How do you explain bigottry to children?

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

My dad just used to tell us that some people are different to us and some people are stupid (ie small-minded people). If he ever heard any racist/bigoted comment he would make sure we knew that this behaviour and attitude was not acceptable. Maybe part of the reason I think so little of people who spout off xenophobic attitudes.

BUT we never had it directed at us. Don't have any clue there other than laughing at the person for being so stupid and saying such silly things.

[Visitor8]

some people are so rude

I've seen it, the boys have seen it. I just tell them they are mean people who don't know how to be nice to others.

Lucky from me I come from a very mixed family, step dad is indian, step brothers malaysian, uncle who's german, uncle whos chinese... they have been exposed to all different people and don't see it as a problem once Jaidan even saw someone in a wheelchair and commented how they had a COOL car lol

Too bad not everyone can bring their kids up the same

[Inertia]

Well for us, I just tell my son that they are just jealous - being Native American is cool.

But I am just so happy that my kids don't see the differences as a problem. Oddly DH and I were only talking the other day about how people can be like this - what could possibly be wrong in their heads that they hate a person without even knowing anything about them...

I feel that if I just ensure my kids arent one of them, then I am not contributing to the problem.

[Lulu]

Oh dear, don't ask ME - last time I had to explain it to DD (then 4) I ended up ranting about Jesse Owens, Hitler and the black power salute......

From my mum "some people are just limited"

Although I do think it depends on the moment in time that it happens, maybe you can tell them people are afraid of mummys STYLE.

I can't really remember what I said each time it ever came up, but I did try to show some sort of empathy for those that "didn't understand" or "get it" or were actually afraid because someone told them lies....