I think it’s important to remember that most of the time young kids just want to know why the other person looks different. Kids usually don’t need long drawn out answers…just a basic explanation. Growing up I was called names and rude questions were asked, but I always seemed to handle it. My mom taught me to stand up for myself & have a basic answer ready, but also to be careful not to assume someone was being racist until I knew true intentions.
In my own experience…people are curious because 5′8 1/2 & Korean. I still get asked (about once a month) where I’m originally from etc. For me…part of this whole experience is being comfortable in my own skin so to speak…so when strangers stop and ask me questions about why I’m so tall or why my skin is so light for being Korean…I just say the truth. Granted…if I’m really annoyed then sometimes my answer isn’t as patient. However, in my experience I’ve learned many of the people were not intending to be rude. So…I tend to look at it more like a chance to educate them.
When kids are young…I believe education is the key. For example, my daughter always has some type of “cultural celebration” each year in school. This gives me a chance to go into her classroom and teach the kids about Korea. This has been extremely successful each year and has helped K. be proud of her heritage, which I give equal time to teach about Germany…K’s part German.
