'Drunken Negro Face Cookie' shows parents need to be vigilant about tolerance, respect

January 26, 11:17 AMParenting ExaminerTerreece Clarke

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Sweet intolerance...

I was always under the impression that the Greenwich Villiage area of New York was a progressive, if not hippie retreat where there is a vibe of inclusiveness and comraderie. 

One NYC baker has threatened the peaceful image of the area with his "Drunken Negro Face Cookie" made in honor of both the new president and 80th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King. According to the NYDaily News, the baker was surprised at all the negative attention the cookies raised. Really?

Much ado was made about President Obama's election and inauguration signaling a new "post-racial America" in which hundreds of years of racial strife among all people of the United States just disappeared. Nice thoughts, but not very realistic. You are not off the hook when it comes to discussing sticky or uncomfortable topics including race and respect of those who are different, in fact ignoring race all together may be more harmful.

Racism is a learned behavior. Kids are naturally open to playing with and having fun with kids no matter what they look like, it is only after the learn from others that they show signs of intolerance. Because parents are the strongest influences their kids have they have a responsibility to teach kids to not only treat everyone with respect, but they should also model this behavior.

Need some tips on talking about race with kids? Check out these links:

Preventing Prejudice in Toddlers - Family Education.Com

Talking About Race, Age-by-Age - Parents.Com