My Son Watches the YouTube Channel Dhar Mann. He Keeps Telling Me All Black Are Nice and All Whites Are Mean. What Should I Tell Him?

As a parent, you may be concerned that your son is being exposed to a narrow view of race, which could have implications on how he views people and treats them in future. It’s important to discuss this with him, emphasizing that all people should be treated as equal, regardless of the color of their skin.

You could start by explaining that people come in all shapes and sizes, and belong to different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and cultures. Explain that every person has unique experiences and that everyone deserves to be respected regardless of skin color or any other attribute. You could also introduce him to people from different backgrounds including family, friends, neighbors and even people from his local community who represent different ethnicities.

Once your son begins to understand that everyone should be treated the same regardless of skin color, remind him that prejudice of any kind is wrong and not acceptable. Explain that prejudice is a thought based on false assumptions and reinforces stereotypes and can lead to discrimination and injustice.

Finally, explain that people should judge each other on character and actions, rather than skin color. Reinforce the importance of tolerance and understanding amongst people of all backgrounds, encouraging him to be open to meeting and learning about different cultures, religions, and histories.

By taking the time to explain to your son why his opinion on race is not accurate, and teaching him the importance of respecting others regardless of the color of their skin, you can help to ensure he grows up with a positive, inclusive attitude towards people of all backgrounds.

What advice would you offer me to help my son develop a more nuanced understanding of race and racism?

I would suggest having open and honest conversations with your son about race, racism, and their impact on society. It is important that your son understands why racism exists, how it impacts different racial/ethnic groups, and what he can do to combat it. Additionally, instead of focusing solely on talking, provide your son with books, movies, and other educational resources related to racial/ethnic diversity, oppression, and civil rights movements. Lastly, if your son expresses interest, bring him to events that raises awareness of the various forms of racism, and give him the opportunity to engage with people from different races and backgrounds.

How can I help my son understand racial bias without relying on Dhar Mann’s content as a source of insight?

There are several ways you can help your son better understand racial bias without relying on Dhar Mann’s content. Some of these include:

1. Read books and articles about racism and racial bias, such as “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander or “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo.

2. Discuss your own experiences with racism, emphasizing how it impacted and affected you.

3. Have a conversation about racism, including the history of racism in the United States, along with modern racism and current events.

4. Have an open and honest dialogue about racism, including discussing stereotypes and unfair generalizations.

5. Discuss cultural diversity and how it relates to understanding racism.

6. Expose him to a variety of stories of people who have experienced racism, including books, guest speakers, and documentaries.

7. Watch documentaries and movies about the history of racism, such as Selma, Crash, and 12 Years a Slave.

8. Attend cultural events such as plays, art shows, lectures, or concerts.

9. Discuss with your son the importance of recognizing privilege, standing up against racism and advocating for others.