by Isidore Agbanero
Racism isn’t just about the colour of one’s skin. It’s rooted in the assumptions we make about race, often unconsciously. Here’s my story—a glimpse into how these assumptions can either foster inclusion or perpetuate division.
A sunny day in the park
On a beautiful day, my friend and I decided to visit the park, eager to enjoy the nice weather. As we were taking in the sights and sounds, a stunning white female toddler, who appeared to be learning to walk, turned abruptly and faced us. Her sudden focus on us was curious but not uncommon. Our skin tones were very different, and it seemed she was gauging her surroundings.
The little girl walked up to us, paused midway, and then turned to look at her mother for reassurance. Her mother spoke to her in their native language. With a bright smile, the little angel extended her arms towards us, and we happily reciprocated the gesture. Her mother captured this delightful moment on camera, a testament to a beautiful, inclusive encounter.
But I couldn’t help but ponder: What if her mother had reacted differently? What if, instead of encouragement, she had expressed fear or disapproval? The outcome would have likely been starkly different. This thought brings home a crucial point: the perspectives and reactions of parents deeply influence how children perceive and interact with people of different races.
Another day, another encounter
On another gorgeous day, I decided to take a break from writing and went for a stroll. I found myself on a narrow path where I encountered a mother and her young son, who was perhaps three years old. As the boy turned to face me, a look of surprise washed over his face. He quickly turned back to his mother, who seemed to whisper something in a low voice. Her words, whatever they were, seemed to confirm the boy’s concerns. They quickly departed, leaving me with a heavy heart. It was evident that the mother’s whisper had reinforced a sense of fear or discomfort.
Reflections on inclusion and assumptions
These two experiences underline a critical truth: children’s initial thoughts about people of different races are shaped by the attitudes and words of their parents. The little girl in the park, whose mother’s reaction was warm and welcoming, learned that people different from her can be friends. Conversely, the boy on the narrow path likely walked away with a reinforced sense of caution or fear about people of colour.
What children think initially may be unimportant; it is the parental influence that moulds their understanding and reactions. These encounters have been profoundly insightful for me, especially as I work on a paper about racial assumptions in the workplace.
Moving forward
Understanding that our assumptions about race go beyond mere skin colour to encompass ingrained beliefs and attitudes is essential for fostering true inclusion. Our words and actions, particularly those of parents, play a crucial role in shaping the next generation’s perspective on race. Let’s be mindful of this power and strive to create a more inclusive and understanding world.
*Dr. Agbanero is a Columnist and the Europe Correspondent for Nigeria News Source.
