Shadeism

Dearest Clarity
I just finished watching this short documentary on shadeism, and I thought it was something that should be shared.  I have a child from mixed roots and I'm always trying different ways to help her stay connected to who she is.   She has already began asking questions about why her skin is different then mine? or why is her brother darker than her? why can't she comb her hair like her friends can?  This tells me that her awareness of different colors and races is opening up bigger and bigger.  

As a parent of a child who comes from two different races, I think it is so important to surround them with both sides of who they are, encourage them to love who they are, and teach and show them that beauty comes in all different colors, shapes and sizes. This is especially important because most of who or what they see in the media, only represents one or two races which is mainly on the light side. 

This video is a perfect way to start thinking about these issues and remind ourselves that they exist.  Especially as a woman and mother coming from a Canadian/Italian background, it's not something I have had to necessarily deal with.  Watching videos or reading books, talking to people of different color or races and understanding these issues, is a necessary part in bringing our beautiful children up to be comfortable in their own skin.

Just click on the link below to get to the video.  Enjoy!


http://vimeo.com/16210769

SESAME STREET: I LOVE MY HAIR! AWESOME!!!

I looooove this video!! My daughter has very curly hair. She comes from mixed roots and her hair is not easy to comb or style. This makes her upset because she says she wants to be able to comb her hair, like some of her friends with straight hair can. 

I used to get really sad when she would get upset, but I realize it's ok for her to go through those feelings. The more people she meets with hair like her, the more comfortable and happy she seems to be about her hair. Even though everyone stops her on the street to tell her how beautiful her hair is, and no matter how much I tell her, she needs to feel it and believe it herself. 

I always tell her how important it is to love yourself the way you are. We all know everyone wants what they can't have, but it's so important that we help our munchkins to LOVE what they do have. If you or your child can relate, you should watch this video. It's adorable, and I think it will make you all smile :)

Thanks Rach! xo