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How to Not (Accidentally) Raise a Racist
Podcast

How to Not (Accidentally) Raise a Racist

The Longest Shortest Time podcast


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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Eye Opening
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Children have the worst timing. They ask the most awkward questions at the most awkward times, and when those questions are about race, white parents often fumble through their answers. In one intriguing podcast, Hillary Frank of The Longest Shortest Time interviews child development expert Brigitte Vittrup on her research into racial socialization. Vittrup, a white parent of biracial children herself, offers clear and concise advice which almost all white parents can incorporate into their parenting.

Summary

As a white parent, talking to children about race and racism can feel awkward, and many avoid those conversations altogether. Yet, families should have these discussions openly to raise accepting kids. Well-meaning white parents often try to make race a nonissue. However, child development expert Brigitte Vittrup says this colorblind approach can backfire because it ignores the discrimination that people of color face out in the world. White people have the luxury of not thinking about race, while minorities are constantly reminded of their skin color.

Kids...

About the Podcast

The award-winning parent podcast The Longest Shortest Time discusses the “surprises and absurdities of raising other humans.” Its creator Hillary Frank also hosts this episode. Expert guest Brigitte Vittrup is a Texas Women’s University child development expert.