To explain Black Lives Matter to a young person could be crossing a line according to some parents. The same as explaining gender. As Youth Workers it is our job to have both parents and children always be on our sides and to never cross a boundary where a parent or children get upset. With that being said, this conversation could get complicated but I would explain it in the way I know best, connect it to what youth already know. Themselves.
- Youth know what it is like to be youth and how adults do not always have time for them or will not always listen to their concerns.
- I would play off of this. As children are already familiar with this idea, (I also have the most experience with younger youth so please keep that in mind), that their thoughts come second to an adult. In classes, they are sat in desk where the teacher is placed at the front of the room and they take notes from that specific teachers brain.
- How I would connect this? I would tell the child (Let us pretend they are approx 7). That Black lives Matter was created because equal voices were not being heard. Then I would connect it to how if they have a question in the classroom and sometimes they don't get to ask it. I would have to leave the conversation at this so I would not cross any lines with parents/ guardians.
- ALTHOUGH- I would talk to the parent at the end of the day and bring up that their child brought the topic up and let them know I can run a lesson as a class (if all parents sign off) or I can give the parents materials on how to explain to their children what Black Lives Matter is.
Questions I have:
1: Obviously this is important, as any movement is important but I come from a family of cops and firefighters. Not all are targeting Black lives. I do see the need for a movement but how can one be created where there are not specific groups targeted. As I believe it is not fair on either side to receive enjoy just for supporting something that they love.
2:. How do I bring in more culture and support and love for everyone into a daycare setting? Also remembering that, being a daycare, parents get a say to what goes on in their child's classroom at all times.
In regards to your second question- you already answered it for yourself by posting the children's book. You don't necessarily need to create a unit on BLM (though that would be rad), you do need to make sure that there are a diversity of resources the youth are exposed to, so that there is opportunity for a diversity of conversations and teachable moments about race, class, gender, sexuality, identity, ability, age, etc.
ReplyDeleteI also hear what (I think) you are saying that this movement seems to "target cops" and that feels unfair. The reason for this is that law enforcement does hold a position of power in society (they literally have the guns), so they are in a position where their judgements (which may be racially prejudiced) can take poeple's lives, and do. This movement is not say that all cops are bad, but that all cops (and all humans) have a responsibility to evaluate our own prejudices and hold each other accountable for our actions to prevent future injustices.
This is hard, complicated work!