In the early years, much of Waldorf education is centered around Grimm's fairy tales, and I understand why-- the Brothers Grimm bring a lot to the table. Archetypal figures, clear cut examples of good and evil, beautiful descriptions that allow children to create a picture in their hearts and minds, these fairy tales have captured the hearts of parents and children alike for generations. Beyond that, they are part of our collective heritage and hearing them gives children a cultural literacy that is sadly falling by the wayside in our society.
However, they are not without problems. The protagonist is often described in very Eurocentric terms-- white skin, golden hair, and so on. In Mother Holle, for example, the good, hard-working daughter is rewarded with riches and gold. The lazy daughter is turned black. This white = good, black = bad imagery is found in many stories, even modern day ones (for example, Harry the Dirty Dog) but it's prevalence shouldn't make it any more acceptable to us. Just as we hope the positive, enduring messages of the fairy tales make their way into the souls of our children, we should be aware that unwelcoming, stereotypical messages are being heard on some level as well.
When I was in a classroom ten years ago, a great deal was being said about multicultural education. While the intent of multuculturalism is positive-- teaching children about other cultures so they will grow to respect them and not fall into the trap of racism and prejudice-- this path often leads to a tourist approach to other cultures. To celebrate Chinese New Year, we might tell a story from the Chinese culture, followed by making a dragon, cooking a "Chinese" dish, making a "Chinese" hat, singing a "Chinese" song. Instead of focusing on learning about the Chinese people or the diversity of culture found in China, we exoticize and trivialize the culture, comparing it to our own as if we are the measuring stick for all things. It is as if we want to divide the world into two sections: people who are "just like us" and people who are "different from us."
Beyond multiculturalism is the anti-bias approach, which actively seeks to challenge prejudice, stereotypes, and bias. Instead of being "color blind"-- which really only works if you are part of the dominant culture; minorities do not have that luxury-- we encourage children's questions and observations, and aren't afraid to add to the conversation. It frees us to appreciate similarities and differences.
This is not to say that we should have long, drawn-out, adult-initiated conversations with our children about the heady topic of race. As in all things, Waldorf education in the early years seeks to educate through imitation, a warm and loving environment, imaginative play, and meaningful work. It respects a child's connection to nature and to their home environment. It seeks to create a rhythmic and predictable environment as a child grows more and more into themselves and becomes more aware of the world around them.
What, then, can we as parents do to encourage a non-biased approach without being overly didactic in our methods? I have several suggestions.
~ Choose books that show people of all colors and cultures, and not just one or two as a token. Some of my favorites are
More, More, More Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams
Hooray! A Pinata! by Elisa Klevins
Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Avoid books with "I is for Indian"-type stereotypes.
~ In your play kitchen, include food and utensils from other cultures. I've seen many lovely online tutorials for felt food from around the world.
~ When choosing art materials, include skin-toned paper, paints, crayons, and play dough. I am well aware of the controversy in Waldorf education surrounding the use of brown and black crayons and frankly, find it ridiculous.
~ Play games and sing songs from other cultures and in other languages. Sing simple songs in more than one language.
~ Make dolls and doll clothes using a variety of skin tones and facial features.
~ Be aware of your own use of language. Don't make disparaging comments about the colors black and brown. If you're child makes a comment about something being "yucky brown like poop and dirt" you can counter with a comment about "beautiful brown like cinnamon and chocolate."
~ Use folk tales and fairy tales from other cultures. Tell the stories with puppets and table dolls that represent those cultures.
It's a complex subject and one that sadly, in a fallen world, I don't think we're ever truly going to get "right". But there's a lot we can do to be proactive. If we can't create a perfect world, we can, perhaps, work together to make a better one.
