Ethnic Differences and Discomforts Through The Eyes of a Child

[Mr. Ected]

I'm proud to count myself as a progressive. I'd like to think of myself as someone who embraces all people of all colors and creeds and beliefs and backgrounds. There are so many who do not, which is troubling in a country that prides itself in being a melting pot. As adults, we have learned to deal with prejudice and hate and for the most part to steel ourselves from the pain associated with those egregious qualities of mankind. But a child...a child is not yet equipped to self-protect and ward off the attacks. We tend to forget how much more sensitive a child can be.

We have neighbors who come from India. Their 7 year old daughter spends 3 months every year living with her grandparents in India. She is exceptionally bright. In fact, the school district has allowed her to miss over a month of public school each year because she is able to step back into the class and exceed her classmates immediately. She is darling, sweet, beautiful....and embarrassed of her ethnicity.

My wife works in the cafeteria in the elementary school that little Sanjana attends. She had seen that the little girl's grandmother had arrived in the States and was staying with the family. She asked Sanjana what her grandmother's name was, in front of the other cafeteria workers. The little girl responded, "I don't know". That elicited a number of the ladies to laugh, and it was in fact funny.

The next day, Sanjana appeared at our door and asked for my wife. She handed her a carefully folded note and smiled and walked away. The note read:

"Dear Alex's Mom

I told you that I did not know my grandmama's name because my friends would laugh. It's Pushpa. Please don't laugh or tell any one.

It's hard to have weird names that people laugh at".


I don't know why this touched me, but it did. A little girl, who may well be on her way to be a doctor or an engineer or a teacher or a mother, feeling doubts and fears because of the cruel behavior of others. Please just remember, a child is a beautiful and delicate creature. Be gentle...and urge your children to be gentle as well.

[angstlessk]

1. that is very touching and sad...children are so sensative to their own differences

and not sensative to others...how that happens I have no idea?

[Bluerthanblue]

2. I hope your wife will follow up with her.

She's clearly made a special connection. Sanjana needs to have people in her life who will help her to learn that she has nothing to be ashamed of. It's the people who poke fun at anyone who is different than them who really feel like they aren't ok.
My youngest son has had to deal with this all his life (16yrs).

Thanks for caring- and for encouraging others to think. I hope your wife gets a chance to help Sanjana, AND those who are learning to build walls rather than connections.


:grouphug:

[Mr. Ected]

3. Thank You

My wife does have a special connection with this little girl, and we are very fond of her parents. We're teaching our 6 and 11 year old boys to follow our example and to enjoy and respect Sanjana and that by doing so, their playmates will follow suit.