2012 David Toledo

 

Don’t be fooled; fear can inspire hatred. Teaching children (who are born with no bias) that they have to be worried that certain groups “might” not like them, “might” treat them unfairly, “might” hate them… Plants in our children an unintended bias, paranoia, and insecurity. As a nation we must allow our children to live unhindered… Free to live and love without fear. And to deal with issues…. as (or “if”) they arise with confidence knowing that the experience does not define the child nor does it define the entire race of the person who offends them. We must not place our insecurities on the child’s shoulders. Nothing sadder than unintentionally teaching our children to preemptively hate others under the false notion that they have to be “aware” that at some point in life they may be treated unfairly. The universal truth is that no one goes through life without experiencing some sort of prejudice, discrimination, or unfair treatment – But don’t let that possibility stop our children from being kids.