Due to the recent shootings in Atlanta and the surge of racism and violence heightened by the pandemic, we have been looking for ways to help educate Des Moines kids about Asian and Pacific Islander (APPI) related discrimination. It’s important for us to talk to our children about racism that Asian Americans are experiencing now, as well as the history of discrimination they’ve faced in the United States.
Here are a few resources to help you discuss xenophobia and Asian racism with Des Moines kids:
Educate Yourself as a Parent
If you have never experienced racism or discrimination, it can be hard to understand it, let alone explain it. Which means you will need to learn more about it. As you educate yourself about racism and xenophobia, you will feel more confident when talking to your kid(s) about the issues. If we want our children to listen to us, we must be able to deliver our message with integrity.
Resources:
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity – Community Outreach, Events, Podcasts
PBS Documentary – “Asian Americans”
University of Iowa – “Anti-racism: Resources for Parents and Educators”
Teen Vogue – “Recent Rise in Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Doesn’t Mean Anti-Asian Racism Is New”
Have Honest and Open Conversations with Your Kids
Kids are smart and observant and start to notice our differences at an early age. As parents we need to be prepared to have conversations and let our children know their observations about the world are important. We need to acknowledge that we do see differences in skin color, hair color, the way other people dress, etc. but need to be careful not to attribute negative meaning, consciously or unconsciously, to the colors and differences that we see.
Resources:
National Geographic – “Talking to Kids About Xenophobia”
Parents Magazine – “How to Talk to Kids About Anti-Asian Violence”
Parents Together – “How to Talk to Kids About Anti-Asian Racism”
PBS Education – “10 Tips on Talking to Kids About Race and Racism”
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center – “10 ways to nurture tolerance to reduce bullying”
Read Books That Include Asian Characters, Heroes and Themes
A great place to start teaching your kids about race is by making sure their bookshelves are stocked with a range of stories that include diverse characters and topics. And, if you come across racist narratives while reading, make sure to point it out and debunk stereotypes and race-based bias. Be sure to pose open-ended questions to your kids as you’re reading, like “How do you feel about that?” and “Why do you think that?”
Resources:
Des Moines Public Library – Suggested Reading List for Kids
Social Justice Books – Asian Americans
Learn More About Asian Culture
APPIs are a diverse group of people made up of many different ethnic and cultural groups. Learning more about them will offer new experiences to your kids. It will also help them realize that we’re all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate.
Resources:
Iowa International Center – Asian Ethnic Organizations
Iowa Asian Alliance
CelebrAsian
Iowa Culture – “When Southeast Asians Came To Iowa”
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Third Culture Mama – “Learn about Asia through crafts and activities”
Support and Shop at Local Asian Owned Businesses
One very easy way to be an ally to the APPI community right now is to support the Asian American-owned businesses in the Des Moines area.
Resources:
Asian-Owned Businesses in the East Village
Lucky Lotus – Asian Owned Business List
Have you found some good resources to discuss xenophobia and Asian racism with your kids? Let us know!
