A memory of bias that I witnessed was seen via face book.
There was a picture of toddler’s clothes hanging on hangers and on one of the outfits
was a picture of an African American baby that was supposed to be a replica of
a monkey holding and eating a banana.
This
incident made me feel angry, uneasy, upset, and sad. In this day and age people
would think that this is somehow cute, and would sale and not be offensive to African
American people. This is our child and this is what you think of us as humans.
This picture diminishes equity and is very stereotypical and racist. It is a
statement that African American babies are little monkeys. People have to be
more conscious and sensitive towards others races and be very mindful of the
images that you put out, especially in a children’s store. The person’s who
thought that this was acceptable need to change and they most definitely need a
course in anti-bias education.
References
That's awful that they thought this would be an appropriate outfit for someone, let alone a child. You would think that this day and age that people would be more open-minded and respectful of others since our country is full of people of different cultures.
ReplyDeleteHi Tanya
ReplyDeleteThis is a true reflection of racism. I was appalled by this picture. How can a human being liken a child to a monkey. It is amazing that just next to this hangs a picture of a white baby not as an animal but a human being. I would have though that in this day and age with the world being so diverse people would be more-open minded and refrain from such derogative portrayals of African Americans. This signifies to me that racism is very much alive and that as ECE we need to find ways to contradict these ideas in the minds of our children.
Wow I have never seen this before, but I am so glad that I haven't up until now. It really is amazing the way we seem to be fighting against inequality, racism, yet here is as example that even though we talk a big game, we weren't can't walk the walk. I can't believe how backwards this thinking/action is but this is all part of the problem.
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! This is wildly inappropriate, I wonder if the marketers of the product even paid attention to the message this might give. I haven't ever seen this, and hope I never do. I am wondering if this was in a retail store what was the response of the employees and customers, did anyone advocate for the situation?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this! I will definitely be on the lookout in stores for these kinds of things from now on.