Category: Difficult questions asked by children...

[burythehatchet]

My 9 y.o. son, a wonderful kind compassionate Jewish kid who loves everything about black culture, asks: "Why do black people get blamed for everything?"

Since getting on my soapbox and telling him about our history is out of the question at his age, I had no answer for him.

[ThomCat]

1. That's a good age to start seriously talking about racism

and other prejudices. He's old enough to understand.

:)
It'll help him grow up to be a liberal progressive.

[burythehatchet]

3. For sure.

In fact, since he was 7 we have talked at great length about MLK and his work. Amazingly enough, we have sat together and listened to some of his speeches. What's really remarkable is that sometimes he will use certain phrases that he heard in the speeches.

I just don't want him to become an angry liberal yet. Ignorance is bliss at a certain age. I try to teach him about the subject within the framework of fairness and equality without getting into too much of the ugliness.

[VenusRising]

2. You should absolutely tell him about our history.

It may be the only real way he learns it the way the education system is going.

I don't have kids yet, but my husband and I have decided if they are old enough to ask the question, they are old enough for the truth, even if it's difficult for them to understand at first. Kids are smart, and they will figure it out quickly.

Best of luck in whatever you decide.

:hi:

[burythehatchet]

4. see my reply above.

and thanks.

[VenusRising]

6. Good on you.

I'm sure that he will get to anger in his own good time. It's not like there isn't enough to be pissed about!

[Greyskye]

5. Dad, what's 'natural male enhancement'?

Not particularly looking forward to that conversation...