Racial discrimination is detrimental to children’s well-being. There are different forms of discrimination. Discrimination may occur individually or at an institutional level. Institutional discrimination involves formal or informal structures such as policies, or processes that systematically marginalize non-dominant groups. Another form of discrimination is microaggressions. Microaggressions are daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental slights, whether intentional or not that convey hostile, derogatory, or negative racial insults toward people of color. Microaggressions may appear to be harmless but cumulatively may have major negative effects on children and adolescents.
Unfortunately, discrimination happens a lot more than we might think. In one study, adolescents 16 and older were surveyed about their experiences of discrimination. About one-third (32%) of the sample reported that themselves, a family member, or a close friend experienced discrimination within the past 5 years. Research has found that discrimination is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes. In a review of 121 studies, it was found that racial discrimination and poor mental health outcomes correlate at 76%.
Researchers have compared discrimination between and within different marginalized groups. With respect to Latinx children, research suggests that Latinx youth, whether born in the US or of foreign birth, may experience discrimination differently. According to a Pew Research Center survey, discrimination seemed to be more prevalent among native-born (41%) than foreign-born (32%) Latinx youth. There are also differences in the way these two groups experience discrimination. For example, US-born Latinx youth report being stereotyped as gang members whereas foreign-born youth report being discriminated against for low acculturation variables such as language proficiency (i.e., speaking less proficient English, having an accent) and wearing traditional attire. Other possible although not exhaustive discrimination variables are immigration or generational status, country of origin, and skin tone. Racial slights may originate from the media, school, and from peers. Youth report denigratory comments such as “border hopper” and other anti-immigration insults. Discrimination may also originate within the family unit. For example, there may be preferences for the sibling or family member who has lighter vs. darker skin pigmentation or vice versa.
Discrimination and its negative effects (i.e., low self-esteem, depression, etc.) if left untreated may carry on to future generations. It is posited that discrimination is passed to future generations via internalized oppression. Internalized oppression is where the individual may come to believe their own inferiority and inability to bring about change. The marginalized individual or group may even use the actions of the oppressing group against itself. Some psychological models view internalized oppression as the engine that perpetuates oppression.
Ideally, children of all backgrounds would be educated early to avoid discrimination. If discrimination cannot be circumvented, addressing it as early as possible would be the next best option. In order to minimize the negative effects associated with discrimination, we need to raise awareness of said effects. Validating discriminatory experiences through conversations at many different levels and seeking professional help are some ways to begin to address this.
Reference
Ayon, C. & Philbin, S. P. (2017). “Tu no eres de aqui”: Latino children’s experiences of institutional and interpersonal discrimination and microaggressions. Social Work Research, 41 (1), 19- 30.
Resources from Sesame Workshop and PBS Kids
Community Diversity - Sesame Workshop Ages 1- 6 years
Talking About Race - Sesame Workshop Ages 1-6 years
Coping with Racial Trauma - Sesame Workshop Ages 3-6 years
A history of discrimination and its consequences | PBS LearningMedia Grades 6-12
Disability Is Not Inability (Episode 201) | Hope Givers | PBS LearningMedia Grades 6-12
Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity: A Toolkit for Educators | PBS LearningMedia Grades 6-12
Discrimination to Dehumanization | Return to Auschwitz | PBS LearningMedia Grades 9-12
The History of Racial Discrimination Against Mexican Americans | PBS LearningMedia Grades 9-12