I just found out that Penelope's friend at school got made fun of for having curly hair, and it upset her so much that she cut off most of her hair.
Penelope and her friend are the only non-white kids at the school and it just sucks. It sucks that her friend's mom now has to decide whether or not to talk to the other kid's parents about it (because it always stems with the parents). And now she's burdened with spending her time doing mental gymnastics on the trade-offs and how to approach the whole thing. While the other parents are blissfully unaware of the situation.
It just pains me that not all families deliberately set a culture of inclusion at home. Doesn't even cross their minds!
And of course I'm feeling extra upset right now because I can't help but feel like my kid will be next.
Top comments (1)
The burden always falls on the minority!!!
Here's a great book on body inclusion if you can get it in the hands of the teachers:
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder: 9780593112625 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over. From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party...
It's a low barrier starting point that separates out any culture/race concerns (which tend to make people feel very on edge/uncomfortable/attacked).