What is it?
A short Youtube video giving some advice on how to talk to children and young people about race. You can find the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNEKbVq_ou4
Who is it for?
Adults who find themselves needing a bit of help with an often difficult subject.
What can I find there?
In light of the recent events around the world I found myself wondering if there were any helpful resources that we might be able to share with you on this subject of anti-racism.
As Christians, we believe that God has no favourites, He gives his love unconditionally (‘God shows no favouritism….there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.’ Acts 10:34-37). We also believe that God is a God of justice, and that when humans treat one another unjustly, it angers God, (‘…and this is what He requires of you; to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ Micah 6:8) The Bible explains that if we claim to love God, we must speak up for the oppressed and vulnerable.
We know that children take in a lot more than often we adults give them credit for. They hear the words we say and they respond to the behaviours they see in us. Therefore we have a responsibility to guide them through a world that is often unjust and confusing. (‘Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.’ Proverbs 22:6)
We are currently looking for more resources that will help us adults to continue to learn how to represent God’s justice in our world today, as well as teach our children how to live justly, reflecting God’s love and desire for peace. We hope this video will be a useful tool to begin breaking down those walls of nervousness and fear about broaching this subject with your children. We might not always know exactly what to say, but as the video explains, the worst conversation about race we can have with our children, is no conversation at all.
The youtube video we recommended today suggests using movies to help begin the discussion. I immediately thought of the Disney movie ‘Zootopia’ as a fantastic film to help talk about race issues with children and young people. Aside from being a wonderfully animated film with an all-star cast, the story is one of overcoming the prejudices and assumptions others make of you.
Here are some helpful questions you could ask around this film:
-Why do you think the animals were afraid or predators?
-Why did the other animals think Judy (a rabbit) wouldn’t be able to become a police officer? Were they being fair? (I’m aware that without the context of the movie this is a completely mad question, I promise it makes sense really)
-What made Nick (the fox) think he was only good at being a con-man/criminal?
-What do you think changed his mind?
We know that these are difficult times for many right now, with not only a pandemic but also an outcry for justice that desperately needs to be heard. As Christians we look to God and ask Him to show us the way to live justly, for his comfort when we feel anxious and for his justice to bring peace and healing to suffering hearts. Let us look to Him, and love one another with the love he has first given us.