Boy, 7, branded a racist

[FlyingJesus]

They might not know that that's what it's called but yeah, there's no reason that a child trying to assert themself wouldn't single someone out for their race when there are such obvious aesthetic differences - it's easy, and children aren't looking to challenge themselves when they bully each other they're looking to dominate, so they won't make it any harder for themselves than necessary.

I'm not saying that's what's happened here at all, as it doesn't sound malicious in the slightest, but it's entirely possible for children to be racist, yes

[RyRy]

They might not know that that's what it's called but yeah, there's no reason that a child trying to assert themself wouldn't single someone out for their race when there are such obvious aesthetic differences - it's easy, and children aren't looking to challenge themselves when they bully each other they're looking to dominate, so they won't make it any harder for themselves than necessary.

I'm not saying that's what's happened here at all, as it doesn't sound malicious in the slightest, but it's entirely possible for children to be racist, yes

you put it that way, i do see where youre coming from now. bit switched off today ngl

[Lewis]

I haven't read any above posts, but this is ridiculous! He's only a 5 year old kid or so, and was simply asking the other kid if he's from south africa because he's black... that's not racism at all! That's expected to be said by any young kid of that age, don't you think? That school should be ashamed, that was not racism AT ALL. Sure, he could be racist for all we know, but in no way would that be classed as a racist comment unless it was like coming from a 12 year old or something, because they'd know what they're saying!

[Empired]

I haven't read any above posts, but this is ridiculous! He's only a 5 year old kid or so, and was simply asking the other kid if he's from south africa because he's black... that's not racism at all! That's expected to be said by any young kid of that age, don't you think? That school should be ashamed, that was not racism AT ALL. Sure, he could be racist for all we know, but in no way would that be classed as a racist comment unless it was like coming from a 12 year old or something, because they'd know what they're saying!

This is a difficult situation..
If a seven year old boy murdered somebody else, there would be no doubt that he would be classed as a murderer.
The boy may not really understand that he was ending somebody else's life, but it's still murder, there is no way around it.

If a seven year old boy made a racist remark to somebody else, surely there would be no doubt that he would be classed as a racist?
The boy didn't understand that he was offending somebody else, but it's still racism, there's no way around it.

It's difficult.. I think they are taking it too far, by trying to get him removed from the school, but..

[GommeInc]

There was prejudice assuming he came from Africa, it's as simple as that.

That's not racist, that's misguided. The context it was asked in was not in a racist context. If he said it with malicious intent THEN it would be racist. Intent and context are very important here, but people forget that and like to punish without thought.

it's different if the black person in question is actually from africa lol (it's like getting lucky in their response if they're actually from there), but the initial questions of "are you from africa", or "where abouts in africa are you from?" can be quite insulting to those who aren't from there because it just stinks of ignorance

Re-educate and guide, if I was asked if I was American when I am British I wouldn't be insulted. I would say I am British rather than blow a gasket and lower myself socially. It's only offensive to the weak minded and weak willed, the child who got offended is pretty pathetic for getting upset over a simple question that could of been re-routed to educate both the child asking and the one receiving the question. These are important years for a child's development, and the way the situation was treated was appauling. Offense was taken when offense wasn't intended.

[Empired]

It does seem a little weird that a seven year old child's innocent question has made the news and a four page (and counting) thread on HxF.. Are people taking his question just a tad too seriously?

[FlyingJesus]

As a side note why are people saying that at 7 he won't have understood what he was saying (which is plausible) yet believe that the "victim" who was only 5 would totes understand it enough to be offended? I expect it was a question/comment overheard and acted on by a nearby teacher rather than one reported as offensive by the chap who may or may not be African

[Jssy]

haha this is quite cool cause it's where I live but nah he's not a racist, the teachers are stupid

[dirrty]

That's not racist, that's misguided. The context it was asked in was not in a racist context. If he said it with malicious intent THEN it would be racist. Intent and context are very important here, but people forget that and like to punish without thought.


Re-educate and guide, if I was asked if I was American when I am British I wouldn't be insulted. I would say I am British rather than blow a gasket and lower myself socially. It's only offensive to the weak minded and weak willed, the child who got offended is pretty pathetic for getting upset over a simple question that could of been re-routed to educate both the child asking and the one receiving the question. These are important years for a child's development, and the way the situation was treated was appauling. Offense was taken when offense wasn't intended.

i wasn't talking about the kid though, lol. i didn't think the child said it in an offensive way and i noted that in one of my above posts. i was talking within a wider context - and someone getting slightly offended by being asked if they're from africa because they're black doesn't mean they are bloody weak, what are you talking about! and the american/british example isn't even relatable in regards to the african/black question. but when it comes down to it, you (and everyone who believes that black people shouldn't be offended if they're asked if they're from africa) will never know what it feels to be on the receiving end of it, but rather only emphasis with the situation. i don't believe that black people would overtly be offended by it (and obviously i'm not a speaker for em all), but being asked if your from africa because you are black is, as i said above, plain ignorant and can be mildly offensive. nothing that anyone argues will change this.

and nevertheless, just because they're young doesn't necessarily mean that they don't know what certain things suggest. kids can be right *******s at that age and will use any differences between themselves and others. once again i'm not saying the kid in the article meant what he said to be offensive before someone relates this back to it as i believe he didn't mean it on a malicious way.

[Gina]

someone in my class called a boy 'brown sauce'
nothing happened amazingly
the boys innocent face makes me sad