Kind of OT: Anyone Watching Big Brother?

I don't think so...it made me very happy. Karma. It was also a good message to send - whether it can change someone's heart or just drive racism more underground is a different question. D

I haven't watched this show in years but heard that someone made a racist (or few) comments. Didn't realize they lost their jobs because of it. Glad to hear it! I'm just so sick of hearing we don't have a race issue in this country when it's clearly all around us. As to your question - I wouldn't let my 8 year old watch that show. Just too grown up for a kid, imo. You could record it and only show her the relevant snippets if you wanted to discuss? Or there's likely other shows or examples that might be more "kid friendly" although there would be nothing friendly about it. Personally I find 8 to be too young to show such hatred and ignorance but I'm not the parent of a black child and I know you have a responsibility to educate her. I'm so sorry you have to do that.

Thanks, Crick!! Yeah, it's probably not the best "introduction" to the topic. In a way though...as jarring as its been...it's been very eye-opening for me. Btw, if anyone has any good suggestions (books/media) for talking about racism at this age (beyond my "standard" talks which seem to imply racism is more of a historical fact...than an ongoing reality bc I thought DD was too young to really "get it"), I'd appreciate it!

I agree with you that a more current approach (rather than just historic) is necessary, I just don't know that I'd use that example. Or the blog comments...omg...nothing like reading those to make one sick. It would be too much for a child I think. (talk about eye opening:() So hopefully those that have btdt have some good examples!

Ohmygosh...reading the comments to just about ANYTHING usually makes my eyes bleed!! haha. Hope you are having a good summer!!

That's so true, Love! I usually skip them but then there will be an issue or topic I am really passionate about and can't help myself. Then I need several drinks and a shovel to bash the heads of the most vile members of society out there. Err...I mean, I step away from the computer and find something light, fun and positive to focus on so my faith in humanity is restored. Summer Loving....;)

I wish I could remember the name of the movie I watched last night. About five people who invite a guest for dinner, and when the guest starts with the racism and other lovely hate filled philosophies, they gave them wine from the bottle with arsenic. Then buried them outback and planted tomatoes. Looked like a bumper tomato harvest! I couldn't help but think of many of those who comment online, fell peacefully asleep before it was over tho. LOL

I'm not much help with the kids books, there must be some good ones out there. I've found it easier to explain hate, and how a persons hate can hurt others, with words and actions, whether it's racism, sexism, ageism, etc... hateism. It's hard even with older kids, there is just soooo much to discuss and try to explain. I've done the history thing with the kids too, I think that is important. You can teach the history, stories from all sides, to help them get an understanding of how it all started. Why it is like it is. That is really important imo. Lately I've been trying to explain something to a 20 year old AA man. He told me he's extremely proud to be "a son of a son of a son of the south" (song lyrics) (I had no idea how many rockin' country songs there are that mention, pickup trucks, hard work, farming, dirt roads, mud puddles, huntin' and fishin', tailgates and pretty country girls.. and of course beer:rolleyes: - until we went on a 8 hour road trip and heard nothing but the whole way! one after another - for 8 hours:arrow: ) The issue comes down to - he is a son of a son of a son of the south, but trying to explain why he maybe shouldn't go with that too far... isn't easy, and it's not working! He knows the history, I've drug them thru all sorts of historical sites, books, movies. He's seen and heard plenty of racism, from all directions, in person. I'm so happy he is happy, secure and proud of his roots and his way of life, I'll even back him up with it if that's what he wants. I'm just hoping it will pass soon. It worries me greatly, because of others. still getting a kick out of this lyric tho LOL "She's like 10 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound bag"

Loveajax, Just remembered this youtube video. From the look of the kids and teacher it must have been from the late 60's - early 70's (it made me feel old)...but it might give you some ideas...once you start watching it - you get sucked into the reactions of the kids and also wonder if a teacher would get away with that now. [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeK759FF84s&feature=player_embedded]Brown eyes and blue eyes Racism experiment (Children Session) - Jane Elliott - YouTube[/url] Kind regards,Dickons

I've been watching, and I don't care if its mean of me or not but I CAN'T WAIT until they are kicked out of the house and find out their fates. Julie Chen has been open about her reaction to the remarks-said it took her back to when she was a kid and being bullied. And when a housemate tried to talk to Aaryn about it, her response was "I wished I cared about that, but I don't."

Thanks, all!!! And LB, I hope Julie Chen gives it to Aaryn when she is evicted (hopefully THIS week!).

loveajax: the younger generation is generally more tolerant. There will always be a few who aren't but for the most part, they don't look at race or ethnicity as much. My story is my 3 youngsters came back from boy scout camp. My youngest said there were racist scouts. Someone told him, "you're black, you live in the ghetto." to me, that's not racist, it's ignorance. I'm explaining that not everything said about a race is racist. and after the GZ verdict, look at all the people who came out: every race was there. This surprised me more than the verdict. More people were able to show empathy and come together than let it divide us.

So did anyone catch tonight's episode? Granted Candace was getting in her fair share of craziness and low blows, but Gina Marie really didn't need to go there with "At least my mother loves me, unlike yours" referring to Candace being adopted. of course that's in addition to the horribly racist things she's said earlier...classy group of folks they found...

Funny, I was just looking for this thread to ask that question... I had no idea Candace was adopted...but then I play my DS Lite while watching but I did hear that... D

Dickons, I didn't know, either, until one time when she was on the block she thanked her "moms" for their support. I googled and found out then. Apparently it had been talked about in the house.