«Racism here is very subtle»
Mrs Jordáky, seven-year-old Maylin is known at school as «Gaggihaut». Why do children do that?
Nobody is born a racist. Children pick up on what they learn from role models around them. Prejudices are not universally valid, proven wisdom. The question is in which environment they are tolerated as such and how they should be dealt with.
How would you define racism?
There is no single, universally valid definition. Basically, racism means that people are discriminated against because of their origin and skin colour. According to this definition, many of the cases that come to us are not actively racist. It is rare for someone to be refused service in a restaurant because of the colour of their skin. But unequal treatment because of this is the order of the day. Racism in our country is often very subtle, but unfortunately commonplace.
In the last ten years, the number of cases reported in Switzerland has more than doubled. What could be the reason for this?
These figures should be treated with caution, as they do not include all counselling centres and it must also be borne in mind that there are many more centres than ten years ago. I don't believe that we are more racist than we used to be. But the reported cases are still just the tip of the iceberg. We certainly haven't become less racist and xenophobic either.
What role does the coronavirus crisis play here?
In times of crisis, the populist crowd tends to create ethnic scapegoats. There are currently cases of «coronavirus racism» against Asian people. Crises come and go, but the prejudices remain.
Many cases of racism that affect children take place at school or kindergarten. Do our schools have a racism problem?
None bigger than our society in general. In schools, it perhaps accumulates a little because it takes place on three levels: Children, parents and professionals. In my opinion, our educational institutions have a responsibility to educate tolerant fellow human beings. It is therefore all the more important that the attitude «all people are equal» is exemplified in educational institutions in particular.
Can you tell us about a relevant case from your everyday work?
A teacher gave her third grade class a poem to memorise in which the term «the little Moor» appears. The nine-year-old son of a dark-skinned mother felt hurt by this, especially as he identifies strongly with the «Black Live Matters» movement. The mother wrote an email to the teacher, who accused her of being oversensitive. The situation escalated and at some point all the parents and the school management were suddenly involved.
And in this situation, the mother turned to you?
Exactly. First and foremost, it's about being taken seriously and being told that you're not just too sensitive, but that you have a right to your own feelings. Nobody else has the right to judge them. Now there are various options. One option, for example, would be to initiate mediation and, in the best case, the school management would facilitate a learning sequence for the teaching staff. After all, dialogue, acknowledging injuries and not trivialising them are prerequisites for peaceful coexistence. The case is not yet closed.
What would have to change in schools and kindergartens so that such things no longer happen?
It starts with the fact that the appreciation of daycare centre employees often leaves a lot to be desired. Because equal opportunities start there. Many are poorly paid, overworked and inadequately trained. It is also essential that they receive ongoing training so that they have the tools to deal with such situations and reflect on them. This would also be desirable for other professionals. Teachers in particular are important role models.
And how do parents react to racist behaviour or statements from their own child?
For example, by asking why you say such things and how they are meant, without reproach. I think you have to explain to children that you don't get any better yourself if you devalue others. Parents are the most important role models. To teach tolerance and respect, it's not enough to talk briefly about racism. Diversity must be integrated into our lives as a natural and natural part of life. This can be done, for example, by buying a dark-skinned doll or an appropriate children's book for small children. Children also notice when you treat their playmates who have «foreign» characteristics in a relaxed manner.
And when the children get older?
The older the children, the more consciously parents can teach them about tolerance and equality. This can be done, for example, through targeted discussions about current events in the media. For example, the «Black Lives Matter» movement can be used to teach children about colonial history in an age-appropriate way.
What other options are there in the family to prevent stereotypical thinking?
First of all, parents need to become aware of their own prejudices and images in their heads and constantly scrutinise themselves. If this willingness to self-reflect becomes automatic, this attitude can also be conveyed to the children.
And what if the children are confronted with racist or xenophobic statements in the extended family environment?
In my experience, this has actually happened more often, for example with my grandparents. It's nothing new that the older generation tends to take a critical view of the current demographic change. If they express this view to their grandchildren, it is not advisable for the parents to want to engage in a political debate. I think it's important to set clear boundaries and make agreements. Ultimately, it is the parents who decide what should be communicated to their children and how.
Read more about racism:
- «Wash yourself, Gaggihaut!»
The contact centres in Switzerland are recording more and more cases of racism. Many of them involve children. Two families talk about their everyday lives and how they deal with hostility.