The United States is among the most culturally diverse societies in the globe. Dozens of different cultures are represented in the country and this is generally regarded as a key strength that the US can and should leverage to bolster its dominance on the geopolitical stage. However, in the recent past, there have been developments that have raised questions about the nation’s commitment to cultural diversity. For example, during the initial phase of his presidency, Donald Trump attempted to ban the entry of Muslims into the country. The nation has also witnessed a wave of anti-immigrant rhetoric and far-right nationalism. To cure cultural conflict, focus should be placed on sensitizing the next generation on the importance of diversity and respect for other cultures. Parents have a mandate to raise children who respect the cultures of others. There is a wide range of tools that they can employ as they strive to raise culturally-sensitive and informed children.
Curiosity and a desperate desire for knowledge is among the resources that children possess and their parents can use to teach them about other cultures. Tirrell-Corbin (2015) penned an insightful piece that provides tips that parents can adopt as they encourage cultural sensitivity among their children. She advises that instead of urging their children to stay quiet, parents should challenge them to ask questions and be quick to provide responses. For example, suppose that a child meets an individual from a different race and asks the parent why the color of this individual’s skin is different. Tirrell-Corbin suggests that in this case, the parent should take time to educate the child on the cultural diversity and the vital role that it plays in promoting harmonious co-existence among different cultural groups. If the US is to be successful in ending cultural hostilities, parents must play a leading role by responding to the questions that their children raise.
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There is no doubt that by answering the awkward and uncomfortable questions that their children pose, parents essentially raise the children to become sensitive to and respective of other cultures. Another strategy that the parents can adopt involves emphasizing shared values, principles and heritages. In her piece, Caroline Bologna (2018) challenges parents to encourage their children to recognize that whereas cultural differences are important, they should not cause division. She advises parents to sensitize their children on humanity’s shared heritage and promises that as they implement this strategy, parents are able to raise children who are empathic and tolerant. As noted earlier, today, the US grapples with cultural hostility and sharp differences. Healing can only occur when parents spearhead the teaching of the importance of empathy and call on their children to understand that men from different cultural backgrounds are more similar than they are different.
From the discussion above, it is evident that parent have a critical role to play in teaching their children about different cultures. Responding to questions and encouraging the children to recognize the similarities among different cultures are indeed promising strategies. However, these strategies may fail to deliver the desired outcomes if they are not accompanied with action that truly motivates children to respect other cultures. According to Onion (2016), to create children who are culturally sensitive and respectful, parents should serve as proper role models. For example, as Onion points out, one of the issues that threaten diversity is the reinforcement of stereotypes. If children are to become respectful, Onion recommends that parents need to stay clear of stereotypes and use language that demonstrates respect for other cultures. Parents can also expand their social circles beyond their own cultures. As they do this, they introduce their children to new cultures, offering them the opportunity to learn and interact with these cultures. By engaging with the other cultures, the child gains a deeper understanding and is more likely to become respectful.
When implemented properly, all the strategies that have been presented above allow parents to create an environment that facilitates respect for other cultures among children. The impact of these strategies can be amplified when parents provide their children with opportunities to interact with individuals from other cultures. In a piece whose focus was to teach parents about the measures that they can adopt to ensure that their children are respectful of other cultures, the Pennsylvania State University notes that play serves as an ideal platform for children to be exposed to other cultures (“We are Different”, n.d). For example, when African American, Asian American and white children play together, they are able to recognize that there are multiple cultures. Furthermore, such activities as play enable the children to understand that the color of their skin should not hamper their efforts to interact with their peers. It is important for parents to aggressively encourage their children to play with others, especially those from different cultures.
It may seem counter-intuitive but teaching a child about their own culture may help them to understand and respect other cultures. This is according to Tirrell-Corbin. In her text, she advises that parents should introduce their children to their own cultures. For example, parents could help their children learn about their language and family history. When they learn about their own culture, children are better placed to understand the value of culture and belonging. As a result, these children can be expected to recognize that the cultures of others are equally important and should therefore be respected.
Nearly all the strategies proposed above require the use of resources that are immediately available. In order to instill in their children the value of respect for other cultures, parents should be willing to travel far and wide. Karen Stephens (2007) authored an intriguing piece whose focus is the various strategies that hold the key to raising cultural sensitive and respectful children. He urges parents to take their children to foreign countries where they will be exposed to such aspects of other cultures as food and language. In addition to making it possible for the children to learn about new cultures, travel also helps to tackle stereotypes. For example, such regions as Africa are associated with poverty, disease and war. A parent who truly wishes to raise a child who respects all cultures could travel with the child to Africa. While in Africa, the child will be exposed to the magical beauty and wonder that Africa and its people possess. This example shows that travel is a powerful tool for raising children who respect all cultures.
In conclusion, the United States desperately needs to find healing and to address the racial divisions that threaten cohesion and unity. The current hostile atmosphere makes it nearly impossible for any meaningful progress to make. Parents are among the stakeholders who can help the nation to bolster diversity and promote tolerance. By teaching their children to respect different cultures, parents help the nation to move away from its current divisive and heated state. Being good role models, introducing their children to their own cultures and avoiding stereotypes are some of the approaches that parents can adopt. Furthermore, the parents can travel with their children to other countries and encourage these children to participate in activities that bring people from different cultures together.
References
Bologna, C. (2018). How to teach kids about other cultures. Huffington Post. Retrieved April 8, 2019 from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-teach-your-kids-about-other-cultures_n_5bc76b47e4b0d38b58746bac
Onion, A. (2016). Teaching young children to respect and celebrate differences. Sittercity Inc. Retrieved April 8, 2019 from https://www.sittercity.com/parents/parenting-tips/teaching-young-children-respect-celebrate-differences
Stephens, K. (2007). Help kids by role modeling respect for diversity. Eastern Florida University. Retrieved April 8, 2019 from http://www.easternflorida.edu/community-resources/child-development-centers/parent-resource-library/documents/role-model-by-respecting-diversity.pdf
Tirrell-Corbin, C. (2015). How to teach children about cultural awareness and diversity. PBS. Retrieved April 8, 2019 from http://www.pbs.org/parents/expert-tips-advice/2015/08/teach-children-cultural-awareness-diversity/
We are different, we are the same: teaching young children about diversity. Pennsylvania State University. Retrieved April 8, 2019 from https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/knowledge-areas/environment-curriculum/activities/all-activities/we-are-different-we-are-the-same-teaching-young-children-about-diversity
