Anderson Cooper: How Racism Affects Children At An Early Age

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Studies have shown that black children at a young age are more open to interracial friendships than white children. They are confident about their relationship with the opposite race. However, by the time they become teenagers they become just as pessimistic as white children. What some would be surprised to know is children experience racism early on rather than later. According to a special called "Kids and Race" on CNN Anderson Cooper 360, his studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of black children have a negative outlook on race, where as nearly double the percentage of white children are less optimistic.

Dr. Melanie Killen, child psychologist and professor of University of Maryland says African American parents prepare their children for diversity and discrimination early on. She says white parents believe their children are socially color blind and race is not an issue necessary to address.
"They sort of have this view that if you talk about race, you are creating a problem and what we're finding is that children are aware of race very early on," Dr. Killen said.

From My Perspective
During the special about Kids and Race with Anderson Cooper, Cooper examined how two six year old children, one African American and one Caucasian, interact with one another. The six year old black boy was more willing to play with the white girl, even though he was told not to. The six year old white girl who was also told not to play with black children did exactly what she was told.
In regards to racism CNN.com asked does racism still exist and where does it start? According to child psychologist Dr. Melanie Killen the division between white and black children starts with the different ways parents discuss race with their children.
Although it is a known fact that racism still exists, it's also a fact that racism is taught. Racism has sparked major controversy across America, especially in the African American culture. The ones who are affected the most by racism are the children. Children are just children who like to play with other children, regardless of race or gender.

Racism stems from the historical backgrounds of the European and African American ancestors. Back when blacks were treated like slaves and animals by their masters and en slavers. To them African Americans were worthless and beneath them. During that time African Americans weren't allowed to share the same bathroom, dine in the same restaurant and shop in the same stores. They were deprived from good paying jobs and education. Just because of the color of their skin they were brutally beaten, lynched, burned and shot to death.

Because of what African American ancestors and the current living endured, built up resentment caused generations thereafter to become angry and vindictive. They grew to despise the opposition and do things out of retaliation by being destructive and volatile. African American parents educate their children on racism and prepare them for obstacles they will face. To prevent causing harm to injury they advise their children to stick to their own kind. Just like African Americans children are forbidden to interact with black children, African American parents teach theirs to do the same. From generation to generation racism is passed down and it starts at a young age. Breaking those racial barrier lines will consist of doing away with the old and starting a new trend.

It is important to educate children on the history behind their culture. It is also important to guide them towards ways to learn form it and move past it. In reality African Americans cannot change what happened to their ancestors nor can the opposition change what their ancestors have done. When a child goes outside to play they want to play with other children. They don't care what nationality they are or what gender they are. By setting limitations on who they can play with is continuing on a pattern of racism and even more destruction within the community. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood can cause problems for children raised by nondiversal parents. Some parents seem to forget that what their child hears they repeat and what they say about people in general has an affect on how they perceive others. Racism is a deeper issue than many of us want to see, fail to accept and choose to ignore. It is apart of our everyday lives.
Yes, racism still exists! When children are brought into the world their minds are innocent. They only know what they are taught. When guiding our children we must keep in mind that what we instill in them while they are young, they practice when they become adults!

Written by Tamara M. Anderson August 13, 2012