Teaching tolerance to our kids

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2010
Teaching tolerance to our kids
1822
Mon, 12-27-2010 - 4:06pm

The discussion in the other thread about gay marriage (OK, it wasn’t so much a discussion as an attack on granitestategal, plus the last time I checked it had devolved into mumbling and maniacal laughter...time to move on!) got me to thinking about this new generation of kids and how things have changed for them. Technology has exploded, and kids are more connected than ever before. They’re also disconnected in a whole new way, but this thread isn’t about that. I’d like to know what we are teaching our kids as far as tolerance for other religions, races and lifestyles.

My parents were brought up by parents who were extremely prejudiced against non-Catholics and non-whites. My great-grandparents must not have passed along the lessons they’d learned as immigrants themselves. The town we lived in was predominantly white and Catholic, and up until high school I didn’t know anyone who was black, Jewish, Hispanic, or gay*. When I moved away from home, I was blown away by how different people outside my little world really were, and fascinated by it. I was, and am, determined to raise my kids to respect and appreciate the differences of others and to understand that deep down we really aren’t that different.

A few years ago when DS was 4, we ran into the husband of a co-worker at a music festival. My co-worker is also male. I probably went overboard in my introduction, but I wanted to get the point across that it’s perfectly OK for some families to consist of 2 dads or 2 moms, or one parent, or parents of different races/religions.

Kevali


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2005
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:24pm

I love irony! :smileyvery-happy:





iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:28pm

Nah, it's called someone who made a mistake AND admitted it. Many people can not and do not do that. Shrug.

Have a nice night :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2005
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:36pm

Normally I might go back and count how many times you were mathematically PROVEN wrong and blew it off before admitting that you made a mistake, but since you asked me to give it up, I will simply wish you a nice night as well.





iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:38pm

And again, I asked my dh. Have a wonderful night. I am sure this has made your day proving me wrong. I have better things in my life to attend to-lol!!! Sorry you don't :(

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2005
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:47pm

I always enjoy engaging in logical debate.





iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:51pm

Sorry you can't just take an apology. Oh well...enjoy your night...

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2005
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 10:55pm

Aww, it's so sweet of you to wish me a good night three whole times now!





iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 11:21pm
Guess you can't answer. That's fine. Night :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 11:23pm
Nah. I know how my life is. I have a lot to be thankful for and realize that everyday with more and more stories I hear of others lives.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2010
Wed, 12-29-2010 - 11:25pm
Oh my I wouldn't lose a minute of my life watching that show. You believe those shows and their stereotypes? Lol

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