George Floyd's Death in the Eyes of a Mother of 4 Black Boys
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights...”
It’s been a week since George Floyd's death by officer Chauvin. Since then protests have erupted across the country. No one can deny the fact that what officer Chauvin did to George Floyd was wrong.
Now that schools are closed due to COVID
pandemic, all kids are home, and likely more exposed to footage and news of
protests. Talking about racism and violence to a kid in this situation can be
sensitive, and yes, even a bit messy. But not talking about it, is not a great
option. Learning racism and violence isn’t like learning a new language, it can
happen by watching others behaviors around you. Experts say that “it is
important for children to see “other kids” in a positive light to fight
systemic racism”.
Talk about it
Talking about racism and violence is a regular
part of daily life for some families - but for others, this subject can be very
difficult to discuss. But always remember it is an incredibly important topic
and shouldn’t be avoided. Not talking about it might cause children to come to
a lot of harmful and inaccurate conclusions.
Find out how much your children
already know
First, find out
how much your children already know. Parents should assume that their children
are aware of the tragedy. The point is to identify and address what their
concerns are about their identity & culture and others. Remember, it is our
duty as parents to promote inclusive equality for across race regardless of
ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and political affiliation.
Be open yet positive
As any parent knows, it’s natural for children
to ask questions. But we don’t want to discourage our children from learning,
so what can we do?
You should be open yet positive, that’s it. In
my opinion, younger children (Preschool and elementary age) conversations
should be limited to basic facts, and it is best to limit their exposure to all
happenings. This can be simply done by setting rules that kids should use
devices in a common area and find other activities to do such as biking, and
playing cards with the family etc.
Tweens and teens will likely be seeing all the
coverage of protests, looting, destroying and attacking on their smartphone. A
young child may have a difficult time understanding all this, but tweens and
teens are likely emotionally prepared to learn about the concept. Here comes
the responsibility on you, you have to convince them that “what officer Chauvin
did to George Floyd was wrong. Violence and looting are not going to get
justice for George Floyd. There is NO logic in vandalizing businesses and
taking anger on officers that did not participate in Floyd’s murder”. It is
your responsibility to keep all conversations positive and truly emphasis on
equality for all.
Final words
The violence and protests that are happening
now will die, one day George Floyd and officer Chauvin’s case will come to a
close. But these positive conversations must continue, for us, for our society,
for our nation.
And “If you think you’re too small to have an
impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room.”
