Faculty of Education Professor Carl James was on CP24 to discuss how to talk about race and anti-Black racism to children. He highlighted the importance of teaching children about race at a young age and understanding that racism is a systemic problem in Canadian society as well.
“No age is too young, because children are also paying attention and trying to make sense of what they see on TV and who their friends are,” said James when it comes to having conversations with children. “Children interpret what they see in terms of race” he added.
“We need to understand that while this is happening in the United States, we also have to recognize how much race and racism are a part of Canadian society. We can’t encourage children to think that it’s only over there while we are also maintaining the same issues of racism.”