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African American teacher/daycare owner calls daughter Barbie?

I really don’t want to be negative in this one, but my 17 month old daughter just started daycare.. they’ve been pretty great up to this point. However the daycare owner, yesterday while we were having a conversation made a comment like “well you better go get Barbie!” I just smiled and nodded but deep in the back of my little brain felt an odd sensation about that comment.. I’ve noticed that our baby is one of 2 Caucasian out of about 30 wonderfully racially diverse children which is great, lots of diversity which IS what I want for her. I don’t want her to live in a world of discrimination and want her to not see color truly but see people for who they are, to know all races and be comfortable in any diversified setting. With that being said, I’m now feeling a bit nervous that the owner of they daycare sometimes refers to her as Barbie.. she’s a red headed curly haired, green eyed child.. it truly doesn’t make sense and makes me wonder if SHE might at some point experience discrimination there due to being a minority. I’m tempted to move daycares to a place where she might not be the minority any longer and they won’t single her out but apart of me says if I do that, then I’ll just be giving into the dynamics here and contributing further to a separated society.. plus miss out in all of the well rounded benefits of attending a racially diverse program what do I do? Would you all be concerned ? It’s like the 3rd time they’ve called her Barbie.. which to me is super highly offensive.. just imagine the flip side of say a Caucasian teacher calling a different raced student by a stereotypical name that might carry similar meaning. Desperate for insight and advice ..
Dainbramadge · 56-60, M
When I first started reading this, I thought it was cute that they called her Barbie. To me meaning she was cute. But as I read on I realized you are so very right. It was a racial jab. I'm not just saying this. Most people will make a claim like I am about to but take what I say as true. African Americans are very racist. I have know a few very well and as soon as the ice is broken you find out just how deep those still waters run. If I were you I would get her out of that environment before she is old enough to realize what is happening. I am sure, and I think it is a great idea of yours, you won't have any problem finding another daycare that is divers.
xixgun · M
You should have paused instead of smiling and nodding and said, "Who? My daughter's name is ____. Are you having difficulty remembering my daughter's name?"

No, move your kid (racial bias is very much a two way street, despite what Don Lemon would have you believe).
SW-User
I would have politely said, "oh my daughter's name is___, and even though I think your nickname for her is so cute, could you please call her by her name so she isn't confused". Smile big then thank her for understanding. 😁
I can understand, the comment wouldn't sit well with me
Have you ever [b]asked[/b] her about it, or just told her, “hey, that’s [b]not[/b] my child’s [b]name[/b] ?” ‘Barbie’ is not necessary a slur.
LookingForIt987 · 51-55, M
I'm going to go ahead and assume your daughter's name isn't Barbara, right? ;)

Assuming it's not, I agree with the others who suggested that you should ask her about it. Do so calmly - if you appear worked up, it'll immediately put her on the defensive (it's a natural reaction), and then things can escalate pretty easily.

I would base my decision on leaving in large part on her answer. (There are other practical considerations to switching as well - such as whether you could find another place you liked and such.)
Peppa · 31-35, F
Unfortunately I dont know what to add to this. I mean, it sounds off but I think someone advised asking iff they forgot her name. Anyways what I will say is that this is often how black children feel, and it's not fair. Discrimination is discrimination talk first move if the problem persists.
I will say this though some black people do give pet names that are about poking fun, but not intentionally malicious.
Well in my experience as a young black woman anyways
FloorGenAdm · 51-55, M
Being "woke" isn't a sprint it's a marathon.
rckt148 · 61-69, M
Maybe you should ask why the name
maybe he is just saying she is just a little doll
and the only one thinking about race is you
Brassm0nk3y · 36-40, F
That could entirely be true! But just the reference.. I’m having a lot of trouble shaking the oddness.. she looks nothing like a little doll.. or a Barbie.. she’s got red hair, freckles.. like cabbage patch would’ve been a lot more appropriate @rckt148
rckt148 · 61-69, M
This is my brothers daughter and granddaughter ,we are told all the time how the granddaughter is a living doll ,she is to pretty and conceited for her age LOL

@Brassm0nk3y

This is my son in laws child and grandchildren ,and they are told the same thing ,,I would think someone was complimenting how pretty they are ,not a slur against their race ,,but you have to do what your heart tells you is right
all of these kids fit in with either race
But both families love them and race has never been an issue on either side ,,obviously the other grandparents are black

LookingForIt987 · 51-55, M
@rckt148, your family is beautiful! 💗
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