Question

A number of children's stories and rhymes have often contained racist or ethnocentric assumptions that parents have repeated to their children, sometimes unaware of these implicit messages. Repeating these sayings or rhymes to children is an example of __________.

Answer 1

Repeating children's stories and rhymes with racist content to children is an example of socialization, which perpetuates structural racism and implicit bias through unconscious cultural transmission.

Step-by-step explanation:

Repeating children's stories and rhymes that contain racist or ethnocentric assumptions to children is an example of socialization. This process involves the unconscious transmission of cultural norms and biases, which shapes the way children perceive and interact with the world. Osta and Vasquez (2021) explain that such practices can perpetuate structural racism and implicit bias, embedding unfair stereotypes and associations within society. Historical contexts, like the tales and songs shared among enslaved individuals, often had layered meanings to express hardship and resistance. These narratives were not just for comfort but also served as a subtle form of instruction on how to navigate a life defined by oppression.

In modern contexts, children's stories and language acquisition reflect the powerful influence of culture and unconscious learning, often perpetuating stereotypes. Children learn to navigate their world and understand the rules of appropriate behavior through cultural immersion, often without explicit instruction. When stories, whether historical or contemporary, carry prejudiced undertones, they unconsciously inculcate biased attitudes in the listeners. It's crucial to challenge these implicit messages to foster equitable social environments and encourage children to value multiculturalism.