Prejudices start with language
When I recently wanted to buy Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren for my little niece, I briefly paused. Is this still the Pippi from my childhood? Some passages have changed. The passages containing the word «Negro» have been rewritten on the grounds that they are no longer contemporary and do not correspond to today's image of humanity.
Racism and prejudice should be linked to individual words? Astrid Lindgren is above such accusations, her books are characterised by a humanitarian approach, love and understanding towards all people.
Prejudice - what can I do in my family?
As adults, we often tend to think: what didn't harm me won't harm my children either. We romanticise and trivialise what we ourselves experienced in childhood. I don't have any prejudices just because I ate «Moorenköpfe» as a child. But is that really the case?
Did the fact that we sang «Ten Little Negroes» up and down as children not trigger anything in me? Didn't it have a lasting effect on my perception of the world and other people? Yes, it did. Because it set us apart from the «poor starving people in Africa», with whom we can at best sympathise and whom we should help, but who are supposed to be so fundamentally different from «us». What can I do in my family if I catch myself or others (unconsciously) expressing prejudice?
«Sorry, I meant «foam kiss», not «Mohrenkopf».»
Embarrassed silence or turning away is not helpful. This behaviour leaves those affected with the feeling that they are somehow wrong or out of place. It is better to go on the offensive, correct yourself and admit mistakes: «Sorry, I meant «foam kiss», not «Mohrenkopf».»
Children are generally very empathetic, have a good sense of justice and are very humane. It's worth reflecting on your own choice of words and breaking habits if necessary. Prejudices start with language. At first, I was disconcerted that a classic of children's literature was being interfered with. But now I'm glad that I can read a really good book to my niece and don't have to resort to embarrassing explanations: «It says «negro» here, but you know, it actually means something completely different ... » Children can't be taken for a ride.
About the Pestalozzi Children's Foundation
The Pestalozzi Children's Foundation is an internationally active children's aid organisation. Children and young people have been at the centre of its activities since 1946. The Children's Village in Trogen is a place of peace-building, where children from Switzerland and abroad learn to deal with cultural and social differences through exchange. In twelve countries around the world, the foundation provides disadvantaged children with access to quality education.
www.pestalozzi.ch
