The innocence of children always gives me hope that the future of our neighborhoods, cities, states, and country will be more harmonious than the current state of affairs. Today was beautiful, complete with sunshine and 65* weather. My husband had a homework assignment due so he stayed home with the baby while my 3yr old and I walked down to our neighborhood park. For quite awhile my son had the playground to himself, then an adorable Indian girl showed up and took my son “under her wing,” shortly after there were two beautiful black sisters, and gorgeous Hispanic siblings. Once the soccer games wrapped up across the street the playground just exploded with children. All of them giggling, running, helping each other up the rock wall, and ending up in dog-piles at the bottom of the slides.
I only heard one comment regarding differences and that was when the Indian girl’s mother yelled at her (I’m assuming it was along the lines of “be careful” since she was hanging off the side of the bridge) from across the playground. Another girl said “you speak English well, do you speak Indian too?” I didn’t hear the end of that conversation, but about 5min later the two girls were skipping arm in arm across the field.
Asian, Hispanic, Indian, Black, and White... all playing together in harmony. I love the diversity of our neighborhood and that the parents are obviously teaching these kiddos that the color of a person’s skin has no bearing on friendship, etc.
When it was time to leave the park my little boy looked up at me with a huge smile on his face and said: “Mommy, I had fun with all my new friends!”
That said, he is starting to recognize visual differences. He’s getting really good recognizing his colors now and earlier this week he pointed to my arm and said “what color is that?” I replied “skin color,” he did the same for his daddy and sister’s arms... my answer was always the same “skin color.” But, he knows mommy and daddy are different colors... he corrected me and said mine was white and daddy’s arm was brown. Smarty pants! I don’t think for him it has to do with anything other than the fact he likes to speak out the colors of everything- “Mommy what color is the sky?” You tell me buddy,” “Okay Mom, it’s blue!” And the conversation continues... grass, street, trees, flowers, cars. I love that he’s becoming aware of the beauty God has surrounded us with.
He hears the word “hapa” used when people say “oh your babies are so beautiful, are they hapa?” Someday he’ll understand that means he’s half White, half Asian. But I hope to continue to foster an acceptance and appreciation of all people regardless of their race/ethnicity. I think if we could all keep the innocent mindset of children, there’d be a lot less judgment and confusion for sure. Not to mention we’d all have a ton more friends if all it took was one afternoon hanging out at the playground! Haha!
My son and I really enjoy this song:
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