Chad and I did a version of this experiment with our 4-year-old daughter; the results were very encouraging. She seemed to "randomly" select the white or black doll regardless of the questions (nice vs bad, pretty vs ugly). Her comments included: the white doll is ugly "because she is not smiling", the black doll is pretty "because she has pretty eyes." She pointed at both dolls when asked "Which doll do you want to be your friend?" I want my children to honour themselves inside and outside. I want to ensure that my children grow up to be confident in who they are and respect others as they are. I hope I can?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Is it really that Black and White...
I'm sure most have seen a version of this at some point, but every time I see it I get the chills. How can we teach our children that they are strong, powerful, beautiful, and deserving in their own skin, that diversity should be celebrated and honoured. I feel that as much as I believe and teach this, society sets such a powerful message that tells us that we all need to look like "this" or act like "that" to fit in. So sad.
Chad and I did a version of this experiment with our 4-year-old daughter; the results were very encouraging. She seemed to "randomly" select the white or black doll regardless of the questions (nice vs bad, pretty vs ugly). Her comments included: the white doll is ugly "because she is not smiling", the black doll is pretty "because she has pretty eyes." She pointed at both dolls when asked "Which doll do you want to be your friend?" I want my children to honour themselves inside and outside. I want to ensure that my children grow up to be confident in who they are and respect others as they are. I hope I can?
Chad and I did a version of this experiment with our 4-year-old daughter; the results were very encouraging. She seemed to "randomly" select the white or black doll regardless of the questions (nice vs bad, pretty vs ugly). Her comments included: the white doll is ugly "because she is not smiling", the black doll is pretty "because she has pretty eyes." She pointed at both dolls when asked "Which doll do you want to be your friend?" I want my children to honour themselves inside and outside. I want to ensure that my children grow up to be confident in who they are and respect others as they are. I hope I can?
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7 comments:
I have never seen that before. So, so sad.
I have never seen that before neither and thinks it's so very sad. I so hope I can teach my son that he is amazing for who he is and not the color of his skin. Thank you for sharing as it opened my eyes more. Natalie
After all the questions, when they asked, "Which doll looks like you?" it hurts to see these little ones choose the one they've just identified as ugly and bad. Yikes. What is society doing to these kids? Brutal.
That was very discouraging and sad. I'm so glad to hear that your daughter's answers (choices) were far different.
Wow that was shocking! I felt the same as Melissa, seeing the pain on their faces when asked which one looked like them. I would be interested in seeing if the results would be the same for white children, and if different parts of the country gave different results. Bottom line, we haven't really progressed that much since the 50's. I'm proud to know one family that is making a difference!
Joan
This video breaks my heart!
Thanks for posting it - would you mind if I posted it as well?
Rana, I know it is so sad...post away. Laura
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