Here and Now with Difficult Knowledge
摘要
Traditionally, social issues such as death, poverty, and racism have been considered delicate and uncomfortable topics for interactions between children and adults. However, children often share their knowledge and experiences with these issues, which adults may feel challenged to address. The global COVID-19 pandemic has heightened our awareness of race and racism, and many children have observed, overheard, or experienced racism toward marginalized groups. Several recent hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans have traumatized Asian American families. This chapter introduces a case study on what Asian American children have shared and discussed at home regarding racism against Asians and Asian Americans during the pandemic. From the intersectional positions of an Asian American mother, researcher, and teacher educator, the author navigates children’s voices on race and racism against Asian Americans and describes the silence on race and racism in schools, which can lead to further marginalization of Asian and Asian American children. This chapter also provides insight into theoretical and pedagogical stances for early childhood educators to support and address anti-racism in terms of anti-discriminatory education.