Comments on: Do you talk about race and diversity?

By: Karen Carter

Karen Carter — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:48:08 +0000

Melissa, you’ve nailed it. Conversations about diversity need to happen and not having them is indeed “a recipe for exclusion and intolerance.” Many people believe discrimination is a thing of the past that was “fixed” by the civil rights movement. People like you, Tim Shriver, and Dr. Baran who don’t hesitate to discuss their concerns regarding such misguided perceptions help keep the conversation up-front and current. Great interview! K.

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:59:32 +0000

Thanks, Gbemi! I’m becoming very concerned that the Emperor’s New Clothes is happening when it come to diversity of all kinds, not just race, but physical and intellectual disabilities. What are kids are learning from adults who won’t talk about these issues? It’s a recipe for exclusion and intolerance.

A few weeks ago I interviewed Tim Shriver of Special Olympics and he is worried about the same thing which is why he started the campaign to end the “r” word. I’ll post more about that when the article is published (March).

By: Olugbemisola

Olugbemisola — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 12:08:03 +0000

Thanks for featuring this! I think it’s so important to be proactive about discussing race with our children. Some more on the negative effects of avoiding it can be found in this piece from Ashley Merryman and Po Bronson (http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/04/see-baby-discriminate.html).

By: Michael Baran

Michael Baran — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:19:25 +0000

I’ve noticed that just as people are hesitant to talk about race with their children, they are hesitant to comment on this app and this issue. As @Melitsa mentions, it’s so important to talk about these issues, so please chime in with your opinions, your experiences playing the app, and your questions. The comments I have gotten back from people seem to indicate that the app is working just like I had hoped. You can read an example here in this short Slate article: http://www.doublex.com/blog/xxfactor/apps-afros-and-handcuffs-talking-kids-about-race.

I look forward to seeing your comments and questions! Michael (app creator)

By: JILL C.

JILL C. — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:06:32 +0000

So happy to read this post and these responses. I firmly believe that people need to talk more about race, gender, and all issues of inequality. Considering your question Melissa, my guess is that people are a bit afraid to write about race. No one wants to say anything wrong, to be misunderstood, to appear racist. We all want to do what’s right for our world and especially for our kids but we don’t want to mess it up. I think we should try to be more open though — to allow ourselves to say what’s on our mind. That way, our misconceptions and maybe even our prejudices will have a chance to be corrected. We can clarify our own thinking and become better people. Inspired by this beginning!

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:12:41 +0000

Thanks @Melitsa and @Suzanne, I’m surprised more people haven’t voiced an opinion! Why is that, readers?

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:48:27 +0000

There are so many apps it’s helpful to have you focus on some and allow for a closer look thanks.

We tend to forget that we can look at ideas and products that we both agree and disagree with and that’s ok. I appreciate the chance to look, and think and then form my own opinion.

By: Melitsa

Melitsa — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:38:01 +0000

I’ve not seen the app to play with this but I think it’s great to see deliberate opportunities to talk about diversity and race with our children. Race/ diversity etc are loaded words but we need to still talk about them.

I hope this app achieves the aims it sets out to do.

Thanks for bringing it to our attention.