live with one another. Malaysia will be a much more peaceful and harmonious country once we do. Let us truly be the melting pot culture that anthropologists have been calling us for decades and teach our kids to embrace every ethnic group in our country and globally. They may just be the generation that ends the scourge of racism for good. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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