Even Babies Discriminate: A NurtureShock Excerpt

Vittrup sent a third of the families home with multiculturally themed videos for a week, such as an episode of Sesame Street in which characters visit an African-American family's home, and an episode of Little Bill, where the entire neighborhood comes together to clean the local park. Full Story »

Posted by Patricia Blochowiak

See All Reviews »

Review

Sara Peters
4.4
by Sara Peters - Sep. 16, 2009

Every year there are at least a dozen stories about racial discrimination and bias published. Many have chose to focus on a childrens idea of race; however, this article has brought to light new insight into children and how they too discriminate and why. This is quality journalism because the article there is insightful ideas how the children develop their dicriminatory thoughts. As the article states as children we are all taught that " we are all friends". Parents generally reinforce this idea to their children so they will become open-minded individuals. However, as the article states the parents never actually clarify what that phrase means. The statement is too vague for children understand it refers to race.From that sparks a confusion for children. At this point children may form their own thoughts about a group of people without tolerance. Tolerance cannot be applied by someone who does not understand what it means. These children are not directly talked to about race; therefore, they do not develop an open mind. I have never seen this angle taken by a journalist. The author doesn't just restate widely known facts in a revamped way, but search for the point where discrimiination begins. That is a powerfull idea, and an incredibly moving piece of writing.The article is centered around a study conducted in Houston Texas about multiracial videos and children; however, what jumped out at me was the indirect discussions about race between parent and child. The article was lengthy, yet I was excited read each page. To inspire that kind of excitment in a ready is what quality journalism is all about.

I personally dont remember every having a direct conversation with my parents about race. Although, I grew up in a rural area with all caucasians; therefore, my parents probably thought it was irrelavant. I am clearly speculating because im sure that was not their thought process. I am glad that this article didn't focus on discrimination and why its bad. Why its harmfull has been ingrained in us for so long that it isn't relevant anymore. Of course discrimination is socially relevant; however, it is not news worthy. The angle taken in the article however, is relevant. It is a fresh and intelligent take on how we may believe we are promoting tolerance when actually we are actually creating confusion.

See All Reviews »

Sara's Rating

Overall
4.4

Good
from 12 answers
Quality
4.2
Information
3.0
Insight
5.0
Style
4.0
Context
5.0
Expertise
3.0
Originality
4.0
Relevance
4.0
Responsibility
4.0
Popularity
5.0
Recommendation
5.0
Credibility
5.0
More How our ratings work »