Page 31 - FS-Chocolate Festival

In addition to recognizing our own prejudices, this story and the Two Bears and a Toad exercise illustrate how we can play a part in promoting prejudices, even if we may not actually share them.
In the story, one character recognized that the prejudices being voiced toward Squiggy were wrong and spoke up. But as soon as he was accused of being Squiggy’s friend and part of the conspiracy, he said that he agreed with those who were prejudiced. By participating in the irrational prejudices or failing to challenge them, we promote the prejudice of others, even if we don’t agree with them.
To illustrate this, do the following exercise.
Bear A: “I hate that toad because he is green.”
Bear B: “Yes all things green are bad, like snakes. This toad must be poisonous.”
Bear A: “And I hate him because he hops all the time.”
Bear B: “Hopping is a stupid way of getting around. Why won’t he walk on four legs like all the other animals?”
Now you and a partner role-play being prejudiced and agreeing with the prejudices. You know that it will be difficult to confront a peer or friend who is being prejudiced toward someone or something. You should realize that it is okay to disagree with someone else’s stinky thinking and learn how to do it. Children often say, “I did not like what he was saying but I did not know what to say.”
It is difficult for many adults to deal with the prejudice of others but it is even more difficult for children. You may have few role models and even less opportunity to practice standing up for what you (rationally) believe. This is called assertiveness.
28