tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post4221200259248212669..comments2024-03-26T11:50:32.354-05:00Comments on Youth Development Insight: Let's talk about race -- It's importantUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-78918535763067345282016-06-27T15:52:19.633-05:002016-06-27T15:52:19.633-05:00I agree, performing arts is a wonderful way for yo...I agree, performing arts is a wonderful way for youth to explore their cultural identity. In 4-H we have used performing arts specifically for this purpose, because it allows for the young people to find their voice. Through that exploration, they discover a bit about their cultural background and can express its importance in their lives in a way that speaks to the heart. Jessica Russohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00470440646448035307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-248958048156031522016-06-27T14:51:49.572-05:002016-06-27T14:51:49.572-05:00Thanks for the thought-provoking post. I am getti...Thanks for the thought-provoking post. I am getting caught up on some reading. So I am chiming in late.<br /><br />Performing arts can be an effective method to get young people (and adults for that matter) to talk about race and cultural differences. For instance, the SteppingStone Theatre in St. Paul, MN featured a play entitled Ruby! The Story of Ruby Bridges. Some schools and youth-serving organizations built that play into their curriculum helping youth to learn about civil rights, segregation and integration of schools. The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis has hosted a workshop on Talking to Children about Race. I am interested in your thoughts on the use of performing arts. Thanks again.<br />Jennifer Skuzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01533527908673299404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-61140173602496131522016-06-09T10:10:05.786-05:002016-06-09T10:10:05.786-05:00Thank you both, Melissa and Kathryn. I echo Kathry...Thank you both, Melissa and Kathryn. I echo Kathryn's suggestions for how to respond to situations within our youth programs. And I would add that honesty and forthrightness is essential. Regarding how to explain the "why" behind racism, there's a helpful series of articles published in the Huffington Post you may want to check out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/10/social-psychology-racism_n_7688910.html<br /><br />I too draw on my spirituality to help with the issue with my own children, but understanding other approaches is important and helpful as well in helping other young people wrestle with the situations they see or are experiencing first-hand. <br /><br />In answer to Kathryn's question about what to do when we as adults see something as discrimination but our young people don't...Sometimes they don't have that historical context, or the historical context they do have may be misinformed. So I have gone into explanations of the historical context, and when my own details on that context are fuzzy, I do the research with the youth right by my side. I also take a proactive approach by bringing in that educational component during those times when discrimination isn't necessarily happening in the moment. With my own kids, for instance, when we go to the library, while they're looking for the fun fiction novel, I look for enticing history books geared towards their age group. I look for the books that don't gloss over the horrors of the past. And I don't force my kids to read them, but they do naturally, because they're lying around, and they're curious, and they want to understand. In the youth program context, I make sure I bring subjects up when they're not immediately "needed" as well as when they are (such as when something has come up in the news, or when they're dealing with issues personally). Another tactic that I think is helpful is to bring in storytelling. Once, I brought in a friend of mine to tell his story of Apartheid in South Africa, and then we discussed those situations in their own lives that may not have seemed discriminatory from one perspective, but that very much were from another.Jessica Russohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00470440646448035307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-84061974449832765142016-06-08T17:19:24.387-05:002016-06-08T17:19:24.387-05:00Thank you so much for raising this essential topic...Thank you so much for raising this essential topic, Jessica, and for compiling some of the most recent research being done on this. I have been doing some reading on colorblind approaches and their effects. What struck me most powerfully was the fact that, while adults were often trying to promote equality through this approach, they actually were often enforcing inequity because they were not equipping the youth with the skills such as lenses to see and language to express when racially-motivated discrimination occurs. This is a prime example of the fact that equality and equity are not the same thing. <br /><br />In response to Melissa's question, I have found as a white woman that the best thing I can do in working with young people is to interrupt situations that may be occurring (when I perceive that they are happening, which is not as often as they actually occur). Then I pose questions and provide a space for the young people to talk about what is happening. Equally important is I need to believe young people when they pick up on something I did not perceive, and provide a space to bring it to light (whether in the group, or 1-on-1, depending on the situation). <br /><br />One thing I wrestle with is when I see something as an issue of discrimination (perhaps with an historical context), but the youth of color I work with do not perceive it as such. How do others navigate this challenge?Kathryn Sharpehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06875039923921709325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8870492126959061342.post-8180843012815460732016-06-08T14:29:47.299-05:002016-06-08T14:29:47.299-05:00Powerful article Jessica. Last week, my 12 year o...Powerful article Jessica. Last week, my 12 year old son and I watched the remake of Roots. I had seen the mini-series as a child but this time I was able to see it through my son's eyes and he had many questions. Mostly, "Why would they do that?" He couldn't understand the thoughts behind the racist comments and actions. It was difficult to explain why people felt that way in the 1800's and even harder to explain why people treat each other that way today. I turn to my spirituality to explain these actions in my home but I don't have the same ability to explain the behaviors to youth in the programs I work. What are some suggestions you have used to talk to young people about racism?Melissa Persinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06253511440507367390noreply@blogger.com