All the Colors of the Rainbow

By Karlene Albrecht

When you mix red paint with blue paint, you get purple paint. When you draw over a blue marker with a yellow marker, you get the color green. If you combine red clay with yellow clay, you will end up with a lump of orange. But, when you combine all of the above colors, you get a beautiful rainbow that is only complete if all of the colors are present. Similarly, if you combine white, brown and red paint, you will get various shades of what Crayola used to call “skin tone.” In order to keep up with changing times, crayons now come in a box that is titled “Multi-Cultural” crayons. This box includes 16 shades of skin tone and hair color ranging from olive green to apricot to mahogany. These crayons are used by children to create drawings of themselves and other children of different ethnic backgrounds, skin tones, hair texture and color, etc. They are also used by teachers and parents to help children develop racial tolerance and learn about different cultures. Like the rainbow, it takes many colors and shades of colors to make up the human race.

Teaching children to respect other cultures and backgrounds in an ever-changing world is important, especially during a time when cultural differences are increasingly apparent, and racial intolerance is sparked by world events and war. As is the case with most sensitive topics, learning should begin at home. Many parents might ask: “How and when do your bring up the subject?” and “How much information is too much?” Here are some tips for parents, along with activities you can do together to expose your child to various cultures, and promote racial tolerance.

Be aware of what you say and do. Children learn by imitating what is in their environment. If they hear you make a racial comment or see you treat a person of another ethnic background differently, they will most likely imitate your actions. On the other hand, they will also imitate your generosity, kindness, and open-mindedness.
Lead by example. If you are not comfortable with a certain subject, children will most likely pick up on your discomfort. Similarly, if you are uncomfortable as you drive through a certain section of town, children will sense your anxiety and most likely react the same way. Your child will also be able to sense when you are accepting and comfortable with people who differ from you.
Be honest. Answer your children’s questions openly and honestly. Children can sense when you are trying to hide your true feelings. Address your child with language that is on his developmental level. For example, a four-year-old might not understand the meaning of “oppression” or “terrorism.”
Use the right words. Sometimes children will bring home racial slurs they have heard from other children. Let your child know that these words are hurtful and that all people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
Look to your child for clues. Look for bias toward others for having certain attributes, cultures or ethnicity. Parents need to steer children’s development on a track that is healthy, open and trusting.
Deal with fear and anger. Even the youngest child can be exposed to racism and even violence. This often happens by way of television and the media, as well as everyday life. Parents may be afraid to address this for fear of causing increased anxiety in their children. Honesty is crucial. Emphasize safety and reassure your child that you will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.
Go to the library. Look for books about people of different ethnic backgrounds who have become leaders in their communities. Use Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a reason to teach children about the African-American culture or use Thanksgiving as a time to talk about Native Americans.
Give your child the opportunity to meet children of different backgrounds. Attend cultural festivals and ethnic celebrations, such as the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival, the Puerto Rican Parade and the Italian festival. There are usually activities for children at these festivals.
Try an art activity. Give your child the opportunity to mix brown and white and come up with different skin colors. Make masks out of paper plates and construction paper to represent various cultures.
Expose your child to ethnic crafts and artisans. Go to a museum and look at Chinese tapestries or the beautiful blankets made by Indians. Quilts made by the Pennsylvania Dutch are unique to this area, and are often displayed at various art festivals.
Focus on holidays. Holidays are a great way to expose your child to various cultures and religious traditions. For example, read a book on Christmas traditions around the world, or attend a demonstration on the making of Ukrainian Easter eggs. Teach your child about the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah or the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Try new foods. Our society is filled with foods from many cultures, like Mexican tacos, Polish kielbasa, Chinese fried rice, Japanese Sushi, or Cuban fried plantains.
Expose your child to music and dance from different cultures. Local libraries and music festivals often have programs especially for children to expose them to songs and dances from around the world.

The United States of America is a melting pot of various cultures, races and ethnicities. For the past 230 years, we have lived together and worked side by side, just as the colors of the rainbow exist side by side and in harmony with one another. It is our responsibility to teach our children to do the same.

Karlene Albrecht, MA, ATR-BC, LPC is an Art Therapist and Mental Health Professional.

This article originally appeared in Parents' Source, May 20, 2003.
Re-printed by permission.