Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

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 ..
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
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.