Published: February 06, 2009
Obama Presidency Punctuates Black History Month
How Obama's Presidency Helps Children Learn Diversity
For the first time in U.S. history, Black History Month will be celebrated with an African American in the Oval Office, but more significant than the symbol are the words of the man in that room.
"There's not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there's the United States of America," said President Barack Obama a few days before taking office. The combination of his words and the symbolism of his election will make Black History Month 2009 a milestone to remember, according to Linda Meyer, author of the new children's book, The Kid in My Closet (Book Publishers Network - www.cottagelanebooks.com).
"The fact that we have Barack Obama standing behind the Seal of the President will provide powerful reinforcement to the lessons teachers and parents try to instill in their children," Meyer said. "For decades, we've used parables, fairy tales and stories as examples of how there is more that unites people of different ethnicities and religions than divides them. However, using a real person, especially someone who is now the most powerful person on the planet, as an example of diversity is a hundred times more potent than any fairy tale or story."
Meyer should know. Her book puts a new spin on the old 'there's a monster in my closet' tale. In her book, the young monster is terrified by an 'ugly' little human boy who pops out of his closet. Meyer, also the founder of a shelter for abused and homeless youth, says she wanted to write a story that's meaningful and entertaining, without being preachy.
"As parents and grandparents, we can have a good time while instilling a sense of understanding in our children," says Meyer. "If you maintain an attitude of celebration, respect and joy when exploring other cultures, you pass that on to your children. Likewise, if you approach it with disrespect and deprecation, your children can inherit those attitudes."
Meyer, whose book shows children that friends come in all shapes, sizes and colors, offers more fun tips to teach children about diversity:
If your neighbors are from a different culture or race, cook a meal together. Extend invitations to share each others' holiday celebrations. Enjoying each family's traditions shows children that people of all backgrounds have differences and similarities.
If your town has an international district nearby, perhaps a Chinatown or Little Italy, take your children there. Let them taste different foods, watch a musical performance or parade, and browse through shops and food markets.
When planning family vacations, seek opportunities to experience other cultures. For example, find out if there is a Native American reservation near your destination and arrange to visit during celebrations or festivals.
Designate one night a month to explore another culture. Help your children research and share what they've learned. You can cook a meal featuring that culture's cuisine, listen to its music, or watch a video about it. You can even create a trivia game featuring tidbits about the culture.
Enroll your children into dance classes that teach traditional dance from another culture such as Salsa, African, or Irish dance. If they don't like dancing, try foreign language classes which usually include lessons on the culture too.
"Showing your children that there's more to life than their video games or music downloads helps them acquire a deeper sense of empathy and understanding," says Meyer. "Remember, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. If you teach your children hatred of other cultures, you will sow conflict. If you teach respect, you will sow peace."
Linda Meyer has been writing and editing books since 1980. She took a break from writing during the 1990's to found a shelter for abused and homeless youth. A mother of two and grandmother of five, Meyer is hopeful that her latest book will encourage children not to choose their friends based on outward appearances and to seek the common interests they have with children from other ethnicities and cultures. www.cottagelanebooks.com
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