January 15, 2009

Prof to parents: Use inauguration to talk to children about race issues, tolerance

"Black parents can build cultural pride and a positive black identity by making time to talk about these current events," says Mia Smith Bynum, an associate professor of psychological sciences who studies how black parents talk to children about racism and how families cope with racism.

"And all children can benefit from talking about racial issues and the significance of the first black president for the United States. These discussions will help parents prepare children to live in a multicultural society and globalized world."

Bynum, who also studies positive identity development in black youth, says black parents should encourage such talks with their male children because Obama provides a more highly visible role model for black male youth.

"Today's black male youth need more positive role models outside of sports and the entertainment industry," Bynum says. "Obama is a powerful new vision of black masculinity. He represents how one can achieve through education."

Bynum also suggests that black parents expose children of all ages to positive images of blacks in children's books, novels, media and the local community.

"It's important for children to know they can talk to their parents about race and diversity issues," she says. "Be open to questions children have about racial and cultural differences. Build on those discussions with trips to the library or local cultural events to educate them about people from different backgrounds.

"And remember, parents are role models, so how parents talk about racism is likely to be mirrored by their children."

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Mia Smith Bynum, (765) 494-6996, mbynum@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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