Accepting Diversity

In most schools across the country the cultural divides are clear. When students hang out it's often in groups of similar color and race.

13 year old Boatrinh, whose family hails from India, says when he tries to make friends with white or black kids he gets resistance. “They like say, don’t hang out with that boy because he’s not (like) this and that.”

Experts say it’s normal for kids to gravitate towards other kids who look and talk like them, it’s part of their attempt to classify and make sense of the world.

To fight this tendency it takes the combined effort of parents and the school.

Up through middle school, acceptance of different cultures and races can be taught. Some schools have students participate in programs that teaches them about other cultures and have discovered it works. Teacher Rebecca Lee says she sees big changes in students. “They get into groups initially, but after about 6 months, you’ll see them begin to blend and have friends of all color, races and different cultures.”

Parents must also lead by example by making friends with adults with other racial and cultural backgrounds.

What Parents Should Know

Diversity training experts recommend the following tips for teaching kids tolerance in a culturally diverse world.

1. Set a good example by intervening in racist behavior of others.
2. Explain in a very honest way that being different does not mean strange or funny.
3. Don’t stereotype and generalize about people based on their culture.
4. Avoid ethnic jokes or other degrading remarks or information like racially based assumptions and stereotyped job assignments.
5. Invite all individuals to be included in discussions and decision making.
6. Remember in some cultures what you say may not be as important as how you say it. Be sensitive to communication styles.
7. Take responsibility for error due to lack of understanding. Don’t blame others or their culture when you misstep.
8. Seek out new multi-cultural relationships and challenges.
9. Don’t expect that others from different cultures will assume you are to be trusted.