The Lack of Innocence in Black Childhood
The perception of Black childhood is an issue that has been occurring for many decades. Although, there has been progress made regarding the misconceptions of African American Childhood, there is still a lot of work to be done. Society likes to emphasize the importance of childhood innocence whenever discussing topics to further their social agenda; however, it has been proven through many instances, that the idea of childhood innocence is not extended to Black children. I believe that the idea of childhood innocence is restricted by race, and heres why:
WHERE IT ALL STARTED :
The idea that Black children are less innocent than others started way back during slavery as they were treated as maids and houseworkers once they were physically capable enough to handle such tasks. While White children were playing around and doing what children should be doing, Black children skipped over their childhood and worked so that they could take care of themselves and their families. This ideology was eventually passed onto the younger generations through the segregation period, and is still evident in today’s society. Even though slavery has been abolished for over 400 years now, black children still do not get to enjoy their childhood as they are still treated as though they mature faster than other children, despite written studies proving otherwise.
HOW BLACK CHILDREN IN TODAY’S SOCIETY ARE AFFECTED:
Now, I know some of you may disagree and say that I may be over-exaggerating black children’s struggles, and that it is not as bad in Canada as it is in America, but there are various cases that show that this is a serious issue in both North American countries. Black Children receive severe punishments in school when they are in trouble compared to their White peers. For a situation where a White child will probably receive detention, a Black child will be suspended. It is also assumed that Black children are more mature than their non-black peers, which is part of the reason why they receive harsher punishments when in school and is part of the reason why they receive harsher jail sentences.
For Black Children, Race Surpasses Everything :
Unfortunately for Black children, their perceived lack of innocence reaches into all aspects of their lives, both inside and outside of the classroom.An example of this inside the classroom, was when a 6 year old black girl was arrested from her school in Mississauga, Ontario, shackled, and put in police custody for throwing a tantrum. If this was a White child, they would have probably called one of the school’s child and youth workers to work with them, but in the case for this young Black child, her age was overruled by her blackness. Similarly, in America, a 12 year old boy by the name Tamir Rice was playing with a toy gun in Walmart and was consequently shot and killed by the police as they assumed that he was a dangerous man. Unfortunately, Tamir was killed because his skin color made him dangerous for doing what normal children do, which was to play with a toy.
How this Impacts the Future:
This is an issue that needs to be addressed as it doesn’t just affect Black children’s childhood, but also the Childhood of other children that they grow up with . When a Black child notices that they are treated differently, they begin to form self-hatred as they wonder why they can’t be like their non-black peers. When a White child begins to notice the privilege that they have, they begin to form a superiority complex, therefore, continuing the cycle of racism, White superiority and Black self-hate.
We don’t just want research, we want action:
Researchers have done a good job at combatting the misconceptions about Black childhood, but research alone is not enough to make a big difference. Teachers should receive more training on racial awareness, and how it impacts their students. There should also be more trainings on disciplining children in an equal and effective manner. I would also like to see schools, such as that of the 6 year old girl and school boards, face consequences for their racially driven forms of discipline.Hopefully with all of these suggestions put into practice, we will start to live in a world where the idea of childhood innocence is truly universal, and is not affected by race. What do you think about childhood innocence being racially restricted? Let me know!
I found this blog to be extremely educational and eye-opening. While I am aware that there is a clear divide between white and black children when it comes to childhood innocence, I did not realize that such harsh measures were being taken, such as the example you provided about the child at the school in Mississauga. I like how you provided details regarding past actions and how they are crucial details to aid us in understanding why black children are both viewed and treated so differently. I think this blog is an important resource for gaining a better understanding of this topic!
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