Helping Your Teen Think About Racial Injustice

The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others have shaken our world and have led to unrest and racial tension within our nation. In my own city, Indianapolis, the black community in particular is giving voice to the systemic and personal injustice people of color face in our American society. As parents or guardians, talking about these topics with our kids is essential. And as I’ve been reflecting on this reality, two questions come to mind:

• What are our teenagers thinking about what’s going on in the world?
  

• How do we guide them to think biblically?

No matter your ethnicity or culture, these issues are difficult. Here are three steps for leading your teen to think about racial injustice in a Christ-centered way.

First, don’t let apathy take root. God calls us to weep with those who weep. It’s essential for all Christians to talk about the tears and trials people of color face. It’s essential that we encourage compassion before we talk about politics or raise any concerns we may have about rioting. As Christ followers, we must care. We must be able to look at the pain of our neighbors—and especially of our brothers and sisters in Christ—and respond with compassion.

Second, have intentional conversations. It is easy, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in a majority culture, that is, in a majority white, suburban or rural culture, to ignore the concerns of our black and brown brothers and sisters. But in order to grow in empathy and compassion, we need both to talk about these issues when they arise and also to be intentional about cultivating these conversations even when they aren’t in the national news. Honest conversations expose our own hearts and the hearts of our kids, and that allows the gospel to do its work. Talking with your child about these issues will help you see tensions they are experiencing of which you may be unaware, better understand what they are thinking, and protect your teen from ungodly voices on social media that lack Christian compassion and empathy. If you are looking for good conversation starters, check out…

·       This video by Veggie Tales creator, Phil Vischer.

·       This TED-Ed video entitled, “The Hidden Life of Rosa Parks.”

·       This Students Conversation episode from The Austin Stone

Finally, facilitate diverse friendships. One of the biggest hindrances to our growth in understanding others’ perspectives on race is a lack of proximity. We can’t love, listen, lament, or learn from people we are never around. Our students need friends that have different experiences and backgrounds. Why? Because if they don’t, they may come to think their way of life is not merely normal, but also superior. By fostering diverse friendships and empathy for others, understanding of differences will grow. 

This is not all we can do, but it’s a start. My prayer is that in helping teens take these small steps, they will later be a part of moving the needle on racism in our country.