In April 2021, it was discovered that a Snapchat group of ninth graders in Aledo were pretending to auction off black classmates. When I asked a few Stonebriar students their opinion about the incident during an informal discussion, some felt like the pretend auction was inappropriate but not a serious concern because it was not violent. They recounted many instances of hearing racially inappropriate and insulting comments over their years in school, and they seemed to accept inappropriate jokes as a fact of public high school life. When I asked them whether racism was a problem in their school, they said no. One of the questions that stuck with me about the conversation was whether we are doing enough to guide our young people toward ethnic harmony.
Ethnic Harmony Is God’s Idea
The work of ethnic harmony is the work of progressive sanctification, and yet it is a subject believers often avoid or feel uncertain about. According to Ephesians 2:13-22, God’s plan is to create a new humanity, the followers of Christ who reflect God’s character to the world. When it comes to speaking to our teenagers about racial and cultural diversity, the conversation is best anchored in the truth of Scripture. That being said, most teenagers are not eager to talk to their parents in general, but they are even less eager to hear their parents download a ton of Bible info.
How To Start a Conversation About Race with your Older Kids
Here’s a few suggestions for opening the conversation:
- Watch a meaningful film and talk about it.
- Text a link to a news article when an incident occurs and discuss it over burgers.
- Ask your kids an honest question about their school environment and cross-cultural friendships.
- Attend Stonebriar en Español and use the translation machines in the back.
Now What?
Once you’re into the conversation, avoid doing all the talking, avoid correcting your teen’s misconceptions, and avoid giving too much advice. You’ll need to hear what your son or daughter thinks before you share what you think. In other words, you want to create an environment for open sharing.
Since your perspective is shaped by Scripture, you could say something like, “I believe God sees color and He loves it.” Remember, values are more important than the specific words you use. We want to impart values and give our kids the space they need to think about what those values look like in their world.
You’re not likely to solve all the racial issues we’re facing as a society, but creating dialogue with our kids is one way we can impart a Christ-centered perspective on loving all people.
