How do you react if a child says racist remarks to you in front of their parents?

Question

I often want to say something but don't usually want to make a scene. Do you think parents breed ignorance in their kids? I definetly plan on raising my child for tolerance and to respect every culture and even learn about each culture.

Answer 1

I am all for making a scene. I have said things in the past, and I will say something if it ever happens again. It's more about responding to the parents than the child. I simply told them they are hurting their child in the long run by teaching them hate and hate speech. Since the parents obviously didn't reprimand the child, they approve of the behavior. So even if the parents didn't teach it and the child learned it from television, music, etc. the parents are implictly encouraging the behavior. Parents who breed racism in their children are ultimately doing an incredible disservice to them. This is a diverse country and people must learn to live with that. Tolerance is absolutely necessary to get along well and become socially adept in life. So, I'd definitely speak up and let the parents know they are doing that child no favors.

Answer 2

I guess it would depend on the situation. Correcting someone else's children, especially when the parents are present, can be a little tricky. The parents could easily be offended, because they might take it as criticism.

But if the kids used a word that was a racial slur, you could probably get away with saying something like, "I really don't like it when you use that word. It's not a good thing to do," and leave it at that. If the parents get uptight about it, I'd just back off. How well do you know these people? Are they complete strangers?

Are these kids making racial comments that are addressed to you personally? I mean, for instance are they calling you a white trash b-itch or the n-word or something like that? If so, then you definitely have the right to say something. But if the parents don't care, it might not do much good. Except, of course, that it can be a very good feeling to stand up for yourself.

Answer 3

I guess you can say, "That's your opinion but a lot of people don't feel that way". If the kid is making fun of you directly, I don't see how you could say much without causing a scene. I would probably be really angry and yell at the parent for letting their kid run around insulting people. I'm sure a fight would ensue though. Some parents breed ignorance because they are ignorant themselves. Others try their best but their kids end up being little racists anyway from listening to other people.

Answer 4

Just tell them not to speak to you like that and if given the chance confront the parents away from the child. Yes, parents are responsible for teaching tolerance and respect. My kids are taught that everyone is different in some way from everyone else. It would be a sad world if we were all the same.

Answer 5

After I've taken a breath or two so I don't punch anyone, I'd turn it into a (gentle) learning experience for both parents and child. Probably the parents won't absorb any of the lesson, since their minds are already made up, but it might give the child something to think about.

Answer 6

I think that a parent is responsible for their children's behavior. Granted, kids can learn this stuff from other kids but that should not stop the parent from disciplining the child. If the parents do nothing then most likely they were the ones who taught the kids this type of useless and ignorant hate. I would suggest you let them know that it is totally inappropriate and shows ignorance in them to allow it.

Answer 7

You see, sometimes children hear words not only from you but also from the tv or from other people and they often happen to repeat whatever they hear even if they don't really know what it means...Of course, as a parent you must teach your children to respect every culture and every single person, and correct them anytime they say something inappropriate, well, at least, that's what I personally do with my son. On the other hand there are unfortunately many parents who don't teach their children to respect other cultures, since they don't respect them at all; one thing is for sure: children are not to be blamed if they use the wrong words, they're like a blank board, it's up to you to teach them how to write and what to write on it and to correct their mistakes.

Answer 8

Just say to the parents, So that's what you teach your children? Yes ignorance is bred from some influencial person in a child's life. As I was growing up, a white kid called me "n." I asked her why and she didn't know. She said that's what her dad said black people were. After all the talking, we became friends. So, often it's not the child's thinking, it is the parents.

Answer 9

Children are the future.
The future is in our hands.
We need less speculators and more good influences.
I'm not saying to choke the little mashugena, but you should say:
"Excuse me, but I feel offended at that comment. I would respect you more if you wouldn't talk like that."

of course, when my classmates say something that offends me, I'll say "What the (1) did you say?!?" This works on ages up to eighth grade, since that's mine. If the parents are offended tell them that you're offended at the kid's vocabulary.
The first opt, is one you should say firmly, and angrily to let them know not to do it again. If you ask them in an irritated tone, it might just annoy them into persecuting you or annoying you some other way.

(1)- Four letter word of choice.
Key Points: *CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE *FUTURE IN YOUR HANDS *DON'T STRANGLE THE FUTURE *BE FIRM IN YOUR TONE IF YOU CAN HELP IT

P.S. Kudos to Q~T, though the kid would respond crudely, likely saying something like "Where do you think I got it from?" If I weren't Level 1, I'd vote for that.

Answer 10

If a child says something racist, ask him/her where she learned that, then you ask her parents. They will surely be embarrased, and just tell them what you think, who cares if you hurt their feeling just remind them of how many feeling their childs little prejudice remarks hurt. Racism is very painful, but its even more painful when it comes from children, because they have absolutely no control if theyre hearing the crap from their parents. Now personally, if it were me, I would just straight up put the parents in their place so they know whta kind of little monster they're training their child to be.