How to Reduce Racism and Prejudice in Our Children

In the news, we are hearing more and more about violent attacks against certain religious groups. In the past, many may have thought hate crimes were just an American concern but unfortunately, it is a growing problem in Canada.

What can we do about it as individuals, and most importantly, as parents? How can we foster religious tolerance, or better yet, religious understanding and compassion in our children towards others who practice faith and perhaps dress in a way that is not familiar to us?

We know a lack of knowledge fosters fear and prejudice behaviour. So what is the answer? What can we do?

Be sure to listen in to the first episode of my second season of AWAKENED PARENTING where I interview Dr. Brian Carwana, Director of Encounter World Religions, who has spent the past 20 years educating people in religious literacy. Brian offers a week-long retreat called Encounter Week. Covid has made things difficult to plan for the 2022 week but if you want to learn more about it and other programs Brian provides check out his website Encounter World Religions Centre. You may also want to check out Brian’s blog, Religions Geek.

NOTE: in this podcast, Brian mentions some books parents might want to consider.

Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan (younger children)
Who Believes What? by Anna Wills (middle school-aged)
Comparative Religion: Investigate the World Through Comparative Religions by Carla Mooney (teens)
God Is Not One by Stephen Prothero (adults)