In some of my presentations I focus on racial inequality and its impact on the society. It emphasizes the fact that ability to accept differences in people and to promote unbiased positive interactions are key ingredients for overall success for students and for all of us as a society. If on a regular basis a child is concerned about having to deal with negative issues/events/incidents because he or she is perceived to be racially ‘different’, it is simply not possible for the child to focus on important academic and social aspects of school life. Eventually it can also lead to long lasting negative impact far beyond the school years. When a person is bullied because of how he/she looks or how his/her name is spelled or pronounced, it can create major negative long-lasting impact for years to come. These presentations demonstrate how bullying based on cultural/racial differences can cause severe mental health issues for the victim, with a long-lasting impact that typically derails the victim from his/her normal developmental track.
The presentations focus on the fact that all school staff, children, and parents have a role in maintaining an unbiased and safe environment in schools and elsewhere in our society. When we talk about a safe environment we must include discussions about creating and maintaining an atmosphere where ALL children can feel free to be themselves and learn most effectively at their own pace. It should be an environment where no children will feel the need to wonder if he or she is different from others and what that would mean. If all school staff, students, and parents can work together to develop a culture where differences in people are accepted as a normal way of life, then all children will be able to attain a strong emotional health and it will have a long lasting positive impact. The most effective way to create and maintain a safe emotional environment is by promoting acceptance of differences in people and sending out the message that we are stronger because of our differences.