These remarks may be kind, yet they might be hurtful to young people’s thoughts. That’s why you should not say these things to people of other races. Instead, use one of these phrases.
It’s beneficial to offer positive reinforcement to young people through compliments. Complimenting a child for their ethnicity or race is not acceptable. There is a big difference between a compliment and a microaggression, and unfortunately, many well-intentioned adults don’t know it.
Racism and a lack of exposure to other cultures are common causes of microaggressions that individuals assume compliments. Many of these claims are based on erroneous assumptions and cultural biases.
The ordinary, unintended, or subtle acts of discrimination directed towards underrepresented groups are known as microaggressions. As a result, even sentences that sound nice can be offensive to people of color. People of various backgrounds can make racially offensive remarks, even if they are well-intentioned. Even if they mean well, they can nevertheless bring harm to children.
It’s not always clear to children why a compliment is incorrect, but it’s clear to all that they dislike the way it makes them feel. It can be a distressing and challenging experience for youngsters, leading to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.
Here are some things that you should not say or avoid saying to people of other races or ethnicity.
Highlighting their ability to express themselves well
Although it appears to be a suitable remark on the surface, the statement’s history casts doubt on its accuracy. Racist assumptions about people of color’s ability to talk eloquently and only utilize slang are at the root of this “compliment” for youngsters of color. Because you anticipated that a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) youngster wouldn’t be able to speak correctly, you’re telling them that they’re out of the norm.
Complementing each other’s blend
As flattering as it may seem to attribute someone’s looks to their multiracial heritage, stating that they are “biracial” is disrespectful and tone-deaf.
No matter how tough you try, it’s impossible to evade European standards of beauty, which are still held as the gold standard of looks by many around the world. Underhandedly, complimenting the “best of both worlds” can mean suppressing other ethnicity’s traits and proclaiming white-passing attributes.
Invoking their ability to communicate in two languages
Requesting to hear something in another language, no matter how well-intentioned, can be downright degrading. It’s effectively making the recipient of the “compliment” into a performer or puppet for your amusement or amusement.
It might also be based on a speculative supposition if you’re unsure. Every child that appears to be Latino does not speak Spanish. For example, not everyone who looks like a Chinese person can speak Mandarin.
Lauding one’s physical characteristics
It’s cool to look at the hairstyles of children from diverse cultures. Saying it’s something “to get away with” and that you should do it as well isn’t helpful. “It’s not something you can get away with” implies that it’s terrible to have hairstyles from other cultures.
” When you remark, “I wish my hair could do that,” you’re acknowledging cultural appropriation and ignoring the fact that many youngsters still face the consequences for how they style their hair in school and professional contexts.
It’s common for people to refer to straight or loose-curled textures as “nice hair,” especially when it comes to African-Americans. Curlier and kinkier hair is considered unprofessional, unkempt, and unruly, so the term “good hair” was coined. You could damage a child’s self-esteem and sense of self-identity if you commend someone’s assimilation by saying they have good hair.
These are just some of the phrases that you should not say or avoid saying to people of other races.
Meaningful articles you might like: Educating Your Child About Racism, Anti-Racism Resources You Can Use in Your Families, Simple Steps Your Family Can Take to Fight Racism