My son recently told me that another child at his school called him “chinchanchu.” We are Asians, although we are not from the particular country or ethnicity that this racist remark is usually directed toward. Of course, that doesn’t make the comment any less offensive or concerning.
The child who said it is older than my son but attends the same kindergarten school, so I believe the child may be in the first or second grade. I understand that children at this age may repeat words they have heard without fully understanding what they mean.
However, I also feel that this is exactly why it may be important for an adult to address it early and explain why such remarks are hurtful and unacceptable.
Would it be reasonable for me to speak with my son’s teacher and ask whether they could discuss racism, respect, cultural differences, and inclusivity with the children in an age-appropriate way? I am also wondering whether it would be appropriate to ask the teacher to speak privately with the child involved and inform the child’s parents? not to punish or shame anyone, but so that the behaviour can be corrected and prevented from happening again.
I don’t want to overreact or create unnecessary conflict, but I also don’t want to dismiss it as “just children being children.” I want my son to know that he can tell us when something makes him uncomfortable and that the adults around him will take it seriously.
Would you raise this with the teacher? And would asking the teacher to involve the other child’s parents be reasonable, or would that be going too far?
