Startin' them young.

I volunteered at a Boys and Girls club on Monday. We were teaching first graders about healthy eating habits and how to form a healthy plate.  

This boy (he’s not Asian) told me his name was *Lane. After, he told his friend, “My name is Chinese,” with a smirk. Then, he pulled the outer corners of his eyes at me. 

Ohhhhhhh nuh uh.. naaaaw. 

It took every ounce of self-restraint to not yell at that kid. I told myself he’s just a kid, but I have to let him know he’s being racist! So, I told him gently that his name is NOT Chinese, and that what he just did with his eyes was very rude, and that he should never to do it to anyone—ever. He said, “I know,” and dropped his head low. Well dang it, if he knows it’s wrong, he shouldn’t do it!

It horrifies me that these young children are picking up these racist things from peers, family, tv, etc. Yet, that is the reality of this world. It probably won’t change in the near future. 

*names are changed for privacy concerns